Metals reference

[1190R]

I now have a welder and am planning on getting a lathe and mill but realize that my knowledge of what metal to use and why is very limited to say nothing of all the abbreviations when ordering
What is a good reference text or online resource to educate myself?

 

[Jarwop]

Speedy Metals Material Information

www.speedymetals.com

 

[thursday]

I now have a welder and am planning on getting a lathe and mill but realize that my knowledge of what metal to use and why is very limited to say nothing of all the abbreviations when ordering
What is a good reference text or online resource to educate myself?

There's a whole number of considerations that go into answering your question of what metal to use and why. The more you can narrow down your requirements the better. Material properties only make sense in the context of application.

Imagine being asked "What is the best tool to use?"

If you strictly discussing metals to play around with on lathes and mills a good property to learn and evaluate would be "Machinability".

The question of machinability is full circle again leading to the question of how good your machines are (rigidity, power etc.. )

Aluminum 6061 is relatively cheap, has good machinability, and good for practicing machining skills.

 

[1190R]

Speedy Metals Material Information

www.speedymetals.com

Thanks Jarwop

 

[Aaron_W]

What makes a metal good for welding and good for machining are often in opposition.


Online metals also has a good resource. If you go to the bottom of the page look for the links under learning center. There are weight calculators, material properties, hardness conversions etc.

Online metals

 

[toglhot]

You're making it more complex than you need, keep it simple: Stainless, steel, brass, aluminium and plastic. Obviously there are grades, but, for a start you can't beat the KISS principle.

 

[CraigStu]

Go to McMaster Carr for excellent info also.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com