Silver Steel

How do I visually tell the difference between silver steel and any other bright round bar? Or do I need to determine by passing a file across it?

Thanks
Jack

Hi Jack,

besides the obvious - look for the word STUBS at the end, what about a spark test, here's another. The spark test may not be able to distinguish between high carbon steels though.

Thor

Edited By Thor on 28/09/2014 15:57:23

It will have a ground finish and be accurately sized, usually 13" long as purchased but longer lengths available. If it hardens after heating to cherry red and quenching and has the accurate ground finish it's a good chance it is silver steel.

Mike

does anyone know if you can still get square silver steel?

All the replies to Jacks OP are pukkha. As for square silver steel? - Well I've always treated sawn sections of gauge plate the same as I do for round silver steel - if it gets hot - it gets hard!!

Rik

PS I agree that if the round stuff is marked "STUBBS" then you have got the best there is.

Edited By Rik Shaw on 28/09/2014 21:36:05

John B , Yes you can get square silver steel most engineering supply houses should have it. I got some from Thomas Graham locally ( Lancaster) a few months ago .

Silver steel is lovely steel to work with and easy to heat treat, one problem i do find with it is its not very resistant to corrosion and rust. I often found that if i handled it one day, the following day there would be rusty fingerprints on it. The main use i have for it is making small metal cutting chisels.

I have found that College engineering services keep some square Silver Steel

I wonder if anyone know if KEA108 with seleainum is still available,this is a free cutting silver steel which the clock makers seem to use for pinions because of it good free cutting machinability.

ronan, the higher the carbon content of steel, the greater it's susceptibility to rust, compare silver steel to wrought iron, once that has a thin film of oxide it will last for years without further rust.

Ian S C

It is also a known fact that some people have naturally more agressive fingerprints due to the nature of their body fluids.

I fortunately have an almost neutral skin and long ago I was the only one allowed to handle some of the metrology gear as it was "safe" with me.