Starrett 53963 O1 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/16x3.5x18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 53963 is an O1 oil-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require close-tolerance raw material for fabricating punches, dies, gauges, and cutting tools. Manufactured to AISI Type O1 specification, this flat stock measures 1/16 inch thick, 3-1/2 inches wide, and 18 inches long. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, making it suitable for precision applications where stock flatness and dimensional consistency are critical before heat treatment. Weighing 1.12 pounds, the bar is manageable for bench work and easy to cut to final length on a horizontal bandsaw or surface grinder.

O1 tool steel is a general-purpose oil-hardening grade widely used in machine shops and tool-and-die operations. This flat stock is appropriate for low-to-medium production tooling, jigs, fixtures, and wear parts that will be hardened and tempered after machining. The 18-inch length provides enough material for multiple blanks from a single piece. It is sold individually with a minimum order quantity of one piece, making it practical for prototype work, maintenance shops, and one-off tooling jobs where a full bar length is not required.

Key Features

• AISI Type O1 oil-hardening tool steel for predictable hardening response in oil quench
• Thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for precision pre-machined fitment
• Width tolerance of 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches ensures stock fits into close-clearance setups
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inches provides adequate stock for facing to final dimension
• Edge squareness held to 0.003 inches per inch on all edges
• Single-piece packaging with no minimum order beyond one unit

Compatibility

Designed as a standard O1 oil-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for general toolmaking, die making, and precision machining applications requiring AISI Type O1 material in 1/16 inch thickness.

Installation Notes

Machining and grinding of O1 tool steel flat stock should be performed before heat treatment; finish all milling, drilling, and grinding operations prior to hardening. Oil quenching and tempering should be carried out by a qualified heat treater or experienced machinist following established metallurgical procedures for AISI O1. Use appropriate cutting fluids during machining to prevent workpiece distortion from localized heat buildup. Handling sharp-edged flat stock requires cut-resistant gloves and standard shop PPE.