Steering stem material

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Jeff L
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Steering stem material

Post by Jeff L »

What would be the best choice for the stem? Hopefully something relatively easy to machine & weld...thanks
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Re: Steering stem material

Post by Dusty-Dave »

The ones I have had in the lathe cut like mild steel. I never put one on the grinder to be for sure but they aren't very tough. as heavy as they are 1020 ought to be fine if I used welded tube I think I wouldn't use DOM so I could be sure the weld was not straight forward or backward. If you decide on chrome molly don't forget that any electric welding process on cromo must be normalized.
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Jeff L
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SELF INTRODUCTION: Hey...I live in South Jersey (the Super Fund State) work as an Operating Engineer local825.Besides bikes I love to fish the surf.I have my current & seemingly endless project a BSA 750 Rocket3, a 72 Honda CB750,79 Kawasaki KZ1000, 48 Simplex, & a 62 Norton Atlas engine
Location: South Jersey

Re: Steering stem material

Post by Jeff L »

I went on a couple sites, but couldn't find 1020. Is 1018 similar?
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curt
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Re: Steering stem material

Post by curt »

I used 1018 cold rolled bar on mine haven't had any problems
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Dusty-Dave
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Joined: Sun Dec 01, 2013 4:43 pm
SELF INTRODUCTION: Hi,
Been building and riding since the 60s. My last contest build made The Horse BC last year "Home Built Indian" and had a 40 Indian in the TCU section of the Horse BC the year before.
Iv'e answered to Dusty since 69
Thanks
Dusty
Location: northern New Mexico

Re: Steering stem material

Post by Dusty-Dave »

1018 would be fine. If you have the ability machining it out of hot rolled shaft would be best. Next best would be seamless tube then resistance welded tube And if I had to use DOM I would dye it to find the weld.
Dusty
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But at least I'm enjoying the ride, at least I'll enjoy the ride.
Jeff L
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Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:09 pm
SELF INTRODUCTION: Hey...I live in South Jersey (the Super Fund State) work as an Operating Engineer local825.Besides bikes I love to fish the surf.I have my current & seemingly endless project a BSA 750 Rocket3, a 72 Honda CB750,79 Kawasaki KZ1000, 48 Simplex, & a 62 Norton Atlas engine
Location: South Jersey

Re: Steering stem material

Post by Jeff L »

Cool. Making it out of bar stock was my plan.
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Re: Steering stem material

Post by budoka »

ditto. 1018 works just fine from my experience.

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