I have been in the process of making a slitting saw arbor so that I can finish making a lathe parting tool holder. I made them both out of scrap steel that I have acquired - both parts were made from round bar with sky blue paint on the end. According to the Interalloy chart I found, http://www.interlloy.com.au/wp-conte...lour-Chart.pdf, this should be 4140.


I have been having issues with the parting blade holder in that HHS end mills struggle to cut it and the slitting saw REALLY struggled. Admittedly the saws are auction winnings and probably not in remotely new condition. I also had quite alot of issues getting some carbide to cut a tiny 45 degree angle (multiple tool breakages). The saw arbor cut well on the lathe however the surface finish was horrible. Most of the hogging out of the round bar into a rectangular block was done with a 5 insert face mill which worked very well on the Fexac.


Am I using the wrong steel to make these parts? Should I perhaps use a more basic low carbon steel? Should a good surface finish be achievable? Should HHS never go near 4140 but rather solid carbide only?


Disappointed in how these parts came out so I will have another go - not particularly experienced so it will do me some good to make more!


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