First attemp...316L stainless

[PatP]

Well, after playing around with the Classic, figure Id give it a shot on some real jewelry. This is an earwieght I make, material is 316L stainless steel. Pointy part is approx. 1/2" round 2" long. The scroll work is super simple and will continue around this whole piece.

I also realized cutting into this material, i have to take shallow cuts and work my way down...until i can get the control of the classis, one day i hope to cut this in one pass...but keeping the engraver points sharp is a whole other ball game.

Anyone out there have any experience cutting 316SS?

[SVD]

Looks pretty good!

I think I've heard the people that know say that 300 series stainless is more of a pain to cut than 400 series so that may be part of why you're having to sharpen often and work your way down.

So, are you going to expand the designs or stick with the basics for now?

[PatP]

Well, there are a number of different grades of stainless in the 300 series, each with their own attributes, the 316 family has been known to be one of the more difficult stainless steels to machine, and I know this as fact since I do work with it on a daily basis.

Ill eventually expand on the design aspect, including setting stones (this partiuclar piece will have synthetic sapphires, or something, set in the rounds of the scrolls), but yeah, just getting the basics down for now. The goal, to start doing some cool hot rod flames and such.

[SVD]

I'm betting "difficult to machine" == "difficult to engrave".

Any reason you're using 316 instead of one that's easier to machine / engrave?

[PatP]

I use the 316 series because its highly resistant to corrosion, close to being implant grade, and is the best stainless to be used up against the body (still not good for those with nickle allergies tho) Not to mention the cool factor as well.

Plus if it were easy, what fun would that be ;)

[SVD]

I figured you had had a good reason.

Of course, "I have a bunch of this stuff laying around" isn't too bad a reason but yours is better.