glilley Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 I recently picked up a goodly amount of leaf springs of various lengths (7" - 3.25'), all approx 3/8" in width and at least 30 years old. What kind of smithing tools would be good to make from some of this material? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Tongs, nail headers, hot cut hardie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myloh67 Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 bending dogs from this material is an asset for sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBrann Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 anything you need or want, scrolling jigs would be high on my list... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Dies for "magician" type tools or guillotine fullers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 It makes excellent tools but be aware that if they get into the red while working you do NOT want to water quench them or they'll get brittle on you. Leaf spring is great stuff, I like to keep plenty around. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glilley Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 Thank you all for taking the time to respond! I've bought just enough to now get started making my own. Frosty: I hear what you're saying about being careful when/how to quench steel with a higher carbon ratio. Is not there an article on this site that talks to this? I swear I've seen mention of it but I could have been dreaming it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill in Oregon Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Wouldn't this generally be the 5160 that Tim Lively uses for knives? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glilley Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 Bill - Yes, I would think 5160 because I know the springs are around 30 yrs old or older. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 There's a BP on heat treating which is probably what you are thinking of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glilley Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 Thomas - You're right and here's the link:http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/f14/5160-heat-treat-question-6848/ Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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