Dentman

Haha, I meant "any"! and thank you I will try the 1050 and 1095 Rich mentioned. When I am heating these rods will I need an accurate way to measure the temp or do I just heat until it reaches a non-magnetic temp and quench?

Hi I just found the forums here and it looks like a lot of great info. I am looking to get some advice on making some of my own tools that I can use at work. The material that I would make these tools out of would can be 3/8" or 1/2" soiled round steel rod that would be cut to about 2'-3' in length. Then I would put a couple bends in the rods where need, and after that they would need to be hardened. These tools would be used for pushing dents out of steel panels and here is a pic to get an idea of the tool design I am after. I have a local metal supply store where I should be able to pick out any type of metal. But one of my questions is what type is the best as far as hardening goes? I only want to use a carbon steel but what type do I use for strength? Next, I have everything to bend and shape the rods, but when it comes to hardening them I am looking for a do it yourself set up if any one knows of any links to some plans on building a homemade oven/furnace? Thank you for an advice...