Ready for turning in your lathe, these rods are precision ground and held to strict diameter and straightness tolerances. Also known as drill rod. With far less alloy content than other tool steel, W1 is the most machinable we offer. These rods are often used to make hammers, files, and reamers—tools that don't require the dimensional stability of A2 or O1. These rods are also decarb-free, which means any surface flaws created during the manufacturing process have been removed. This makes them even more machinable and leads to better results from heat treating or finishing. Heat treat the surface for extra wear resistance. Or, quench this steel in water to boost its hardness and strength, giving it a sharper, more durable edge for small tools.