wrote in message
oups.com...
but you're not going to like turning 1018
after using 12L14, and it won't matter what you use for lubrication. .

Anything you save in material costs is going to come out of you in
frustration unless surface finish (tearing) isn't a concern.

You might be wise to investigate other free machining materials, such
as
1117, or 11L17, especially if your purpose in abandoning 12L14 was to
improve on mechanical properties.

We are wanting to change over to 1018 because of cost. ANd I'm
learning all about this frustation. I spent 2 and 1/2 days trying to
get it to work with our soluble oil before I gave up


Damned shame, but I'm not surprised. Folks like to think of mild steel as
what they should be machining. Truth be told, I'll take 303 SS over mild
steel anytime, and produce better looking parts faster and more precisely.
Surface finish problems are almost non-existent. Mild steel is nothing
short of a bitch to machine-------which my many years in the shop has
confirmed over and over (and over). g

I apologize for suggesting you were looking for reasons different from those
you suggested. I got caught up in the moment, but had read and understood
your reason for switching. Could be the materials I mentioned are more
affordable than 12L14, dunno, but it would be wise to investigate. More or
less anything to get away from 1018 as I see it.

Luck, and let us know what you learn.

Harold