Kozzy Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I just tripped over some material that's been sitting around the shop for 15 years and thought I'd toss out some "water cooler talk" just to see if someone had opinions and ideas. Nothing pressing or important--just got me thinking.A machinist friend made a mistake and ended up with 4 blocks of 4140, parallel blanchard ground faces, 8" x 8.5" x 3.5" which he traded to me for some magic beans. He wanted them gone because the expensive mistake angered him every time he saw the darned things sitting in the corner of his shop. They're roughly 60 lbs each.Since my screaming toe decided to start the conversation, I got to thinking about what I should do with them...possibly swage blocks of some sort? Anything on your wish list that you'd make from blocks like that? Some sort of swage block you never get around to making but would if the material landed on your toe? Other suggestions? Something on your wish list?Just fishing for ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KYBOY Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Would make dandy bolster blocks to forge hardy's in..Or small swage blocks either one.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rashelle Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Well you're near enough to me. One of them would make a good start on a striking anvil. PM me if you're interested in a trade or just want to get rid of one of them. As is one in a stump would also make a potential anvil for a starter or someone using a block to show all you need is something heavy to hit on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GottMitUns Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 You could make a lot of stuff out of them, the first thing that came to mind was a striking anvil like Rashelle said. the second thing that came to mind was a "dedicated work block" anvil for making one item or doing one process over and over again. there is a youtube somewhere of a power hammer with a dedicated bottom die for making tongs that was just spitting them out. Russell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Yeah, striking anvil is what I would make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rashelle Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Another option would be an anvil like Brian Brazeal uses. I can't think of a description for it at the moment though other then could go something like a swage block on it's side with built in bottom fullers, hammering face, and butcher. Which is not a good description but sounds like a good idea, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everything Mac Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I've taken a liking to Brian's anvil block recently too. I'd certainly be tempted to make one of those. A little swage block would be nice for a portable set up too. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 They'd make excellent power hammer dies.Being the proud owner of a Lancaster pattern swage block for at least 25 years now and a bucket full of bottom swages I can attest they look neater than they are useful.Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThorsHammer82 Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 My thought was power hammer dies as well. with the second thought being a portable anvil, or loaner Anvil for someone who's just starting out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kozzy Posted September 18, 2015 Author Share Posted September 18, 2015 After seeing the simpler design of the Kinyon style power hammer, using them as power hammer dies was on my list as a possibility. That style of hammer is quite doable for my fab shop vs some of the other designs. Thanks to all for ideas. Until I actually decide and do something (and get off my lazy backside), the blanks are just boat anchors so any suggestion helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob S Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 I can attest they look neater than they are useful.Frosty The Lucky.tru dat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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