A lot of leaf springs carry hair line, spider web like cracks. I have noticed these in the springs I work. If the steel is too cold these will surely open up on you.Tom Stovall once said, the only thing that will send a smith to h#ll is striking cold steel. This has 2 meanings. #1 it's harder to work requiring more force and effort and #2 it will take its toll on your tools and the steel itself. If I'm not worried about carbon migration or using austenite forging I work the steel as hot as it will allow. Easier on me, my tools and saves some time.
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