House of D

www.stephenbader.com Hello Ethan, Bader makes different models for whatever application you need. They are super friendly and very willing to talk with you about your requirements. Their machines are beyond compare and the quality is excellent. They can also up the horsepower on their motors on a particular model if you are going to be using it for heavy work, like the bench model. They are great to work with. These machines are not cheap, but I feel their quality is worth the extra money. That said, I just want to say that you are a remarkable young blacksmith and your work and work ethic are impressive. I look forward to seeing your contributions to the world of blacksmithing in the future. For the requirements you mentioned check out Baders floor model, it is called the Space-saver, takes a 3" x 132" wide belt and is available with up to a 7.5 horsepower motor. Up to a 6" wide belt is an option. D

Dick Nietfeld's website, Shady Grove Blacksmith, also has alot of terrific information on the building of forges, firepot design, managing fires and everything you can imagine for blacksmithing. It is truly an exceptional resource and Dick is a stellar dude....not to mention he sells and imports some superb anvils! Great guy. D

I use 35 gallon drums. I have one for water (quenching), one for wood ash,(annealing) and another for oil,(quenching). I love em. I get them free from work, but they are cheap, tough and readily available everywhere. D

You might consider giving Jerry Lairson a call. He is an ABS Master Smith and a great guy to talk to. He has been using molten salt baths, high temp and low temp, for hardening and tempering his blades for years. He would be a good resource as he is the only guy I know doing it in his smithy.He has a website with contact info. Google him. Nice guy.

Alan, I have measured the A-33....It is exactly 1/64" over stated dimension, from the outside of the flutes, conversely it is about the same amount under true dimension if measured flute to flute!....Being a blacksmith, welder...and not a machinist, this means it is exactly the right size to me! Thanks for the link! D

Alan, You got me there, And I don't have a piece with me to measure. I'll check when I get home. I'd like to see that article by Dave Sucker, do you have a link? And I have ever been curious as to its make up, but have never seen anyone actually have it tested. I have heard a few rumors that I know to be wrong through use. I'll check the dimension of it when I get home and post it this evening. D

Alan, The stock that I bought was all the flutegon shape, if I want another shape I forge it out. They did have other shapes though, he mentioned round and octagon. And, the shipping is not included, nor is tax. Shipping wasn't bad for me, but I suspect your shipping will be much different than mine, being as you are in the UK. And the steel prices change daily here, so a quick call to check costs is a good idea if you really want to know how they compare. I just like the fact that at least there is one steel in my shop that I don't have to write on, or if the lettering gets rubbed off, burned off etc., wonder what it is. That shape can only be one thing. A-33. Its handy because I have tools made from 4140 too. When I forge the flutegon I usually forge the shape I need and leave a small section, or large, depending on the tool, in that unique shape, so when I grab it there is no doubt what steel it is, and I don't have to fret about dunking it in water to cool it, how it will handle the heat, or if its gonna gall. Its tough stuff.

For the 3/4" it was about right around $6 a linear foot, I believe. The 1.5" was considerably higher at around $29 bucks a foot, but it is the bee's knees for big hammer eye drifts, slitters,punches and what have you. When they turn red, dunk'em in water and keep hammering away. They also have different shapes, other than Flutegon. And different sizes I believe. He will tell you what he has available when you call. They will be happy to give you a quote. D

Flutegon A-33 is still available. I just bought 40 ft of it in 3/4" and 1.5"... You just have to call the manufacturer. Atlantic Steel International Corp. in Astoria NewYork. They are excellent to deal with and very Blacksmith friendly.They will cut it to length for you to allow for easier shipping. Super friendly people and they will answer any questions you may have as well. Except for whats in it! It is proprietary.... A-33 is terrific for hot tools of any kind, I use it and I love it. Forge it, quench it, use it. It forges easily, welds easily. It is a good product.