Connecting Rod

Hi all

Some advice please

Want to try and use my home made CNC mill Mk I Steig

to make a connecting rod for a 3 1/2 loco

Would like to know what SS flat bar to buy Size 1/4 *1 *71/2

and were to buy it

Have looked on Flea Bay 316 Marine grade will this be OK or to hard ???

Thank you

Macc models stock stainless flat bar.....

https://maccmodels.co.uk/materials-metal/stainless-steel-sections/stainless-steel-flat-316.html

See if you can get some 303 as it's easier to machine.

Neil

I think you will find 316 or 316L much easier to machine. 316 cuts nicely but can be a bit stickey when tapping. 316 will also give a lovely finish especially if you use coolant.

Phil.

Easier that what?

In my experience 316 is much easier than Titanium

Neil is right. Use 303 SS, it machines beautifully, even easier to work than leaded steel. Its a bit harder to get the deep polished lustre as is possible on 316 but thats probably not applicable to a con rod.

Ian P

Thanks very much for the reply's

Looks like 303 is the way to go but nobodies is saying where to get it from

Mac has 316 so if I can't get the 303 will give that a try

Cheers

Odd that nobody has told you where to buy 303 SS from, its not a state secret or anything.

Where you get it depends on your own preferences and location etc. My first port of call would be Noggin End followed by M-Machine but there are probably about 8 or 10 suppliers serving the model making fraternity.

Ian P

Take look here:

www.model-engineer.co.uk/shopping/

Neil

303 is not that common in flat which the OP wants unless he likes making a lot of swarf, 316 flat is easy enough to get hold of