Big chunk of 4130 -- source needed

Tom Young wrote:
I'm looking for a piece of 4130 normalized that's 2" thick by 6.5" wide by
8" long (larger is okay). I've tried Fry Steel, Online Metals, Metal
Express, Metal Supermarkets, and a few other -- no luck. My project
(crankshaft) is fairly specific as to alloy and treatment. Any suggestions?

-Tom

Oliver Steel Plate in Ohio will have what you need. I regularly buy
1.75, 2, and 2.5 inch steel plate from them in 4140 and 4340,
(annealed). You probably will have a very hard time finding plate in the
N condition in the thickness that you desire. Most places that sell
thick plate flame cut it (CNC cutters) and then anneal it. Basically,
nobody wants to saw thick plate.

Now to the gratuitous and unsolicitaed comments. I know that you say
that your project has specific alloy and treatment (heat treatment?)
requirements, but I believe that you will find that 4130 is a less that
ideal choice for a crankshaft. In nearly every particular related to
crankshafts, 4140 is a better choice. Besides, it is actually available,
something that can not always be said for 4130.

I won't bore everyone here with a comparision of different alloys
suitable for crankshaft use but if you are interested, just holler.

Kevin