Chance Baker Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Hey guys i'm designing a swage block to get cast and i was wondering what you guys think should be included in any swage block and what you guys would personally like to see, please be specific in the type of holes and sizes in correlation to them. I appreciate all of you guys' help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Welcome to IFI... if you haven't read this thread I suggest it to get the best from the forum. To answer your questions we pretty much need to know how large a swage block you are wanting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chance Baker Posted February 18, 2018 Author Share Posted February 18, 2018 the swage block is gonna be 10x10x4 so it will fit in a large flat rate box and will be light enough to ship flat rate i plan on making this into a business selling affordable swage blocks that have features people want included. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-1ToolSteel Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 I don't have a swage block, but If I did, I would want it to have depressions for bowls, ladles, spoons, etc. The half round and half square depressions on the sides are something that would be nice, but I personally don't think I would use them very often. Remember that back in the day, hammer marks were a sign of poor quality work, thus making a swage block coupled with the appropriate top swages a very useful tool. Nowadays, people *like* hammer marks, making them largely obsolete. Most swage blocks also had square and round holes for holding jigs, drifting tools, etc. I personally wouldn't use those very often, as the hardy hole, pritchel hole, and vise accommodate most of my needs. I'm sure there are some people here who couldn't imagine life without one, but I think most of us like them mainly because of nostalgia.....which raises the question "is there a big enough market for modern produced swage blocks to make any kind of profit?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou L Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 I think it would have to have a one inch hardy hole and a two inch hole for drifting hammers and such as well as for making hardy tools. Also, I think,it would be useful for two of the corners to be rounded with different radiuses for sheet metal or armor making. The dishing areas for spoons and bowls are super nice as well. Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 You really want it to be useful in today's world. This one is about all that's needed. https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/51253-new-england-blacksmiths-swage-block-polished-and-ready-for-use/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 19, 2018 Share Posted February 19, 2018 10x10x4 solid would be 105# in ductile 113# in steel so you need to have at least 1/3 if that missing to meet that max weight on a flat rate box and expect them to shred the box in shipping. (ALWAYS have a label on the item being shipped, in an indentation if possible.) The issues is the patterns will need to be specific for the uses. What an armour wants would not help a bladesmith much. I don't think I would drift over a cast iron block. I prefer steel when I'm sledging! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted February 19, 2018 Share Posted February 19, 2018 Swage blocks have 6 usable sides. Make it strong enough to stand up to a sledge hammer. Depending on that the individual blacksmith is doing dictates the shape he looks for to use. 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.