M2 Tool Steel

[Richard1]

Could anyone suggest where in the UK I could buy short lengths of unhardened half inch or better yet 0.497" diameter M2 tool steel. I probably only need 5 feet of this a year. I am making cylindrical bits for a friend. They need to be 0.910" long and 0.498 +0.001 - 0.002" diameter.

In the past 0.497" was available for making twist drills and still is if you are prepared to buy 10 full lengths.

I am at present turning them out of scraps of 14 and 16mm bar because that is what he has but it seems a waste of material and effort.

M2 is typically
Carbon 0.85%
Chromium 4.10%
Molybdenum 5.00%
Tungsten 6.4%
Vanadium 1.80%

 

[Herbiev]

Have you tried
http://www.westyorkssteel.com/tool-steel/high-speed-steel/m2/

 

[BaronJ]

Hi Richard,
For small quantities of special steel I go to a local engineering shop. Very often they have bits in their scrap box that are useful. A donation to the "Tea fund" helps as well.

 

[Richard1]

That is where the bits of 14 and 16mm came from I can't find anyone locally who uses the nominal half inch though. Looks like I might have to keep turning them down to size.