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