Hi Sarah,Thanks for this. I do tend to search my scrap box first, but the problem is I dont know what most of the material is! When I buy new material I'll look it up on Matweb and label the remnants for future use. I have recently been given some En1a, which is apparently a mild steel with a lead component. It machines very nicely, so will be a material to use for future projects.
After refurbishing the two Stuart's I have a set of castings for a Stuart Progress to machine. I might need your advice with that
I would like to say thank you to everyone that has given me advice, I really do appreciate it.
Sarah
I looked up the cross reference to EN1a and see that in the USA it is known by the SAE spec of 12L14. That is a very popular leaded mild steel of medium strength that machines very nicely, "a leaded free machining steel."
I have used lots of it and have pieces of it in my metals rack with 12L14 written all over it with a Sharpie, LOL. I especially like it for larger parts where a lot of material needs to be removed. I think you will enjoy using it.
Lloyd
EDIT by Lloyd
I see that JasonB says it does not contain lead but is a free machining steel. I guess the cross to 12L14 isn't totally accurate.
Here is the chart I found it on. I guess it is "similar to," and not "equivalent."
![EN1a.png EN1a.png](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/homemodelenginemachinist/data/attachments/109/109956-67e764e84e85bcbae1e48ab01c1e119b.jpg)
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