View Full Version : What is "silver Steel"?

08-16-2005, 08:04 PM
Hello, i have been doing a lot of reading about making things out of metal. Every now and then they talk about using silver steel. What is it and what is an exceptable substitute here in canada.

08-16-2005, 09:20 PM
That term was sometimes used in the past to refer to drill rod or tool steel, but basically it has no specific meaning. It could mean any number of alloys.

This reminds me of a customer who wanted some parts made of the "finest German steel". I told him he'd been watching too many commercials. Like silver steel, the customer's request was too vague to have a specific meaning.


Big Al
08-16-2005, 09:59 PM
Drill rod is a term for the common tool steels such as O1 or W1.
01 is an oil hardening tool steel, W1 is a water hardening tool steel.

08-17-2005, 06:59 AM
I have heard that term used to refer to stainless.

08-17-2005, 06:58 PM
thanks for the info. I have learned a lot since finding this web site.

What kind of oil is typically used for oil hardend steels? I am hoping to make a lathe quick change tool post out of some kind of hardened steel.

I have since read that oil hardened steel are less likely to distort when heat treated.

I would appreciate any input at this point about material selection.

thanks in advance!! :|