Source for O6 tooling steel? (no luck so far)

Jul 18, 2005 8 Replies

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johnnon 21 years ago

I checked two major steel suppliers in my area (Southern California), no luck on finding tooling steel (besides O1, A1). Any online suppliers (I've checked a few with now luck) have this metal that will also do a small orders? 1" to 2" inch solid cylinder pieces is what I am looking for. Or maybe can someone recommend a tool/die shop that will handle/supply a small order (assuming they have o6)

I'm interested in O6 because it seems to have a large difference in its hardness between relaxed and hardenned states (roughly 40 - 58 rockwell hardness if memeory serves me). Anyone have any experience with this (using the soft state to impression, then harden to final use)

Thanks

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Robin S. 21 years ago

Just a thought, you should perhaps talk to someone in a coin die shop. I believe high production coining dies are all struck from the same master and destroyed (and replaced) as they wear out.

Further, you should consult a local tool steel supplier. A vendor like Uddeholm

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Crucible

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Carpenter

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etc. should have good suggestions on what to use for your application. They'll also know how to heat-treat your steel...

Regards,

Robin

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Gunner 21 years ago

What are you going to use it for?

There is a reason 06 isnt common..because most things can be done with the common stuff.

Gunner

"Considering the events of recent years, the world has a long way to go to regain its credibility and reputation with the US." unknown

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Mark Mossberg 21 years ago

John,

I've only machined 06, I've never tried to cold work it. Machines beautifully, I think it has graphite in it. It also has very low distortion, in thin sections, when heat treated.

I think you'll find taht most tool steels, especially A1, have a tendancy to work harden when worked cold.

What type of material are you trying to take an impression from ?? The surface area of a 1" circle is going to take one hell of a whack to impress.

Regards

Mark

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Richard J Kinch 21 years ago

I have some pieces of A-2, D-2, O-2, and S-1 for sale on my surplus page:

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lionslair at consolidated dot 21 years ago

How about M2 or M42 - there are suppliers in that. Perhaps O6.

Martin

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lionslair at consolidated dot 21 years ago

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These are makers of very high quality drill blanks so Latrobe (sp) and others can make drills...

I have had custom sizes made for my needs several years ago. The M2 and M42 is machinable and then hardens upon heating. Martin

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Bob Sanders 21 years ago

Try a google search for Graph-Mo tool steel

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dcaster 21 years ago

Summerville Steel Santa Fe Springs Calif

800-826-5093

They stock O-6 in 1/2 to 2.5 inch thicknesses And all sorts of other tool steels.

Dan

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