Paddy

Dear All, I am in need of making a small hand held (top) flatter. Hand held, about 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" square. Ideally, something like a peddinhaus design for use with me and a 3 lb hammer. I'm using it to flatten bar stock (shoe making), and certain decorative pieces for efficiency and speed. I would like to know what actual grade of steels are best suited for use as a flatter i.e. 10..??. How to work it. I've got an own made tool at the moment, made from standard 1" square mild steel (A35). A nice tool, but its mushrooming alot. I hardened the flatter side (usual plunge end into water to feeze it) and the flatter side is OK, but the hammer side quickly demised. Process - by upsetting one end, then slightly draw out edges over off side. Slit punch or drill hole for wooden handle or round stock. Do not possess a power hammer, or a swage block, so its down to tongs and a 3lb hammer to sort this one out. I could spend the $120 on just buying one, but that seems way too easy. Many thanks.

Fascinating stuff. Thanks I'll get hold of some naval brass or silicon bronze. I think I read on another thread about where to get some. thanks again all! paddy

Cheers Guys, It was as i'd thought once I saw the minute quantities and carcinogen warning - thats that. No way i'm using that, the girlfriend would kill me for toxifying the cat!. Thanks, paddy

:confused:Hello, I've just got a piece of freebie brass 3/8 rod, about 12" from a supplier, its listed in a guide as CDA Alloy 360 free cutting. I looked up the MSDS and it noted a whole list of carcinogens, including beryllium - sounds not good. Do I chuck it, and go for something else like bronze?. Or forge on! I just want to have a play at some other types of metal ornamentally. I use on aluminum 6061 - T6 for shoemaking, and have been told the 2024-T4is good also. Cheers, paddy

Many thanks all for your help. I found a supply in barberville ofcourse, and will be attending the FABA SW meet on May 23rd. I did go along to one of their meetings last december, before I was up in kentucky, but didn't ask the wholely obvious question at that time. It reminds me of what an old boss used to say ;- Assumptions are the mother of all #$%@ ups!. still, until then I'll use my gas forge and carry on with small bits and bobs. thanks, paddy

Found Coal supply at Pioneer Settlement Barberville, FL, USA $35 per 100lbs bagged. Call 386 749 2959

Hello All, I am down here in florida, new to blacksmithing in these parts. I'm a blacksmith / farrier from UK. Is there anybody down this neck of the world supplying coal or breeze coke?. I know its mined up Kentucky way, and a contact sourcing this grade of product and having it available down here would be very handy. I have trawled this wonderful website and discovered a contact in barbersville, who are a 400 mile round trip away. Thats great, but just incase anybody has better ideas please help. Many Thanks, Paddy