I'm making my own bar shear. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for which steel/hardening process to use.

Thanks!

-Jeff

I would use either D2 or S5 harden at 60 Rc

Depending on crossection you might want to look at a water hardening steel. It remains tough in the center and hard at the surface while it holds an edge.

For my die sets I use either A-2 or O-2 tool steel. Machine, grind or EDM it to the shape that I need. Send it off to the heat treaters and have them heat treat it to 60 to 65Rc. When it returns grind an edge on it and... Wa-La Have cut/ punched steel up to 5/16" thick with no problems.

Most all shearblade I build, I use A2 tool steel, some S7 and some D2.
I find when shearing is done under severe circumstances, like wrong clearance setting, lose knife, cut most sizes, cut when shear is dull, guys half asleep.....and so on, is best not to harden too hard!...usually 52 to 54 RC is best, otherwise it will chip at 60RC.most definitely.
Konrad

My mistake, I should have said 56 to 60Rc not 60 to 65Rc. It was late when I posted the previous.

Go with the A-2 - I agree. Good, tough stuff.

If the blade is thin, then you may want to cool it between two heavy plates to minimize warping or twisting.

Scott