1144

[gldavison]

Why is this stuff only available in round stock??

At least I have not found it in anything but round.

[10KPete]

If you can get 'em to supply in square or flat you'll be a Saint among ME's!!

It's primary use is in turned products off automatic machines I think.

Pete

[PStechPaul]

You can get it in hexagonal bar:

https://www.castlemetals.com/metals/carbon/1144/c/1144

The following source has round, square, and flat plate:

http://www.steelss.com/Carbon-steel/sae-1144.html

[10KPete]

Last time I made inquiry at Castle, about five years ago, they didn't cut one-off short pieces nor have anything but full bars. Of anything.

Steelss is a mill in China. I doubt you'll get home shop bits from them either.

Come on, Paul!

Pete

[PStechPaul]

There are some sources of 1144 hex rod on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1144-STRESSPROOF-STEEL-HEX-BAR-STOCK-machine-shop-rod-1-3-4-x-12-long-/351222388389

I hadn't noticed that the other source was in China, but they might send you a sample if you request a quote for "shipload" of the stuff.

It seems to be mostly for shafts, pins and axles and other round items

Apparently there is also a specific stressproof steel that may be superior to 1144:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/cnc-machining/1144-vs-stressproof-real-thing-170784/

This might be a source for shapes other than round and hex:
http://amsresources.com/1141-1144-1145-resulfurized-carbon-steel/

Apparently 1144 is not necessarily stressproof or stress-relieved, although it usually is assumed to be:
http://www.bhpipe.com/1144-Stressproof-equivalent-steel.htm
http://www.icimetals.com/metals_carbon_alloy.htm#group8
http://www.niagaralasalle.com/product-stressproof.html
http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=115693

At least now I know a lot more about 1144 and stressproof steel 

[GailinNM]

It is used quite often in Swiss style CNC automatic lathes.  They require close tolerances on the stock diameter so  the 1144 is available as TGP which means Turned-Ground-Polished.  Typical diameter tolerance is +.000/-0.001 inch. This makes it very useful for shafting and making small parts. 
Depending on diameterl it costs about twice what cold finished 1144 does but for as little as I use I find it very cost effective.
Gail in NM

[gldavison]

Speaking of cost.  I was searching for a 12 inch piece of 1-3/4 round. Found it at Cal-Mesa in Yucaipa, Ca.  They wanted 30 dollars a foot plus 10 dollar cut charge. But he says  he has a 37 inch piece for a 50.  Guess what I came home with?

[b.lindsey]

Quite a deal I would say. Nice find!!

Bill