EN1A alternative

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

I am making the ETW Centaur engine and am planning ahead for the crankshaft.
This I will be turned in one piece from bar 3/4 in by 2 inch – I need about 10 inches all in.
I would like to machine this from EN1A but am having difficulty obtaining a short section – I don’t need 3 metres!
Can anybody recommend a ‘machinable’ alternative?
I will only be turning this, I have no grinding facilities.

Alan

[John RuddParticipant @johnrudd16576]

Macc models list EN1 in the size required…..£8-72 per foot…..

[nick baldParticipant @nickbald39826]

Hi Alan

you can get almost any width and length of en1a on ebay.

hope this helps.

Nick

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Make sure you get black (hot rolled) or you will have a bananna crank.

Metric 20 x 50 from M-machine is £6.60 a foot and machines up OK, think it is EN32

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

Thanks for quick response!
Tried Reeves, haven’t heard of Macc and couldn’t find what I was after on the bay!
Thanks for heads up, will get contacting.
I thought bananaring could be avoided by heating to red?

Alan

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Its a big old lump to heat up and the black is usually cheaper than bright to start with let along the gas cost.

M- Machine price list

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by AJW on 16/10/2018 17:36:58:

… haven't heard of Macc …

.

Top of the list of 'Shopping Partners' in the adverts >>

[Maurice TaylorParticipant @mauricetaylor82093]

Steel2go sell short lengths.They are at Grantham.They sell on ebay.

They have a 250 mm x3/4in dia of EN1A for £7 inc post.

Hope this helps.

[John RuddParticipant @johnrudd16576]

Something to think about….

EN32 is a case hardening steel with low tensile strength and is used in general engineering for the production of lightly stressed components.

EN1A Engineering Steel is ideal for use in precision turned components and is used in intricate drilling and machining operations. The alloy can be case hardened which improves wear resistance and has reasonable strength and ductility. EN1A also offers a superior finish.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by John Rudd on 16/10/2018 19:07:56:

Something to think about….

EN32 is a case hardening steel with low tensile strength and is used in general engineering for the production of lightly stressed components.

EN1A Engineering Steel is ideal for use in precision turned components and is used in intricate drilling and machining operations. The alloy can be case hardened which improves wear resistance and has reasonable strength and ductility. EN1A also offers a superior finish.

EN32 has a tensile strength of around 490MPa, while EN1a is 370-400.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

What Neil says it is low tensile when compared to some of the higher carbon steel but better than others and more then strong enough for model open crank engines. Also a lot easier to get hold of in flat sections than EN1A

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

AJW where are you located ? my local steel stockholder lets me look in the offcut/short length rack. Prices are more than reasonable if paying cash.

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

Thanks guys, I am in the Southend area and I did contact my local ‘offcut’ specialist who unfortunately didn’t have anything suitable in stock.
I quite agree that getting a chunk like that hot is no mean feat!
Macc’s looking good.

Alan

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Macc's flat is bright so will need heating first, M-Machines won't.

I've tried bright in the past and you can see it move before your eyes as you stitch drill out the waste. Since then I have used flat section or flame cut from plate.

Then again you could do a built up one from PGMS and a couple of slices of round EN1A and make the balance weights as one with the webs. Silver solder or even stick it together with Loctite and it will be good to go

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

So do you reckon the
black hot rolled
will machine ok to give good bearing surfaces?
I have made cranks before using built up methods but fancied making one from solid.

Alan

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Well it can look a bit rough to start with

And still a bit dull from roughing out

But comes up Ok with finishing cuts

Bit of shaping of the webs and it is as the earlier photo, in the engine below

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

Looks good!
Never thought of roughing out by drilling, saves a lot of hot chips going down the shirt front.

Alan

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Posted by AJW on 16/10/2018 20:43:58:
So do you reckon the
black hot rolled
will machine ok to give good bearing surfaces?
I have made cranks before using built up methods but fancied making one from solid.

Alan

Black is exactly the same stuff as bright, just not been cold worked. As others have said it is much less likely to distort, and machines exactly the same. I can't imagine that the tensile strength of EN1A is an issue for a small steam engine, if it is then EN3 might be a possibility, still fairly easy to machine.

[GeorgineerParticipant @georgineer]

Ringwood Precision Engineering have a good range in their on-line shop. I've always had good service from them. Usual disclaimer.

George

[AJWParticipant @ajw]

Great forum, so helpful!
I have a piece of black steel from M-Machine on its way!
Good price, but it cost more in carriage!

Alan

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

Chris Evans 6,

Who is your local stockholder. I know you are in KIngs Bromley and not far from me. I buy some stuff from Tamworth Steel (usually Black flats 50mm x 3mm) but never asked about their off-cuts bin. Will give you a call next week.

Colin

[JC54Participant @jc54]

As was mentioned earlier in this thread— I thoroughly recommend Steel2Go in Grantham EBAY. I have used them for several years and had superb service and quality from them. I must add that I am not connected to them JUST a very satisfied customer..

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