I've had a bear of a time with 303 stainless. I had a collection of large SS metric bolts which I could rework and get precise, near mirror finishes. They were marked A2-70 which should be 304.
I have an assortment of 303 from Speedy Metals (who I can't praise enough otherwise) that has a somewhat coarse ground finish and machines like crap.
Just picked up some 304 elsewhere to test and it machines beautifully, almost a fine ground appearance and able to hold tight tolerances.
Why is the 303 giving me such heartburn? Could it have been heat treated or otherwise pre-hardened (or toughened)? Den
I have an assortment of 303 from Speedy Metals (who I can't praise enough otherwise) that has a somewhat coarse ground finish and machines like crap.
Just picked up some 304 elsewhere to test and it machines beautifully, almost a fine ground appearance and able to hold tight tolerances.
Why is the 303 giving me such heartburn? Could it have been heat treated or otherwise pre-hardened (or toughened)? Den