Replies

1. 
   JerryPacMan | Sep 02, 2009 04:10pm | #1

   I get key stock from McMaster-Carr and Grainger.  I get stainless steel oversize stock and cut to proper length.  I do not usually have to file the width to fit tightly in the slot.

    

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans.

   When your ship comes in... make sure you are not at the airport.

2. 
   JohnWW | Sep 02, 2009 08:13pm | #2

   Most hardware stores stock foot long lengths of keystock, in various sizes, and will often have a parts drawer with short lengths. The long bars are easily cut with a hacksaw.
   They may not be all that precisely dimensioned, most of it is imported from low quality manufacturers.

   John White
   Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998-2007

3. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Sep 02, 2009 10:37pm | #3

   Geo, believe it or not the popular size keys can be found in the specialty fastener and hardware drawers at Lowe's. If you need the odd sizes you need the real hardware suppliers mentioned above. Paddy

4. 
   Boogalee | Sep 03, 2009 08:12am | #4

   You could try these:

   http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95843

5. 
   philip | Sep 03, 2009 11:53am | #5

   George,
   I haven't seen the FWW article, but am asking why key stock ? This stuff is hardly consistent in dimension and doesn't have a great range.
   Why not use twist drill bits?

   Philip Marcou
1. 
   [email protected] | Sep 03, 2009 06:39pm | #6

   I really like the idea presented in FWW video https://www.finewoodworking.com/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=32939

   I think finding a source for some keyway keys that are machined accurately will make for very good use.

   Thanks for the advice from several of you.

    

    

    

1. 
   forestgirl | Sep 06, 2009 09:22pm | #9

   Geo, I've been using brass tubing (square or rectangular, depending) for a long time now.  Started when I didn't know what keyway keys were, LOL.  The come in quite a variety of sizes.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   whitedogstr8leg | Sep 03, 2009 07:02pm | #7

    Keyway stock will sit in place a lot better than a ROUND drill bit, plus, it is a lot easier to use for a gauge.  That nice SQUARE corner leaves no doubt about where you are at with regards to the depth of the cut.   You can also use this stock to gauge the width AND depth of a mortise. " Although I have the right to remain stupid, I try not to abuse that right"

3. 
   danmart | Sep 05, 2009 12:51am | #8

   Bingo

   That's what I use. Lots of  drill bits around the shop and they work just as well. Maybe the feel of a flat surface makes a man feel a "warm fuzzy" assurance. I don't know?