Cutting a 1" Dia. Surface Hardened Shaft in half??

[Mueller]

I need to cut a hardened (60-65c) solid shaft
(McMaster-Carr number 6061k35)
In multiple pieces, what is the best method to cut something like this. Should I attempt this on my lathe? My only other option is hacksaw

[Dave Burnett]

About the only thing that will cut something that hard is an abrasive cut off wheel. A hacksaw will not even make a mark on it. A tap is around 62rc so that should tell you something. Is this a piece of Thomson Shafting? If it is it is only case hardend and then you can grind through the case and then saw it.

[Mueller]

Thanks, I'll give it a try with an abrasive wheel, I hope the "curf" is not too wide, otherwise I'll have to buy a longer shaft to make up for it.

More than likely it'll be a Thomson product...when I converted my 3.n.1 to ballscrews I bought the raw parts from McMaster and the ballscrews and related parts all came from Thomson.

[Spin Doctor]

Run the shafting in a collet 1200 rpm. Use a solid carbide cutoff or grooving tool. Beleive me it will cut Thompson rod like butter. A rubber abrasive wheel unless you can flood the cut with coolant will result in the cut end of the shaft being harder than heck. I cut Thompson rod, drill bushings and all kinds of other stuff like this. just make sure that your set up is rock solid.

[wierdscience]

Spin man is right part it off done lots of that my self.