--- title: Machining Stainless Steel in Reno | Wolf Machine url: https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/stainless-steel/ business: Wolf Machine & Fabrication, Inc. address: 4812 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502 phone: (775) 359-5570 hours: Shop Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:30 pm; closed Saturday and Sunday type: Metal and plastic fabrication and machining (custom and CNC machining, welding, metal and plastic fabrication, gearbox and part repair, align boring, metal spray) --- [Photo: Stock photo: stainless steel tubes in a stack] - [Home](https://wolfmachinenv.com/) - [Materials we machine](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/) - Stainless steel # Machining stainless steel We machine stainless steel at our Reno shop for food-plant parts and other jobs where corrosion resistance matters. It cuts slower than ordinary steel because it work hardens, so the keys are sharp tools, steady feeds and not letting the tool rub. [Photo: Stack of polished stainless-steel round tubes on white] A stack of polished stainless-steel round tubes (stock photo). Stock photo: stainless steel tubes in a stack Stainless is chosen because it resists rust and cleans easily. It is also tougher and stickier to cut than mild steel. This page is about cutting it. How to weld it without losing corrosion resistance is covered on the stainless welding page. ## At a glance - We machine stainless steel at our Reno shop - Work hardening means sharp tools and no rubbing - 300 series for corrosion resistance, 400 series for hardness - Steam tubes, handles, knives and screws for food plants - Stainless welding is on its own page Love working with these guys, and gal. Great customer service and knowledgeable skill base. They have helped with many big projects and have always pulled though when our machines went down. JoHannah W. ยท Google review, March 2017 [Leave us a Google review](https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJVWVOfCI_mYARibcFMPsDEKc) ## Work hardening and what to do about it Many stainless grades get harder and stronger as they are deformed. A tool that rubs instead of cutting, or that stops cutting mid-pass, leaves a hardened skin that is harder to cut on the next pass. That is the main reason stainless is rated below plain steel for machinability. The cure is a sharp tool, a firm setup, a steady feed that keeps the edge cutting and coolant to carry the heat. Stainless also conducts heat poorly, so the heat stays in the tool. ## 300 and 400 series, as general education The grades below are named from published sources as general knowledge, not as the shop's stock. If your drawing gives a grade, we work to it. | Grade | Family | Known for | |---|---|---| | 304 | 300 series | General corrosion resistance, food equipment | | 316 | 300 series | Better against chlorides and chemicals | | 303 | 300 series | Free-machining version of 304 | | 410 and 416 | 400 series | Hardenable, 416 machines more freely | | 17-4 PH | Precipitation hardening | High strength with good corrosion resistance | ## Food-plant parts and what to send Our services list names steam tubes, titanium screws, handles and stainless steel knives made for a food processing plant. In those parts the surface matters, since a rough or pitted face can hold residue. Tell us if the part contacts food or needs a specific finish. Send the drawing or sample, the grade if it is stamped or on the print, the quantity and the use. If the job includes assembly welding, add that and see [stainless steel welding](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/stainless-steel-welding/). For plant context see [food and dry product plants](https://wolfmachinenv.com/industries/food-and-dry-product-plants/). Use the quote request or call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570). ### Sources - [Stainless steel (overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel) (2026-10-18) ### Stainless parts we machine - Steam tubes and fittings for food plants - Handles and knives for processing equipment - Shafts, pins and bushings in washdown areas - Flanges and plates - Strainer rings and baskets ### How to send us the job Tell us the material if you know it, the quantity and when you need it, then attach the drawing or photos. We review requests during shop hours and call or email with questions. [Request a quote](#quote) [What to put on a drawing](https://wolfmachinenv.com/guides/what-to-put-on-a-drawing/) ### Talk to the shop [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) | Monday to Friday | 7:00 am - 3:30 pm | |---|---| | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Request a quote](#quote) ### Related - [Stainless steel welding](https://wolfmachinenv.com/services/stainless-steel-welding/) - [Food processing and dry product plants](https://wolfmachinenv.com/industries/food-and-dry-product-plants/) - [Titanium](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/titanium/) - [Steels and steel alloys](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/steel-and-steel-alloys/) - [Materials we machine](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/) ## Other materials [Steels and steel alloys](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/steel-and-steel-alloys/) [Titanium](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/titanium/) [Tool steels](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/tool-steels/) [Aluminum](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/aluminum/) [Brass](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/brass/) [Bronze](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/bronze/) [Copper](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/copper/) [Plastics](https://wolfmachinenv.com/materials/plastics/) ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [(775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570), Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. ### Why is stainless harder to machine than steel? It work hardens and holds heat. Sharp tools and steady feeds keep the cut working. ### Which stainless grade do I need? 304 is a common general choice and 316 is used where chemicals or salt are present. If you are unsure, tell us the use and we can talk it through. [Photo: Stock photo: a lathe turning a bar, hot chips flying] ## Request a quote Tell us what you need, attach a drawing or photos of the part, and we will get back to you during shop hours. Free consultations; prompt estimates. [Call (775) 359-5570](tel:(775)%20359-5570) - From your specifications, drawings or samples. We can also assist you in designing your product or part. - Free consultations and prompt estimates - Stands behind the work: Our rates are very competitive and our quality is second-to-none. Wolf Machine stands behind the work we perform. - Company accounts: all major credit cards, or we can open an account for your company Shop hours Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Send your request any time and we will get back to you during shop hours. Stock photo: a lathe turning a bar, hot chips flying