I’ve been trying to locate Water Hardening tool steel (in the USA) in
the smaller diameters for making repousse and chasing tools but have
been unable to locate a suitable source. Can anyone put me onto a
reliable company that actually has Water Hardening tool steel in
stock ?
I found it at metalsupermarkets.com. They have retail locations in
many cities, so visit their website to see if there is one near you.
Otherwise, you can order directly from the website. They will also
cut the 36" rods to your specified length. They also have a great
scrap table in the retail stores where you can pick up good sized
bits and pieces of tool steel, brass, bronze, copper, and whatever
else they may have, including sections of steel I-beams (great for
anvils!). Selection varies. Usual disclaimers apply.
Water hardening drill rod is a staple item form most industrial and
tool suppliers. Here are some internet retailers that have it in
stock. Just search for Drill Rod.