OT- machining / cutting Stainless Steel
Turbo Mini Forums

I was going to get some flanges laser-cut for my new exhaust manifold, but I've just discovered that laser-cutters don't like to go over 1/4" when doing stainless.


So - let's look at doing it the old-fashioned way...

I must say, I've always shied away from machining stainless full-stop, hence I'm not overly familiar with it.
I'm just wondering how hard it really is to cut by hand. How about drilling with HSS drills? And Tapping?

I'll be looking at using 321-grade btw.

Anyone got usefull first-hand experience?
Cheers,
Dave

If you are used to working with normal carbon steel, then it is a bit of a cunt to say the least, but not insurmountable.
For example you will be wanting a few very sharp (preferably new, Ti-N coated) drills to go about making holes in it.

Same really for tapping, sharp taps, appropriate cutting compound, and most definately go up the range, e.g. 1st then 2nd then plug tap if needed.

I'll ask my mate who machines the pulleys if he has anything to add, he works in fabrication and machining for the medical industry and so works in stainless all the time.

Edited by Tom Fenton on 9th May, 2006.

get them water cut mate? its nearly as good as a laser. perfect for flanges and the like

i'm sure it would be fine for exhaust flanges and at worst only need some tickling.

stainless isnt too bad to machine at all really. just the tools are that much more expensive.

I know about water-jetting them - but the local place is sooooo expensive....

Maybe I'll just pay the coinage and get it done...

i wouldnt of thought it was much dearer? suprising really!
never had to get a price on it though so guess thats why i didnt know!!

With a dxf already done i guess you can farm them out almost anywhere in the US?

In all honesty, trying to make a decent job of a thick stainless steel exhaust flange by hand, I'd be willing to bet you will half kill yourself, realise you are getting nowhere and you are not happy with the results, and then pay the money to the water cutters anyway.

So save yourself the hassle and ballache and stump up the readies for a proper part that will require little in the way of fucking about.

That's enough convincing guys!

Cheers,

TBH worked with stainless for the past 15 years no worries

like tom says cutting compound

slow speed on drilling and i mean slow speed!

200 to 300 rpm

turning get the work peice get singing in the lathe

medium to high ish ......

use the coolent carbide tips are up to the job

I run a wire eroder and can make them for you no problem drop me a pm