madwing Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 in my cba level 1 class we've been making tools. started out with some forms, to start learning technique, in mild steel. we then progressed to actual tool steel, using 5/8" round offcuts of drawn-out jackhammer bit to make a 1/4" round punch and a 1/8" x 5/8" slit punch. attached is a picture of them after annealing and filing/grinding to finish. i'll take them to class this week and i think we're going to harden and temper them. it was fun, and i've now got two more tools for my little arsenal of blacksmithery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Good for you. There are few things more satisfying than using tools you've made yourself. Try not to tarnish them too much handling them before you get them heat treated. Think I'm joking? How do they feel in your hand? Remember to wipe them down with a lightly oiled rag when you're done fondling them. <grin> Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Nice, love the very SC display napkin! need to make a slot punch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gergely Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Good work! I do have those kind of tools but looking at yours makes me want to make new ones! Have you seen this: Mark Aspery's way to forge basic tools. Greetings Gergely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 They are nice tools, Madwing. I have a lot of that hexagon shaped tool steel and have made some similar to yours, but my knowledge of normalising and tempering etc. is lacking and I have bent some and shattered some. I've read about how to do it, but as you have obviously found out, there's nothing like seeing it done by someone who knows.I had hoped by today I would know more, as I have just returned from a long trip down south to a blacksmith course in which I would have made tongs, punches etc. However, unfortunately the master blacksmith who has run these courses for many years, became ill and the course was cancelled. It was an expensive exercise with plane flights and accomm etc, but you never know when sickness can strike and I hope he returns to good health soon. I see the courses have been rescheduled for next month so I may have to make the effort again.Meanwhile, I will continue making 'disposable' punches! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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