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Originally Posted by 44wheelman
So this is a comparison of stainless vs. carbon steel thread now?
In general terms, stainless is tougher and more abrasion resistant. The nickel and chromium in stainless is tough and gummy to machine compared to carbon steel. As a result, it is much easier to get a good finish on carbon steel, and cutting speeds are higher.
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You are right, machining stainless is a bear especially with some alloys. Improvements in techniques and tooling have also made a difference. By the time the 686 rolled around, most of these problems had been dealt with. I don't have any complaints about the machining on my 686. I remember to make a thread they had to use an 'interrupted die' which had an offset in the cutting edge or it would tear the thread off in the process of cutting it. I'm sure the alloy they use in guns is higher in machinability than old 304 SS.