Posted by KenWeza on Friday, December 07, 2001 at 0:14AM :
In Reply to: Any machinist out there? Stainless? posted by RDavis on Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 10:35PM :
R,
Stainless steel, like most other alloys comes in a sizeable array of alloy combinations that determine mechanical properties of the metal. The alloys should be regarded as application developed, it just depends on what you want to use it for. 316 is a real bugger, famous for dulling tools and pissing off machinists. 303 is one of the freeist machining and possesses superior mechanical properties over any chrome plated brass piece of hardware that you intend to replace, although you might have to polish the stainless more often to keep is from dulling.
Whatever you choose to do......stainless or chrome plated brass is going to be pricey, because you are asking a machine shop to make a couple of unique parts for you. Hardware is usually cheap because it's made in huge volume. Custom parts cost!
If it was me, I'd go for the stainless. While you're at it, ask how much it would cost for 20 pieces, instead of 2. You might find additional interest here.
Regards,
KenW - San Jose
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