October 24, 201114 yr I was drawing out a rail spike(leaving the head intact),and need it half the thickness of the original material which worked fine.I had the drawn out section 3" long,but then I tried to give it a sharp shoulder(where the drawn section met the original stock) and upset the steel by placing the drawn out section into the vise and hitting from the spikes pointed end.This worked,but then it seems the drawn out portion is 3 1/2" now.Is it possible to shrink that length back to 3"? I think the vise is out of the question now as it seem to have acted like drawing a wire.I hope this explanation makes sense.Thanks for any help.
October 24, 201114 yr It is possible to upset the material back in, but it is not easy especially on such thin material as a blade. Cutting the extra material away is probably a better option. Phil
October 24, 201114 yr I agree with Phil. Either cut/grind off the excess or find another project for that spike and start over on another one.
October 24, 201114 yr Use a monkey tool to dress the junction of the head and drawn out shaft on the next one
October 24, 201114 yr Author Thanks for the responses everyone.I kind of thought it might be difficult to upset again where it is so thin.Oh well, I will consider it a lesson learned. I had hoped to create the guard from the original stock. Maybe next time!! Thanks again.
October 26, 201114 yr Rolando Deleon was a good smith in Santa Fe, now deceased. He said once during a demo, "If you lose the necessary mass, you got nothin'."
October 26, 201114 yr Frank that is a great saying...seems as if it carries over into a lot of areas.....But this is not a political forum...
October 27, 201114 yr Frank that is a great saying...seems as if it carries over into a lot of areas.....But this is not a political forum... And it's kid-friendly ;)
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.