barkerwilliams Posted February 7, 2021 Report Share Posted February 7, 2021 I need to provide a support for a piece of unbalanced sculpture my daughter made. I have some stainless rod (6mm) which will do the task nicely but it needs threading on one end to secure to a base. I have some dies of suitable size but the stainless is rather hard - understatement! Is it practicable to thread stainless or does it need some prep work such as heating first to soften a little? As the loads are insignificant I am considering drilling down into the head of a bolt and silver soldering the rod into the bolt as an easy option to fit a readymade thread to the bolt. Is there an easy way to thread stainless? Alan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted February 7, 2021 Report Share Posted February 7, 2021 There are a number of different specs for stainless. Sounds like you’ve found one of the harder types. You may still be able to cut a decent thread on it by doing it in stages. Make sure that the die is opened right up with the centre screw in the die stock screwed hard in and the other two backed right out. Use plenty of cutting fluid. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 7, 2021 Report Share Posted February 7, 2021 H Alan, you can TRy annealing the SS. Get it as hot as possible (white heat would be good). Hold it there for about 15mins and then air cool. The die needs to be sharp (or is that C) Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ed_h Posted February 7, 2021 Report Share Posted February 7, 2021 Some grades of stainless are more machinable than others. Use a good quality, sharp die, and if it is adjustable, yes, do it in stages. A worn or cheap die probably wont cut it. Ed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted February 7, 2021 Report Share Posted February 7, 2021 Plenty of lube, & keep backing off to break, & clear the swarf. Bob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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