Greebe Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 Hello there. I have done a lot of searching for 1060 square bar to make some axes from, but have had no luck finding any. Not sure if it is even available in square anymore. I can find 1045 square, but was hoping to try hand forging some 1060. So if anyone knows where I could buy this I would appreciate the help. If not I will just go for 1045 I guess or A-36 and weld in a steel bit, but would like to use 1060 if I could. Many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 have you tried any of the many places listed in the supplier list in the Knife section? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greebe Posted January 30, 2021 Author Share Posted January 30, 2021 27 minutes ago, Steve Sells said: have you tried any of the many places listed in the supplier list in the Knife section? Thanks. I did look there first and didn't see anything, but maybe I missed one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Bullet Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 The curved spring "anchors" that are sometimes placed on either side of a railroad tie are reputed to be somewhere close to 1060. I'm not suggesting you go get any off a track as railroads trend to frown on that, but if you can find any strays off the right of way they will suit your purpose. I've made a few knives and tomahawks from them and oil quenched and baked at 425 deg F for a little over an hour produces something that holds an edge fairly well. Just keep in mind I'm not a professional. I've given away every knife or tomahawk made that way and I haven't had any complaints. This advice is free as well and I assure you it is worth every penny of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dickb Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 I did a Google search for rail anchor specifications and/or rail anchor steel . Apparently the material is 60Si2MnA I have forged a few punches and cold chisels from rail anchors. After quenching and tempering to a light straw color they cut mild steel like a hot knife through butter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 8 hours ago, dickb said: Apparently the material is 60Si2MnA ALL of them or is this the spec from one manufacturer? I can make the hour drive into Anchorage and buy 3' of 1060 or 1070 at Metalsupermarket for about $25 IIRC. They had a pretty good selection on the racks and they cut to length for reasonable. Price and shipping for metals the local outlet doesn't carry come to a wash if you don't mind waiting. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greebe Posted January 30, 2021 Author Share Posted January 30, 2021 Thanks for the replies, but I Would rather just purchase the steel and not steal the steel! Thinking that I will have to either go with 1045 or mild steel and weld in a bit of Aldo's 1084 I have on hand. Might just order some 1045 and A-36 to have on hand. Seems like not only have prices skyrocketed in the past few months, but it is getting hard to find stuff with the world going bonkers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyBones Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 I am using some old leaf springs to make wrapped eye axes out of right now. I believe they are 5160, a little tricky to weld but once i got the technique down they are coming along nicely. You could also try a local machine shop, they may let you piggy back on one of there orders. Or they may have a piece on hand they would be willing to sell you. I work in a machine shop and we have on hand in the tool room 4140, S-7, H-13, O-1, A-2, etc. I am sure if i look hard enough i would find 1060. We do a lot of in house repairs so we do have a variety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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