Powwer Hammer die steels ???

[johnptc]

is there a clear choice for which steel to use for PH hammer dies and how hard should it be ?? think of general use dies either flat or slightly domed for starters.

4130 ?? S2 ?? S7 or others ??? :confused::confused:

[dablacksmith]

ive mostly seen um as 4140 but i think any of the medeum steels would work s7 might be a bit hard and expencive...

[SGropp]

Mine are all 4140 ,which sometimes seems a little soft but they won't chip. I have had my dies made by Bob Bergman at Postville Blacksmith Shop or from Little Giant. They both do a good job and the dies do fit right the first time and stay tight in the dovetail. I usually buy the die keys from the same source or forge and grind them out of mild steel.

I usually use a sacrificial scrap of copper sheet beneath any swages used under the hammer to keep the scale from being pounded into the surface of the of the die. I also radius the edges and grind the top and bottom surfaces of the swage smooth to preserve the die faces. Does anyone else do this?

[patrick]

There are a wide variety of steels that will work well for dies. Some of the more common grades are: 4140, 4330, 4340, S7, H13.

Hardness on hammer dies should be around Rc50, about the sames as a good hammer or anvil.

Patrick

[johnptc]

There are a wide variety of steels that will work well for dies. Some of the more common grades are: 4140, 4330, 4340, S7, H13.

Hardness on hammer dies should be around Rc50, about the sames as a good hammer or anvil.

Patrick

thanks to all for the input.....:) now to get to work !!