Very novice turner here. I have the turned the shaft down and threaded the shaft for the nut. The first one I did looks like heck, the threads look ruff. I used an adjustable die expanded all the way out for the first cut with fluid. Is the O-1 too hard and if so what other material should I use that will take threads better and still have a good surface?
Thanks
When I cut thread in a hard alloy I do it the old fashioned way using the threading ability of my lathe then I can take smaller "bites" takes longer but the end product is worth the effort.
Try using Ultra-Machinable 12L14 Carbon Steel available from McMaster Carr. I used some for brackets on an aftermarker pan support and glad I did. Still hard to turn a die but possible and the threads looked good.
These look like early style rear spring shackles. I tried to find them in the Snyder's site, but no luck.
Mark,
Yes, O-1 is too tough. Richard's choice of 12L14 is a good one.
12L14 Steel has the properties of mild steel. I think for pedal shafts, Stressproof free machining steel would be a better choice. It has a yield strength of 100,000 psi.
Stressproof steel has a machineability of about 83% of 1212 Steel.
O-1 tool steel has a machineability of about 25% of 1212 Steel.
12L14 steel has a machineability of about 160% of 1212 Steel.
1212 Steel is the reference standard for 100% machineability.
None of the free machining steels:Stressproof, 12L14 or 1212 steel should be welded because of the high sulfur and phosphorus content.
And, 12L will look old in about a week since it will rust if you look at it twice.
I will give the 12L14 a try. Thanks again.