fabricating and hardening some small steel sleeves

Sep 11, 2007 3 Replies

I need to make and harden some small sleeves, OD about 1/4", ID about 3/16", length about



1/2". I'd like the parts to be hard enough to make a file skip on them, but not glass- hard.

Given that the only heat treating equipment I have is a MAP and oxy/ace torch, what material would you recommend.


I've had good luck using drill rod stock in the past.


O-1 is relatively non-fussy and easy to torch harden. Test for transition temperature with a magnet, quench in light oil and temper in the kitchen oven at 375F. Or you can buy drill bushings all done for $5-6 each, though you may have to live with a slightly heavier wall.

CRS and Kasenite is an option if you have Kasenite on hand. Buying air hardening steel in 1/4" is likely cheaper and easier in this case though.

Wes

The bushing is machineable with carbide on a decent lathe. I've used drill bushings for other purposes over the years.

Wes

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