Cold Rolled 316 Stainless Is Mean Stuff

I was supposed to work on the forward lazarette floor. but as soon as I got outside I started looking for something else to do. And of course the mast step was sitting right in front of me. So I cut down the 316 drift into two pins and drilled the cotter pin holes. Sounds simple right?

I knew that this material would be difficult to cut, and I was right. It took me awhile to remember my milling skills, which consist of lubricate things and go slow.  After many tool changes and some consideration of alternatives, I eventually got through it with an 1/8" carbide mill. 1/8" is a little bigger than I was trying for but it will serve.

Tomorrow: lazarette floor, no really.