1518 is a relatively low carbon manganese steel. Manganese steel is extremely tough and very impact and wear resistant. It is also very corrosion resistant. But depending upon the manganese content, it could be extremely difficult to cut or machine in a lathe, even with carbide tooling.

I had to drill some holes in manganese steel several years ago, and it was the toughest stuff I ever drilled. Good HSS drill bits were ruined almost immediately. I can't remember whether it was cobalt or titanium nitride coated bits that finally got through, but it was very difficult. It was also very hard to cut with abrasive cutting wheels. I thought it was stainless, but later found out it was manganese steel. I got it for free. It turned out to be not such a great bargain due to how hard it was to work.


A true sign of mental illness is any gun owner who would vote for an Anti-Gunner like Joe Biden.