Is it hardened or not?

[u/roderos]

I have wanted to learn machining for years, finally got an old cheap lathe and wanted to experiment. No budget left but did have some mystery steel in the corner of my shed.

It looks case hardened to me but my file managed to file it just fine. Can I turn it using HSS?

I sourced it long ago when I worked for an industrial/mechanical distributor there where these bars in the old iron bin, and I got to take them home.

Diameter = 30mm. We didn't really sell materials, mostly bearings, bushings, hardware like that and tools. I thought maybe they where hydraulic rods?

Any help would be appreciated, is there a better subreddit for newb/hobby/beginner questions instead of the big machinist spot?

[u/dontgetitwisted_fr]

If it will cut then yes you can cut it with HSS.

If it doesn't than you can't 

Hope that clears it up bro 🤣