EN1a vs EN1a leaded

Dear All,

Apologies if this has been covered but a search didn't show up anything. Been building small engines for around 5 years so not exactly a 'beginner' but feel like this is more of a beginners question!

Basically, EN1a leaded is supposed to be more machinable than non-leaded as far as I can gather. But in practice does it really make any noticeable difference in your experiences? And should I be machining leaded in any different way to non-leaded (speed, tool types etc)?

Best wishes, D.

I have used a lot of leaded EN1a over the last few years from 1/4 inch to 3 inch dia, it does machine to a better finish and it can be machined up to 20% faster under the right conditions. One supplier always states do not use on welded assemblies,I assume the lead affects the weld strength ,so ensure the identification colour is not lost on bar stock or number stamp any odd bits left from a job. I used to work many years ago for a typewriter company and the free cutting steel they used in the autos machined so easily a fast with a lovely finish,I never found out the spec but it was better than en1a leaded.

En1a unleaded used to crack when welded. We were not allowed to use it on racing car wishbones.

There is a different designation......

230M07 for unleaded, 230M07Pb for the leaded version EN1a leaded......

Can leaded EN1a be safely silver soldered given that lead can weaken such a joint?

JA

yes, interesting stuff - thanks. I have some leaded and non-leaded on order, so I'll try both - never paid much attention before (in fact not sure whether I've been buying leaded or not!).