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Start by choosing a thickness for the oil hardening
flat ground tool steel. For this project, because we
will be drilling and tapping threads into it, use 1/16".
Tool steel is measured in inches (USA) and is available
in 18" and 36" lengths and widths up to 10" in the 1/16"
thickness. A blanking die will cut metal up to it's
own thickness, i.e. 1/16" will cut 1/16", 3/16" will
cut 3/16", etc.
Bonny Doon Engineering now supplies 1/16" thick Flat
Ground Tool & Die Steel in two sizes:
Other recommended suppliers:
- RUTLAND TOOL & SUPPLY, phone: 800-289-4787
- McMASTER-CARR SUPPLY CO., phone: 562-692-5911
(Los Angeles).
They also have stores in Atlanta, Chicago, New Brunswick,
NJ.
Dealing with a machine shop supply house is usually
less expensive than a jewelry supply house.
(Usual disclaimer on thi: I have no affiliation with
Rutland or McMaster-Carr and am just offering a source.
There are other suppliers out there).
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