Nick Esposito Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 Does anyone know if this cheap swage tool is up to par for Blacksmithing work? The seller claims they are ductile iron. Any thoughts Link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 Yes, No, Maybe depending on how *YOU* would use it. Ductile is better than grey cast iron and not as good as steel. Most swage blocks are not steel for that matter. For working sheetmetal it would probably do fine once cleaned up. For making half round D2 rods it would probably be a bit soft and light. I have a couple of ductile drifts (hammer handle and hawk) and I try to do most of the heavy work with a steel bull pin and then just do a couple final heats with the ductile drifts to nudge the shape home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herb Upham Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 Making your own is an alternative ... that way you have the size you really need and can customize easily as your forging needs change. Also your own forging will most likely need less clean up than the cast iron one will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Miller Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 I would rate it as OK not amazing tool and not a piece of junk either. I would be happy to own it would I use it much I don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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