To get some bar stock nickel silver to make my own guards and pommels with...and its on backorder with EVERYBODY.
Has anyone got a suggestion? I'd rather not use 416 stainless just because its harder to work with, and I am already challenged enough as it is.
Ray, 416 is about the equivalent of working with mild steel, except it won't rust.
I quit using nickel silver about 5 years ago because it was so gummy and soft. It was difficult to mill/turn/tap/thread/polish without gumming everything up and then tarnishing on top of that!
304 stainless is about the same thing.
However!! 303 stainless is a dream to work with. You would need a bi-metal band saw blade to cut it with, but regular HSS drill bits and regular files work great.
Takes a good polish and does not scratch easily.
I'm a 303 kind of guy.
Did you try Jantz?
Vermonster- yep. jantz has thin sheets...no bar stock on hand. Tried Texas, Hemerdinger, Sheffield, and around 15 others as well.
So, Karl. You recommend 303 and get a bimetal blade from Sears, eh?
A good source for 303?
Not sure this will help, but try some of the muzzleloader suppliers. Track of the wolfe or Dixie gun works off the top of my head.
Just think "Speedy Metals". I tried to get their link and their site was down for upgrading.
I get my blades from Fastenal, but don't know of their availability to you. Sears would be fine, but you'll need bi-metal.
303 or 416. You'll be glad you did.
This is an edit:
I checked and there is as FASTENAL in Woodstock, if that's where you still live. I'd get my blades there before Sears.
They can even order 303 for you!
try northcoast knives