Reamer Blanks

[jgarrett]

I have a large handfull of what is marked "Reamer Blanks" from very small to 1/2". A carbide insert won't even scratch one. I heated one cherry red and let it cool slowly and was able to take a cut that kind of looked like cheeze cut with a dull knife. Other than their intended use or hole gages what can be done with them. I would like to use some for shafts but have no idea how to go about cutting them.
Thanks,
Julian G.

 

[Bogstandard]

Julian,
I think you have what we call in the UK, drill blanks.
They usually come in sets and are used for checking finished sizes for holes.
They are usually very hard, so I think you might be able to use them as cutters. I think you might have a bit of trouble using them for shafts unless you use a clamping type grip on them, as grub screws will just flatten against their hard surface and not be able to hold.
Really the best way to cut them is by grinding.

John

 

[rake60]

Julian
I have seen "reamer blanks" that were hardened steel, or even
HSS steel much like a drill blank.
I have also seen some that were solid carbide.
If what you have is in fact carbide, you won't be able to cut it, but they
could be ground into some very good specialty cutting tools!

Rick

 

[jgarrett]

Rick, The markings on them are very light but I think I can make out HSS on it. I was able to cut it "some" after heating it a couple of times. I guess I will use them for hole sizers!
Julian G.

 

[rake60]

Even being HSS I can imagine one being ground for appropriate
clearance and turned into a fine mini boring bar or internal threading
tool.

I wouldn't heat up another one to temper it.
I'd be thinking tools.

Rick