Rantalin Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 I just got a new job to earn some extra money for the summer, and in the same building is a shop which machines 52100 steel into various imprinting dies. The guy said I could just take any of the scrap they have lying around. Most of it is cylinders about 3-4 inches in diameter and a couple inches high. How easily could I take these chunks and turn them into a bar for making knives and other tools from? I don't have access to any sort of power hammer, so it'd all be done by hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 When you get however many you want flat by using a hand hammer you may be able to get a job as popeyes stunt double. Less effort to get some steel drops from a spring shop almost the size for blades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 Rantalin, those would make some GREAT anvil shapes!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny99 Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 Take it all, wheather you can use it or not. Then mark it well so you don't lose track of it. That's prime trading stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rantalin Posted July 12, 2007 Author Share Posted July 12, 2007 The guy had a piece on the scrap pallet that was a good 7 or 8 inches in diameter and about a foot long. I asked about it but he said it was still a good piece and was going to be used. Needless to say I was disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 Well I'd start by sawing it into volumes appropriate for a knife---faster to heat and less to move into shape. Definitely get all he will let you have and mark it and show up at a smithing meeting/conference with some! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I agree with both Rich H. and Thomas P. That would be SOME wailing by hand, but you could cut them in strips maybe 3/8" or 1/2" (or whatever it takes depending on the thickness) using a band saw or even a sawsall across the diameter. Would yield 3 or 4 pieces that would be suitable for some blades. remaining "crescents" could also be forged easier I'm all for using what you can find, but don't wear yourself out. That kinda work takes the fun out of it See attached example Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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