I'm looking at ordering a 1/2" diameter stainless steel rod for part of a steering column drop. I need to cut threads into about 2" of each end, and I'd like to polish it when I am done. So I need a workable, polishable steel. Grainger (which offers me a farm Bureau discount and free shipping) has the following types: 316,304,440C,303 and 416. Help is appreciated.
Here is a guide from online metals http://www.onlinemetals.com/stainlessguide.cfmIn In my opinion you would want 303 or 416; 303 will be non-magnetic and 416 will have some magnetic properties.