[08 Cayenne]

An "H" designation means its some sort of tool steel, probably some Cr & Ni and other expensive alloys. I'm sure the 10 tons is a full heat, when I buy steel, out of the normal specs, we have to buy in lots the same. I use a lot of tool steel, very tough stuff, used for rolls when rolling steel. Heck I throw away 6' long 40mm diameter rolls almost weekly, probably much better quality than a standard H grade. Are op rods machined from bar stock?

 

[08 Cayenne]

At least $250 more per ton today than 2007, probably more, nickel prices are very high recently.

What Ted said. I've spoke with Lou about his efforts to get an operating rod made from 8645H steel. It's not a material that is kept in stock, even in Korea. A U. S. steel mill can make it but it will have to be a full heat. He told me the price of what that would have cost back in 2007. No doubt, it would be even more now.