Stellite Welding Rod as a Cutting Tool

Does anyone know if the rod which is sold as Stellite Hard Facing welding rod, can be used in its own right as a cutting tool if it is cut into suitable short lengths.

I cannot see why it wouldnt work the same as a Stellite tool bit, but don't want to waste money on it if someone knows for sure it won't.

Thanks

Phil

Phil,

That's a very interesting question !!

I don't know the answer ... but there's information about the materials here, so maybe someone wih the relevant background can deduce something.

MichaelG.

I think it might be too brittle as a cutting edge but have used it to re-face plough share edges that were old and badly worn away that out lasted new ones fitted at the same time.. Digger prongs get the Stellite treatment as well.

Clive

I recently discovered that Vauxhall Astra exhaust valves are/were stellite faced.

Neil

Did you find that out the hard way?

I have some stellite bar (~8mm dia x 50mm) that is used for the spindle (pivot) for turbocharger wastegate valves. Looks just like stainless steel and has been machined (diamond tool IIIRC). The actuator arm and the wastegate itself are welded to each end once it's been inserted into the turbine housing.

It's good for operation (dry!) at >800C with nasty shock loads. Most steels don't last long under those conditions. I'd like to know what other application it might have ie in the workshop.

Yes, that's a chocolate Shreddie for scale.