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Depending on what I'm doing I like to use a high grade stainless like 303 or 316. I have easy access to this though because I am a machinist by trade and we have heat treating capabilities at work. Then I brush or polish depending on the situation. I like high grade stainless because of its extreme resistance to rust. It can be a b**** to work with sometimes though
Stainless is "sticky" when machining. But I love stainless!
I got to say after working with stainless for awhile you get used to the issues that come along with it. I also love aluminum but it is gummy also I hate how much of a pain in the a$$ it can be. We used to have problems with it building up between the flutes on the endmills But I love how easy it is to work with after the machining process. I was thinking about making some accessories for ar out of aluminum or composite to keep it light. We have been working with some incanel. Spell? And hasteloy. That stuff is a real pain you burn up tooling so fast. But its light and its good enough for aero space its good enough for me lol
Work hardening can happen with any carbon steel or tool steel. Just don't let it get too hot. Stainless is "sticky", it has a habit of sticking to drills, endmills, etc.
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Metal to use?
Linear Mode
