Jasent Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 What's your fav steel for hammer drifts? I have a made a few drifts from unknown steels and have had some success doing so. I bought some H13 to make my next one but with further research I found its not a great steel for beginners. Can I use this steel with out a heat treatment? I've heard people also using a2, L6, and spring steels or axel alloys. I don't want to start with a steel I may ruin quickly threw negligence. What is your fav drift steel and more importantly why? I know that hammer drifts will see a lot of heat especially while a beginner is drawing out the cheeks solo. I would like to use a steel that is tough under heat but not so challenging for a beginner with HT or lack there of. Thanks for your time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Drift or Punch? Drifts don't have nearly the heat issues as punches! I use old structural steel construction bullpins. Car/truck axle and large coil springs have also been used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasent Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 Drift. I learned to make punches at my smithing class. We used 1" coil spring for the punch. It needs a little dressing after each hammer head but hasn't been bad. If small heads you could prob do 2 before dressing it tho I keep it cool best I can. I want to make my drift to fit handles I get at north 40. 7/16"X 13/16" For the drift as the handles are slightly smaller than that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickOHH Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Typically a drift wouldn't have a handle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasent Posted November 2, 2017 Author Share Posted November 2, 2017 30 minutes ago, NickOHH said: Typically a drift wouldn't have a handle That's my hammer punch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 He means that they will drift the hammer eye to the size and shape of the hammer handles he gets---a worthy goal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotshoein4 (Mark) Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 H13 is a great steel for both drifts and punches. I have several tools that are h13 and they hold up great in hot steel. S7 is my second choice for punches and drifts. I'd say use it up. From what I've seen of your forging skills, you'll do alright with it. Yes it is tough to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Don't overheat! I once was finding it slow going forging H-13 for a slitting chisel and so like a typical smith I ran the heat a bit higher and had it cottage cheese on me. Luckily it was on an end so I could rescue the piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotshoein4 (Mark) Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 29 minutes ago, ThomasPowers said: Don't overheat! That's super correct with tool steels!!! Proper forging temp for h13 according to the "Heat treating Society" is Heat slowly. Pre heat 1300-1500°F, start forging at 1950-2100°F. Do not forge when temp of stock drops below 1650°F. Cool slowly. I don't see any need to heat treat it. H13 is pretty tough stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasent Posted November 2, 2017 Author Share Posted November 2, 2017 Thank you Thomas and mark! I suppose the worst that could happen is I payed $15 for a learning lesson. Either way I win Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donniev Posted January 1, 2018 Share Posted January 1, 2018 Have you tried it yet? H13 is great stuff- I've used it for a few tools, I don't enjoy forging it, but love using the tool later. I personally wouldn't try to hand forge any h13 over 3/4" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasent Posted January 1, 2018 Author Share Posted January 1, 2018 Too late. I'm about half way finished with it. Used the 8# for most of it. I started with 8" of 1" round and I think I should have went with 6" but that's ok. I haven't been able to get back to the shop this week but when I was shutting down last I brought the drift up to a cherry almost orange and just left it in the forge to cool slowly. I will up date when I finish it up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.