Questions regarding the cost and weight of one cubic inch of iron or steel

[Aexalon]

Perhaps of more use, "A Magical Medieval Society: Western Europe" lists iron at 1sp/lb, and worked iron (bar or sheet) at 1gp/lb. Since your cube is 0.26-0.28lb (cast or wrought, respectively), I'd say 2-5sp, depending on how perfect the cube needs to be. As for steel, a multiplier of x5 to x10 is probably in order (before Bessemer in the 1850s, steel items were essentially VERY labour-intensive to produce), again depending on the advancement of metallurgy in the location of purchase. So, 1-5gp each, imho.

 

[guivre]

The economy right now isn't exactly stable.

The price of steel hasn't shot up or down recently. I think you'll be ok.

 

[mmu1]

Just to clarify - are you just using a cubic inch as a unit of measure, or is what you're coming up with specifically require 1" cubes of iron or steel?

If the former, than you really ought to think in terms of iron shavings and steel scrap, which would be a lot cheaper than worked iron or steel.

If the former, and if they'd need to be made with any amount of accuracy, then I think even Aexalon's estimate of x5 or x10 for steel would be on the low side.

...random thought as far as modern prices go: A brushed steel d20 weighing ~ 1/4lb (so pretty much equivalent to a 1" cube) sells for $15.

 

[el-remmen]

More than once I have banged my head against the wall trying to get players to understand the difference between cubic [measure] vs. [measure] cubes.

That is, the difference between 10 cubic feet (wherein the each axis multiplied together comes to 10) and a 10-foot cube (wherein each axis is 10 feet long - and thus 1000 cubic feet).

 

[Angel Tarragon]

are you just using a cubic inch as a unit of measure

This, but in terms of book bindings, steelbook casings; complete enclosure of the writing therein.

It also includes vacuum seal and other protective features.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

nevermind.

 

[kmdietri]

I like this website for that kind of stuff.

 

[kmdietri]

This is what I got for steel when I ran 1 cubic inch through the calculator.

0.2836 pounds

or

128.6385 grams

 

[kmdietri]

Also.

A 8.5" x 11" sheet of steel 1/8" thick weighs.

3.3151 pounds.