On Thu, 17 May 2012 18:03:20 -0400, "Wild_Bill"
wrote:

Welding OBF old bed frame isn't very reliable either, IME.. I've had MIG
welds that completely pulled out when stressed to check for integrity.

I haven't tried brazing, but that may be the most reliable method of joining
OBF, other than punching and riveting as it's done in manufacturing bed
frames.

Cutting with a thin reinforced abrasive disk is likely the most efficient
method of cutting, since random hard spots will wipe out saw teeth quickly.

I also haven't tried carbide drilling.. maybe someone could comment whether
that works very well.

I've found that normal mill steel is much less problematic.. even if it's
not free, projects progress more quickly.

Well, rails are from around 0.50 to 0.80 percent carbon -- newer rail
has higher carbon. As rails, it's hypoeutectic pearlite -- layers of
carbide laminated with layers of ferrite. The carbon may go into
solution when it's heated and re-rolled, but don't count on it.

That's nasty material to work in any way.

--
Ed Huntress