With retirement getting closer I've decided to buy a large (to me) stock of
steel. I'm looking at full lengths(3 metre) in a range of rounds, square &
flats. Probably around 50 lengths, but only 1 or 2 of each size. The main
reason is it's a lot easier to manage one large purchase out of my personal
income, rather than a constant drip from our joint post retirement income
(She just wouldn't understand!!).

The problem ?

Well I would normally be buying a nice free cutting steel, that machines to
a good finish i.e. EN1A, but no one seems to be offering this in square and
flat (not a problem getting it in rounds). Mostly they are offering
EN3B/EN32 Which I am told does not machine very well. Anyone gor experience
of this grade ?

Is EN1A still available in square & flat ? Any one know who might supply the
sort of quantities I seek ?

I'm based in Oxfordshire, UK and the main use is for 4" & 6" scale traction
engines, plus the normal miscellaneous workshop tools.

Any comments, Ideas ?

Thanks

John

JB wrote:
With retirement getting closer I've decided to buy a large (to me) stock of
steel. I'm looking at full lengths(3 metre) in a range of rounds, square &
flats. Probably around 50 lengths, but only 1 or 2 of each size. The main
reason is it's a lot easier to manage one large purchase out of my personal
income, rather than a constant drip from our joint post retirement income
(She just wouldn't understand!!).

The problem ?

Well I would normally be buying a nice free cutting steel, that machines to
a good finish i.e. EN1A, but no one seems to be offering this in square and
flat (not a problem getting it in rounds). Mostly they are offering
EN3B/EN32 Which I am told does not machine very well. Anyone gor experience
of this grade ?

Is EN1A still available in square & flat ? Any one know who might supply the
sort of quantities I seek ?

I'm based in Oxfordshire, UK and the main use is for 4" & 6" scale traction
engines, plus the normal miscellaneous workshop tools.

When I need small quantities of steel I buy it from Price, Fallows Ltd
in Shrewsbury. I think the steel I buy is usually grade 43A, or its
equivalent. This doesn't machine well but I don't mind as I use it for
fabrication. I've never bought free machining steel from Price, Fallows,
but they're a very helpful company who might be able to locate it for
you. I know Shrewsbury is a fair way from Oxford, but if you're thinking
of buying 50 lengths it might be economical to get it delivered. You can
give them a call on 01743 448344 and see what they can offer.

I've bought the odd length of free machining steel from HPC Gears
(www.hpcgears.co.uk), but I think they only supply it in very small
quantities. Their phone number is 01246 268080 if you want to give them
a try.

Best wishes,

Chris Tidy