L plater looking to cut unf on stainless rod. Input??

[PDW]

304 is easier to thread than 316 and is less inclined to tear.

That's not my experience. I *hate* 304, I'd rather use 316 any day.

What hasn't been mentioned is, if it's just to be nice and shiny but not welded or exposed to marine environments below the water line, look at using 303. It machines beautifully and polishes really nicely as well.

PDW

[.RC.]

Peter

• That the die is a HSS - it will be marked as HSS ,if so.If not it is probably a carbon alloy and will blunt real quickly on stainless

Probably last long enough to get a few threads done... As always a good cutting oil is essential.... Trefolex liquid is excellent, but pricey..

[befuddled]

Correctly spotted by one contributor was I only want to thread 1/2". Im making double ended studs for an old motorcycle engine. The other end is BSW but Im just doing one end at a time.

Reading into the rsponses i will leave the power off and just roll the chuck by hand.

Yes the dies are HSS made in Oz P&N.

Thanks again for all the responses, it is greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Peter

[kwijibo99]

Regarding 304 and 316 it's horses for courses I guess, I find 316 less forgiving when it comes to work hardening than 304. 304 is less inclined to to build up and stick to the tool than 316 which is a particular pain when threading because it causes tearing. If you need to weld and machine back, avoid 316L filler like the plague, it's as hard as cut diamonds compared to 304 and will eat HSS tools like they're Mars bars.
303 machines nice but is a pig to weld so I never use it.
Here's some 5/16 BSF 304 studs I made up a few weeks ago and they came out ok but like I said, horses for courses.