What type metal to use for Pins

[Cooter Brown]

I did some searching through the Forums but as of yet have not found the info I need.
I was curious as to what type metal have you been using and if you have been hardening it after machining?
Also which alloys are too hard to machine and weld to use?
I am making a skid steer quick attach for my FEL and I need to oreder the shaft for the pins.
I found some E52100 but not sure how machinable it is.
41l40 would work but it may not weld good.

Thanks in advance

 

[Renze]

i use chromed piston rods of old hydraulic cylinders. Just dont try to use your bandsaw, a new saw band is dul after 1 cut. Use an abrasive saw (angle grinder) instead.

 

[westcliffe01]

You can get induction hardened and ground shaft at Mc Master Carr. Tough core (can be drilled) with 60Rc surface for wear.

McMaster-Carr

 

[Cooter Brown]

You can get induction hardened and ground shaft at Mc Master Carr. Tough core (can be drilled) with 60Rc surface for wear.

McMaster-Carr

That is the problem.I need something I can cut with the Mill and in my lathe also.
That stuff will probably be tough to machine.
I might order some to see.

 

[alltoys]

My preference for pins is 4140 steel. It can be machined, welded, threaded not a problem. If you want to be extra sure of the weldment use 11018 and a little preheat to get rid of moisture on the surface but not necessary.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

If you just type in "steel" in the McMaster-Carr search block it will give a good list of various steels and their properties. 4140 is a good choice. Pre heat treated 4140 is decently hard and still machinable. Here is an example:
McMaster-Carr

The "L" in 41l40 is for lead. Probably not nice to weld even if it joins well.

Depending on the exact application even mild steel e.g. cold rolled may be fine. If in doubt get the good stuff.

Brad

 

[milkie62]

Has anybody built a brush hog ??

 

[Cooter Brown]

Thanks guys.

I ordered ground and polished heat treated 4140 from Speedy metals.
They are cheaper than Mcmasters carr.

https://www.speedymetals.com/pc-59-8331-42gr1.aspx

This will be for my lock pins on the quick attach.

 

[fusting]

Hey Cooter, I think you have chosen the right material 4140 HT (heat treated ) is a great material for pins. If you want to weld it use a rod for dissimalar metals. Ask your welding supplyer for a rod that will not harden up on you when you weld. The are available. I'm doing the same for my FEL. and I'm drilling a 1/8 dia. hole through the center dia., for a grease nipple, then one in the middle on the length to grease the bushings. New brackts new pins now were talkin!

 

[westcliffe01]

The induction hardening is just the surface layer. If your carbide inserts are not much use, just get a ceramic one. For cutting use a chopsaw. The core can be drilled just fine. With carbon steels, be sure all your tools are sharp and make sure they never rub. If they do, it will work harden on you which can be a bear. If you need to drill a grease passage radially, grind a small flat through the hard case, then drill like normal.

That is the problem.I need something I can cut with the Mill and in my lathe also.
That stuff will probably be tough to machine.
I might order some to see.