markb Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 I did this one this afternoon, did better on the grind with the 6" X48", it's slower and I put a new 80 grit belt on, any grinding suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitro Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 very cool. Did you just pound out the spike head. Nitro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markb Posted March 14, 2008 Author Share Posted March 14, 2008 I cut the head off. I'm just going to use the spike steel without the head to practice. I tried another one to day, spent all day forging and grinding, screwed up on the grind, so I think it's scrap, can't seem to get the shape I want,forge to thin or leave too deep of hammer marks, don't get flat etc. the list goes on, this last one looked like a potato chip,. Sure have a lot of respect for the guys that can do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Dwyer Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 Was that a Pringles chip or a Ruffles? Keep it up, you give some of the rest of us blunderers the will to go on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markb Posted March 15, 2008 Author Share Posted March 15, 2008 Thanks Phil, yesterday was very discouraging, but I think I found out one of my problems. What I thought was hammer divots, are slag pockets that have been pounded in. I do need to refine my hammering. Also I've been forging at yellow heat which I read was bad, but goes faster, I don't know how bad. I 'm afraid I may be developing bad habits. I ruined yesterdays forging at the grinder, might be able to salvage it( small version) with a file. When I saw the twist (Pringle) i ignored it to concentrate on the blade. Blade first then handles etc. I have some handle ideas but haven't made a blade worthy of one yet. Thanks for your encouragement, the feedback really helps. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy seale Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 most that don't screw up probobly never lit a fire.as far as heat goes the more carbon content the lower heat you use-so you don't burn away the carbon.spikes are a max. of 30 pts. carbon and not good for more than a letter opener, etc. need atleast 60 pts. or higher to make a decent blade. BUT please don't stop or take this as a put down, you are developing skills and technique. that my friend is a ongoing process.look at the blue prients and it will give you lots of ideas and projects.and keep it up, happy hammering, jimmy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandalphon Posted March 27, 2008 Share Posted March 27, 2008 I agree with Jimmy, with the exception of spikes marked as High carbon (they have a little HC mark on the head) and these are good for utility blades like tomys or small hatchets and utility work knives that take a beating anyway. But, not good for 'higher' quality blade roles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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