Teachingclay Posted July 30, 2008 Posted July 30, 2008 Hi, I was looking at the bar stock at my local Tractor Supply Company. Its labelled from 4045BC up through 4080BC. I have tried looking online for an explaination of the numbers. Couldnt find anything. Does anyone know if this is acceptable grade steel to use? I would appreciate it. Thanks Quote
brucegodlesky Posted July 30, 2008 Posted July 30, 2008 You would be better off going to the back of the store and checking out the hayrake tines , plow points, etc. Most replacement teeth for harrows are in the 5160 range. Quote
Teachingclay Posted July 30, 2008 Author Posted July 30, 2008 I dont think I have seen them there before. what section are they in? no idea about the steel bars though? Quote
ThomasPowers Posted July 30, 2008 Posted July 30, 2008 What did *they* say when you asked them about it? Quote
Teachingclay Posted July 30, 2008 Author Posted July 30, 2008 (edited) havent had a chance to ask them. But it has been my experience that I only get funny looks when I ask questions regarding processes materials were not intended for. Especially when I ask general knowledge store clerks. Edited July 30, 2008 by Teachingclay Quote
ThomasPowers Posted July 30, 2008 Posted July 30, 2008 Hope you can get a phone soon; makes checking up on things easier. Most likely ths store grunts won't know anything; but they are the first line to try when asking about something they sell. Quote
keykeeper Posted July 30, 2008 Posted July 30, 2008 If they are anything like the clerks at our local TSC, don't waste your time. They sell tools, farm supplies, etc. but very few of them know much about whatever it is you buy. They just like to sell it to you. I doubt any of them employed there would even know anything about different steels and carbon content. Most of the steel sold at those places is mild steel. And WAY overpriced, compared to buying a 20 foot stick of whatever dimension at the local welding supply. But, what do I know, I'm just a rookie. Quote
Daryl Posted July 30, 2008 Posted July 30, 2008 (edited) Just go and ask for any of the old hay and manure tines (the old broken ones, not the new ones, as they are too expensive) that bolt to the tractor buckets. These make decent hammers and handled- tools. They don't require much hardening and accept a semi-hard to medium-soft temper with only mild deformation when the tool is not used for hot work. Like all higher carbon and alloy steels, plan you time forging well ahead, as you have a limited time to forge with, and above all, ensure that the entire thickness of the material has reached forging temperature; otherwise you will end up with internal cracks that will not show up until the tool is put to use. Edited July 30, 2008 by Daryl added "old, broken ones" Quote
nett Posted July 30, 2008 Posted July 30, 2008 All the TSC catalog iron is all 'mild steel'. Big choice, though; plated or non-plated. Quote
Travis Covington Posted July 30, 2008 Posted July 30, 2008 If you will let us know where you are someone might be able to hook you up with a good suplier. Travis Quote
Teachingclay Posted July 31, 2008 Author Posted July 31, 2008 Thanks Nett I am in Kannapolis/Concord North Carolina. Just a bit above Charlotte. Anyone know where I can locate some nice HC stock in that area? Quote
Travis Covington Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 In the Charlotte area there should be plenty of steel supliers. Just check the phone book. There might be a company called BMG Metals near you, that's who we use in VA. Also a company Dillon Supply may have a store down there. Travis Quote
Donnie Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 There is probably a Fastenal store in the Charlotte area. That's where I get O1 and W1. It is listed as drill rod. Quote
Teachingclay Posted July 31, 2008 Author Posted July 31, 2008 pardon my ignorance but what are O1 and W1? Quote
Donnie Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 A simple answer would be tool steel. For a more educated metallurgical answer, you will have to wait for someone else to respond.(grin) Quote
Quenchcrack Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 (edited) Go to a farm impliment dealership where they do repairs. Chances are they have a pile of worn out rake tines, etc. This is the good stuff. Forget about most of what they sell inside TSC. W1 is a simple high carbon tool steel made to quench in water. Very useful stuff and can be bought at most industrial supply stores in varying diamters. 3 ft lengths used to cost about $5 but now who knows. O1 is another simple high carbon tool steel made to quench in Oil. If you make thin knife blades out of it, you can actually use compressed air to quench it. Temper about 300F-400F for a decent cuttting edge. Edited July 31, 2008 by Quenchcrack Quote
Donnie Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 I knew a better brain would show up sooner or later.....I hope you are having a smooth recovery. Quote
Quenchcrack Posted August 1, 2008 Posted August 1, 2008 Donnie, who me? Doing spectacular, in fact. Kinda ashamed to be home from work. Quote
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