Annealed 4140

[EdK]

What is annealed 4140 good for? Does it machine well? I got 3' of 3/4" to fill out an Enco order to get the free shipping and vaguely remember reading that 4140 is good for certain applications and machines reasonably well, but I don't trust my memory so I'm looking for information and advise on using it.

Thanks,
Ed

[Sunset Machine]

There's usually some good info at Speedy Metals, here's what they have to say:
http://www.speedymetals.com/information/Material42.html

The index to their library:
http://www.speedymetals.com/information/...lframe.htm

[f350ca]

I've found 4140 great to machine, gives beautiful finish, no tear out as you get with mild steel.
The link says you need to preheat to weld, I've never, use a low hydrogen rod as 7018 or mig. Will harden in the weld zone though if you need to machine after welding.

[PixMan]

Are you going to be turning it or miling it, Ed?

It does machine very nicely, I love plowing through it in either way. It makes nice chips and leaces a shiny finish! Also, it doesn't work harden like 316 or 304 stainless steel does so easily.

[TomG]

4140 is very nice to machine Ed, I think you'll like it. If you are used to machining low carbon steels, you'll find that most tool steels will machine yield a much better surface finish, they just take a bit longer to machine. The barrel for my Steven's is 4140 pre-hard (Rc32) and I've never used that before. Hopefully it won't be too painful.

Tom

[EdK]

(01-06-2013, 10:06 PM)PixMan Wrote: Are you going to be turning it or miling it, Ed?

It does machine very nicely, I love plowing through it in either way. It makes nice chips and leaces a shiny finish! Also, it doesn't work harden like 316 or 304 stainless steel does so easily.

I'll be turning it.

Ed

[Mayhem]

Turning it into what Ed?

[TomG]

Hopefully not just chips.

[EdK]

(01-07-2013, 08:23 AM)Mayhem Wrote: Turning it into what Ed?

A part for the indicator holder for my QCTP. It doesn't need to be 4140 but since I bought some, I thought I'd get some experience machining it.

Ed

   

[PixMan]

What kind of turning tools do you have, Ed? I have some GREAT steel turning inserts I could send you to try. If you have insert holders just let me know what they are and I'll happily send you some inserts.