Mistery metal

[chucketn]

I was given a bar of metal, 1/2" x 2 1/2" x about 16", by a friend several years ago. I have cut pieces of it now and then to make things. I cut a piece 1 7/8 " long to make a low profile clamp for my RT when used in the horizontal position.
This material is more silver in color than CRS or HR. I remembered reading that some varieties of stainless are non-magnetic, so I pulled a salvaged hard drive magnet off my metal desk and tested the short piece. The magnet is only slightly attracted to the piece on 2 sides. These would have been the 1/2" sides of the original bar. The magnet has no attraction on the top or bottom or on either of the cut ends. Why is that? Would this be stainless? Any idea as to the type?
I have not machined this piece yet, and it has been a long time since last time I made something from it. It did take quite a long time to cut on my 4x6 band saw.

Chuck

 

[jayville]

could be 304 or 316 stainless,these are both non magnetic....cheers clem

 

[abby]

It may not be steel at all , some nickel alloys are slightly magnetic and very silver in colour , silicon bronze is also slightly magnetic but of course has a yellow colour.
The origin and use of the material is often the best clue.

 

[BaronJ]

Yes I would have guessed at a nickel alloy as well, particularly if it machines easily. It would also be a little more soft than stainless.