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M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - Printable Version

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M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - MarkSLSmith - 12-12-2020

Hello, 

I'm looking for a good, reputable, and hopefully inexpensive source for 1/4" and 3/8" M2 tool rod.  The problem I'm having is that every time I use M2 the stupid search tools interpret this as 2 mm, even when I put hss, rod, blank, or any other combination I can think of.  Very frustrating.  

I can find it on mcmaster-carr, but the prices seem a bit excessive, possibly because they guarantee 0.00008" precision on the width.  

I also only want one or two pieces, so getting a container full from China doesn't sound like a good option.

Thanks,
Mark


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - The Tinman - 12-12-2020

Try these guys.   Key Metals Online Metal Supplier | Cut to Size & Fast Shipping!
M2 Tool Steel Drill Rod | Key Metals Tool Steel Online


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - Daven53 - 12-15-2020

(12-12-2020, 10:01 AM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: Hello, 

I'm looking for a good, reputable, and hopefully inexpensive source for 1/4" and 3/8" M2 tool rod.  The problem I'm having is that every time I use M2 the stupid search tools interpret this as 2 mm, even when I put hss, rod, blank, or any other combination I can think of.  Very frustrating.  

I can find it on mcmaster-carr, but the prices seem a bit excessive, possibly because they guarantee 0.00008" precision on the width.  

I also only want one or two pieces, so getting a container full from China doesn't sound like a good option.

Thanks,
Mark

The M2 you buy would likely be in the annealed condition, approx. 25Rc.
M2 tools are typically heat treated to 62Rc. This is only possible at a proper facility and not usually achievable at home due to the high temperatures required.
I've made point tools from O1 tool steel which is heat treatable at home using a torch.
Dave


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - James Ley - 12-16-2020

(12-12-2020, 10:01 AM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: Hello, 

I'm looking for a good, reputable, and hopefully inexpensive source for 1/4" and 3/8" M2 tool rod.  The problem I'm having is that every time I use M2 the stupid search tools interpret this as 2 mm, even when I put hss, rod, blank, or any other combination I can think of.  Very frustrating.  

I can find it on mcmaster-carr, but the prices seem a bit excessive, possibly because they guarantee 0.00008" precision on the width.  

I also only want one or two pieces, so getting a container full from China doesn't sound like a good option.

Thanks,
Mark

This is not M2 steel but Doug Thompson sells 7 inch by 1/4 and 3/8 rod of A10 steel. It is in his Special and Miscellaneous Tools

section,


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - Stwood_ - 12-16-2020

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Raw-Materials/Metals/Steel/Drill-Rod/M2-High-Speed-Steel-Drill-Rods?navid=12102230


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - iclark - 12-16-2020

(12-16-2020, 04:47 PM)James Ley Wrote: This is not M2 steel but Doug Thompson sells 7 inch by 1/4 and 3/8 rod of A10 steel. It is in his Special and Miscellaneous Tools

section,

Doug Thompson is always a great person to interact with and buy from.

His steel makes great turning tools and you don't have the challenge of hardening the M2.


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - imapseudonym - 12-16-2020

Next time I would rather give my $ to Doug Thompson, but in the past I have had good luck searching for HSS drill rod on amazon. That is often sold in the hardened state.


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - MarkSLSmith - 12-23-2020

I bought these two items.

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/00229294?rItem=0022

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/01102243?rItem=01102243

They don't quote a hardness.  Did I buy the right items? 

Mark


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - Daven53 - 12-24-2020

(12-23-2020, 08:54 PM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: I bought these two items.

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/00229294?rItem=0022

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/01102243?rItem=01102243

They don't quote a hardness.  Did I buy the right items? 

Mark

According to the reviews this is pre-hardened. You just have to be careful grinding it so you don't draw the temper.
Grind a little at a time and dip in cold water to cool then grind again etc.
It has to get quite hot to draw the temper but that can happen fast on a grinder.
Dave


RE: M2 Rod for DIY Point Tool - MarkSLSmith - 12-24-2020

(12-23-2020, 08:54 PM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: I bought these two items.

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/00229294?rItem=0022

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/01102243?rItem=01102243

They don't quote a hardness.  Did I buy the right items? 

Mark

Thanks!  I didn't even look at the comments section.

Mark