Curly Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 Each time I go back to the farm I grew up on I always have a good rummage around to see what scrap I can find and put to use. Normally I come away with bits of angle iron and so on. Well last visit I found this old tractor weight going spare and thought it would make the basis for a good freebie swage block. Weighs around 80lbs and is 2-3inchs thick. Guessing its made from a cast steel? As it is it has a couple of different size radii, 90 and 45 degree angle and the handle acts as a good former for bending metal. Will also be good for upsetting bars on. Thinking of cutting some profiles along one of the sides and maybe forming a couple of different size dishes on the face. Although not sure what the best way of going about this would be? Anyway just thought I would share my new find! All the best, Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 Most weights are cast iron. casting steel is expensive! It might be steel if is shows evidence of being cut out of plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curly Posted June 21, 2013 Author Share Posted June 21, 2013 Very good point! Did mean to say cast iron, must have been thinking about types of anvils too much :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GNJC Posted June 22, 2013 Share Posted June 22, 2013 Without doubt it's cast iron; I've lifted any number of the things and dropped a couple too, both broke / chipped. I've no idea what the mix used for these is, but since they are only made to provide weight (not for working on) I doubt the one you have will stand much whacking; probably not a problem while forming hot metal over it, but a miss-hit could see damage done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 Lot of swage blocks are cast iron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curly Posted June 25, 2013 Author Share Posted June 25, 2013 Well its taken a bit of a beating today upsetting bars for a fireplace companion set and seems to be holding up fine! Not going to be too worried if it does break but its only being used working small stock so Im sure it will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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