I've been reading some "how to" books on making various lathe items and
often they call for FCMS (I believe this is Fast Cutting Mild Steel) and
MS (Mild Steel) and sometimes BMS (Bright Mild Steel) Some of these
terms may be specific to the UK. I'm always trying to get a nice mirror
finish on my projects so I stumbled across 12L14 alloy which was billed
as FCMS. It's a dream to work with but I'm skeptical about how tough it
is cuz it cuts like butter. Anyway, occasionally I'll see books call for
"unleaded" FCMS. The 12L14 Alloy definatlely contains lead. So.....Can
anywone clear this up for me?

Is there another leadless alloy of FCMS that cuts and gives a nice
finish but is tougher due to lack of lead??
Is 1018 alloy basically accepted as MS ("Mild Steel").
Does anyone have a feeling for what US alloy might correspond to BMS?--
how are its properties different from MS?
What are the machining properties of 4130? Perhaps this is the best
compromise between finish and toughness?

TIA

Dan