how to

[oldskoolron]

so a few months ago I was given 3 bits of metal 2.5 inches diameter x 4 ft long .my question is these are rams out of hydraulic cylinders an have a chrome on them .I want to cut an turn them to make some arbors for a English wheel im making for my sons panel shop.i know case hardening makes it hard to machine but have been told to make a big fire an put them in but leave them in the fire till it goes cold an wait for the metal to cool then I should be ok to cut in my bandsaw an turn on my old lathe ..does this sound right ?

next is I have a lot of brss and want to make some bushes for a windmill I got how can I make brass stronger an a bit longer lasting ?


cheers in advance for the help