[Vern Smith]

I'm fortunate enough to have a job making what amounts to a rotating weight. Strength, hardness and such are no concern so I want to use the easiest machining affordable steel I can find which I've always felt was 12L14. It has to be bar (rectangular) stock and that is not available from my local suppliers in 12L14. However , it is in 11L17. Does anyone have any experience with 11L17 or better yet, recommend a steel that machines close to 12L14 and is available in bar? Finish is an issue.

Vern

[Geof]

Did you Google?

I have never used it but it is used in screw machines so it must be pretty good for machining. As far as I can tell from my Googling the only difference between it and 12L14 is that it is suitable for carburizing.

[Vern Smith]

Thanks for the info Geof. At the risk of hijacking my own thread, I'm considering the purchase of a TL-1 or 2. I know you have at least one of them and I was wondering if you have the full enclosure? I think I would want to use coolant on a lot of aluminum and titanium jobs and was looking for your opinion on the feasibility of using coolant without the full enclosure. I guess the spindle guard would control most of the spray but how big a mess will there be on the floor? I know, everybody has their own threshold for what's a mess.

Vern

[bl409]

I have used both 12L14 and 1117 on CNC and Screw Machines. On a cnc 1117 will cut just as well as 12L14 with a better finish most of the time. On a screw machine the 12L14 runs a little better mainly due to better chipping of the 12L14. BL

[Geof]

I have both with the full enclosure. It is not just reducing coolant splatter the enclosure also protects you from hot chips. It is a bit pricey but I would not buy the machine without it. Also I do not think I would buy another TL1, the larger spindle bore and extra length on the TL2 is very useful sometimes.

[Vern Smith]

bl409,

Could you be old enough to be referring to the Chevy truck block 409? My supplier (Alro) lists both 1117 and 11L17. You seem to imply the L makes little difference where machinability is concerned.

The TL's I'm looking at are the TL-2's and have the chip enclosure. It looks like I will have to add the rotating tool post turret which I think you mentioned in another thread that you had to do in house after a less than successful modification. I would also have to add a tail stock.

Vern

[Geof]

Complete absence of L makes a big difference in machinability; slight variations in L not much

[Matt@RFR]

Vern, the L stands for Lead. Leaded steels are 'free machining'.

According to MatWeb, Machinability of 12L14 is 160%, and 11L17 is 115%.

[bl409]

When running the coated carbide inserts on a cnc lathe it does not seem tp matter a lot if it is 11L17 or 1117 but on a screw machine running form tools it makes a tremendous difference. Just my 2 cents. BL

[Vern Smith]

Thanks guys, now that I have MetWeb tucked into my favorites list I should be able to find this stuff out for myself.

Vern