Tom Kitta
Ultra Member
Are you sure its 1018 - its been a while since I got stuff from Federal Metals but he has the same thing - its a hot rolled structural steel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A36_steel vs. 1018 which is COLD rolled steel.
Here is detailed comparison: https://www.capitalsteel.net/news/blog/a36-vs-1018-steel-comparison
Thus 1018 is more desirable but more expensive. I have lots of 4140 and 4330 steel rods so I don't buy much other then for welding angle stuff once in a while.
4140 is more bearable to machine than 4330 - 4330 makes parts that look super professional but man its hard to machine. It feels in annealed condition its harder than a lot of Chinese tools. I have few pieces of 1018 and its a huge difference in effort. On the other hand especially A36 feels so soft when compared to 4330 and its not shiny.
Here is detailed comparison: https://www.capitalsteel.net/news/blog/a36-vs-1018-steel-comparison
Thus 1018 is more desirable but more expensive. I have lots of 4140 and 4330 steel rods so I don't buy much other then for welding angle stuff once in a while.
4140 is more bearable to machine than 4330 - 4330 makes parts that look super professional but man its hard to machine. It feels in annealed condition its harder than a lot of Chinese tools. I have few pieces of 1018 and its a huge difference in effort. On the other hand especially A36 feels so soft when compared to 4330 and its not shiny.