Crankshaft Material

[Ratshooter]

I'm thinking about machining a crankshaft from the solid. What have you used with good results.

My materials here are the common and dreaded hot and cold formed mystery metal. Looks like I'll be making a purchase of something or other. Your input will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, TC

 

[Cogsy]

1144 Stressproof turns nicely and doesn't warp. I highly recommend it.

 

[toolznthings]

+ 1 on 1144

 

[Brian Rupnow]

12L14 is a good stress proof steel. I used it to make a crankshaft for a two cylinder engine and it never moved at all. ---Brian

 

[rklopp]

1144 or LaSalle's StressProof is excellent for this application, assuming not some turbo high-speed racing engine. 12L14 leaded free-machining steel is softer and rusts if you look at it sideways. LaSalle's ETD-150 is like 1144, but harder (stronger). McMaster-Carr sells all three in small quantities the US.