Ground flat stock for ways?

As long as the pressure is evenly distributed across the bearing surface it will wear evenly - so no need to polish apart from to reduce sliding friction. Slight surface roughness will help retain oil - but abrasive bits, too.

The general rule for load-bearing surfaces is to avoid using the same material for both faces; one should be harder than the other. Cast iron on steel is a good combination, soft steel on hard steel fine too.

Guy

Ground flat stock is usually supplied in a soft condition, which would not be good for your application if you need wear resistance. It's made from 01 tool steel so can be hardened to whatever you want, but of course it would need grinding again after as it probably wouldn't be flat any more.

Regards Kevin

Thanks. I thought there would be a catch somewhere.

I might still use it as-is anyway, it's pretty hard for something in "soft" condition!

BTW, it seems a bit silly to grind it flat then have to grind it flat again after heat treatnment - any idea why they do it that way?

BTW2, is "gauge plate" the same as flat stock?

Thanks,

The Dore Westbury mill was built up from just ordinary cold rolled flat strip screwed together with a fit of fettling and polishing and there are still many of these running today.

It warps after heat treat.

Same animal, different terms.

-- Regards,

John Stevenson Nottingham, England.

Visit the new Model Engineering adverts page at:-

Snip

Hi Guy,

Apologies for hijacking the thread. I have a machine vice to refurbish and the original gib strip has been lost. I'm assuming the body is cast steel. What material should I use for the gib strip? How about gauge plate?

TIA

Bob

Too many gottles of geer John?

Regards, Tony