Looking for samples of SS

dave gibson · Aug 16, 2017

Anybody know where I can buy stainless steel samples or very small pieces? I want to try out the ones best suited for engraving, even some that most engravers don't like to work on. I want to try them for myself, I haven't engraved stainless yet and there's a lot of stuff I could make from it so I need a working knowledge of what the different grades are like.

I recently found some info. on the Site-Search on SS, I'm assuming 300 series isn't popular for engraving,,, 303 being the least hard to engrave,,, but that would be the least magnetic, right? I'm thinking about elec. guitar parts like pickguards and switchplates.

400 has more iron so is slightly magnetic but better for engraving, 416 being popular. And that's all I know, I'm looking for sample pcs. and any general information.

Much Thanks, DG

Donny · Aug 16, 2017

This is the first place I looked... http://www.speedymetals.com/c-8256-category.aspx I think 300 series might be all they have ....

Don

Aventuraal · Aug 16, 2017

Try McMaster.com. Search their metals page for SS. Many sizes and alloys available. Here is the link to the page.
https://www.mcmaster.com/#stainless-steel/=18z1p9u

mitch · Aug 17, 2017

maybe a knifemakers supply company, such as Jantz, could help set you up with a box of odds-n-ends? they usually various grades of metals in small sizes for that trade.

speeedy6 · Aug 17, 2017

If you do find some odd pieces of SS, is there a way to tell the grade without markings ?

dave gibson · Aug 17, 2017

speeedy6 said:
If you do find some odd pieces of SS, is there a way to tell the grade without markings ?

I have no idea Speedy, that's why i'd like to get samples from a supplier so I'll know what's what, I want to test cut them and catalog the results.

dogcatcher · Aug 17, 2017

I have ordered metals from both Online Metals and Speedy Metals, both had good service, and the prices were about the same. You can order any size and thickness of what I ordered, but I never checked the different kinds of stainless steel they offer.

monk · Aug 17, 2017

i always thought pickguards were made of aluminum. at least the ones i made were of aluminum. as for ss, early on i got into real trouble doing a s&w made of ss. ithought it would be like regular gun steel. so much for that !

dave gibson · Aug 18, 2017

monk said:
i always thought pickguards were made of aluminum. at least the ones i made were of aluminum. as for ss, early on i got into real trouble doing a s&w made of ss. ithought it would be like regular gun steel. so much for that !

Yep, that's why I want samples!!,,,, and as for pickguards, they can be made of anything thin and flat, Aluminum would be the logical choice but I just met a builder that likes 316 ss,,, go figger.

Marrinan · Aug 21, 2017

"Triggers" pickguard is just air and splinters-Willie has had it rebuilt several times.

dave gibson · Aug 23, 2017

Marrinan said:
"Triggers" pickguard is just air and splinters-Willie has had it rebuilt several times.

Trigger doesn't even have a pickguard, that's why it has that nifty second sound hole.

Looking for samples of SS

dave gibson

Elite Cafe Member

Donny

Elite Cafe Member

Aventuraal

Member

mitch

~ Elite 1000 Member ~

speeedy6

Elite Cafe Member

dave gibson

Elite Cafe Member

dogcatcher

Elite Cafe Member

monk

Moderator

dave gibson

Elite Cafe Member

Marrinan

~ Elite 1000 Member ~

dave gibson

Elite Cafe Member

Latest posts

Sponsors