Hello all - today I made an axle for a 10" contact wheel which requires 5/8" axle. I had some 5/8" W2 drill rod handy and figured that's make a good axle - fairly easy to machine. I got the end machined end for threads, started cutting threads - got about half way finished, then I do think the W2 work hardened - broke one HSS threading bit taking my usual cut of .006" - really cutting good till tool broke tip off. Put another tool in and that W2 stuff is HARD!!! Have to take 1/2 thou at a pass, and sometimes that's almost too much - actually breaks some chips from the W2 rod, even saw a couple of sparks. "Finally" got threads cut by taking 1/4 to 1/2 thou cut at a pass, then sometimes a clean up pass with no more depth. I do NOT wish to make another axle from that W2 drill rod.
Does W2 work harden to that extent? I've machined W2 for making reamers and never had a problem with W2.
Does W2 work harden to that extent? I've machined W2 for making reamers and never had a problem with W2.