Timothy Miller Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Some people call these tools stop blocks. I like the term thickness stops its more descriptive. I made these out of 1 3/4" 4140. I turned them to size on my lathe so they would be precise I went about 10 thou over size to allow for contraction when the part cools. They are hardened and tempered about the same as the dies in the hammer. I did this so they will not get deformed rapidly. Its sort of overkill but I am doing some work where the customer wants the forgings with in .030 of the specks provided with a forged finish. What can I say its an odd job. The tools drop in to a tool holder bolted to the bottom die of my power hammer. They are locked in with a wedge. I couple blows of a hand hammer and they are locked in tight its just as easy to knock out. Makes quick work of tooling changes. I made a set 1/2", 5/8", 7/8", 1" 1-1/4", 1-1/2" I am sure as time goes on I will make a few more sizes as well. The use of round stock really simplifies the construction. I made the swelled hole on the end so they are easily hung on my tooling rack. They are marked with yellow paint for quick identification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yesteryearforge Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Cool Idea pretty slick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Backwoods Blacksmith Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Neat idea. Mine is similar but I use flat bar the same width as the dies. But for odd sizes your method is great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I've also heard the term "kiss blocks" used. Many of the versions I've seen straddled both sides so they were "U" shaped but I suspect that was for hammers that had some wear on them. Your design is compact and convenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macbruce Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Neat idea, and I just happen to have a lower flat die with similar mounting holes for such a device. Looks good for guides as well as kiss blocks, thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryM Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I like the wedge lock system. Do you ever have a problem with it working loose? Another question do you use the same fixture for spring tooling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel.85 Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Bookmarked! nice and clean idea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Miller Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 I do it all the time. The wedge system does not work loose I am very satisfied with it. It saves a lot of time too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I do it all the time. The wedge system does not work loose I am very satisfied with it. It saves a lot of time too. Good point - I have a lot of saddle tooling but all are secured with a bolt. However, even with a separate jam nut, the tooling will eventually work loose when hammering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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