andrerich517

Hello all,

I was just gifted a bit of 1566 scrap of various diameters, all less than 18 inches in length.  Unfortunately it is all case hardened.  Can I anneal this to soften the hardening?  I a newbie and don't have access to a heat treat oven.  If I can anneal, a quick tutorial would be helpful.

Thanks for any and all advice, wisdom, jokes, jabs, and cheap shots.

Hello all, I was fortunate enough to come into possession of a few 10" pieces of S-7 steel.  I would like to make a drift, but would need to upset the round stock in the middle.  From what I've read, you should air cool S-7 and avoid working the hammering end.  I have a gas forge and can't fully isolate the middle section from getting heated.  Can I still cool the ends with water before I upset?  Would that make the end product too brittle?

Thanks for any/all advice.

I was hoping to make some punches and drifts.

Hello all,

I came across a scrap pile by the side of road and found a couple transmission shafts.  After taking off the boots and taking them apart, I ended up with a couple of 12 inch shafts.  I've got a couple of questions.

1.  What type of metal could these be?  I don't have a set of samples to spark test so I'm just looking for a general idea.  

2.  The rods have a long grooves at either end.  Should I grind these off before I forge or should I be able to hammer them in.

Thanks for any help.

Hello all,  I'm just getting started out and am currently working out of my garage.  As a result, I have to drag my forge outside when ever I'm working.  I have an old round, fairly shallow forge with a buffalo hand crank blower.  The forge is about 2 feet across and about 3 inches deep.  Being outside, I am constantly dancing around the smoke.  So I'm thinking of building a hood.  So here are my questions.

1.  Would a hood even work outside?

2.  Would a side draft or full hood work better?

3.  How low above the forge should I place the hood?

Thanks for any help you can give.

So I found a 1” ball bearing and did the drop test several times.  From 10” I got a rebound of about 90% for the front 2/3rds of the face and a little less near the back end.  Thanks for your help.  

Sorry for the lack of info.   I’m in Illinois.  The anvil definitely rings and a ball peen will bounce off the face.  

I’d appreciate any help you all can give me. I’m wondering how to clean up my anvil.  I’m also wondering if any one can weigh in on what you think it is worth. I know I got a deal at $50.  I’m just curious.   Thanks