Ok guys, I just about have everything together to start forging a little: propane forge, about a 125-150# block of scrap steel for a makeshift anvil until I can afford a real one, and a couple of hammers. Here's my current question. I have come across some 4140 at a closed down machine shop that I can get for nothing, just have to go pick it up. Would this steel be a good choice for building some additional tools like tongs and maybe even some hammers in the future? I'm not really familiar with this steel. The carbon content looks to be a little too low to make a good knife, but what about using it for axes/hawks? I'll probably go ahead and swing by this evening and pick some up. I figure if nothing else, it'll be good for practicing with to learn how hot steel reacts when whooped with a hammer. :knothead:
Thanks,
Matt Toms
Pick it up. It makes good hammers and tools.
Ok, thanks lin. Would it make a decent axe if I ever get to the point where I want to try one, or would I be better to use a bit with a higher carbon content and just use the 4140 for the body?
4140 fully hardened and not drawn back might make an axe, but I'm not sure. They used it for hammers, dies, shafts, etc. Good find.
What Lin said. It would be great to have around. It forges well and gets nice grain structure but not as hard as what I want for a cutting tool. If your looking to make some hawks, axes or hatchets you will need some drifts or mandrels. That would fit the bill. What size stock is it?
Chris
There are several different sizes of hex rod. I think i saw about 1" up to about 2 or 2 1/2". There is suposed to be some 4140 and some mild steel so I'm not sure yet what sizes were what type. I didn't get by there today. Maybe next week.
Dont pass up the mild steel. Its great for axe bodies and other project. As far as using the 4140 for an axe body, I dont see why not. If you did a full quench you might get the poll somewhat harder than mild. But do be carefull of warps. They are a booger to get out, trust me on this one.
Chris
Dont pass up the mild steel. Its great for axe bodies and other project. As far as using the 4140 for an axe body, I dont see why not. If you did a full quench you might get the poll somewhat harder than mild. But do be carefull of warps. They are a booger to get out, trust me on this one.
Chris
Never ever pass up free steel!! ;)
free stuff is good stuff. you will find ways to use it as you get farther into forging and have a need for tools like hold downs, tongs, hammers or even guards.
Thanks guys.