[TheForge] LG dies, was cast iron - Little Giant pulley

[lama]

Ralph, the dies on my 75# Kinyon air hammer, my former 50# LG,
and my heavy treadle hammer are all made of 4340 not heat treated
in any way and in daily use for years & years and are still in great
condition. I am using 4"x4"x10-1/2" 4340 for the dies on my big air
hammer. By the way, my bolt-on dies have never come loose of their
own accord.
dave m

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ralph Sproul" <brhlbsmt@mcttelecom.com>
To: <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2002 8:05 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] LG dies, was cast iron - Little Giant pulley


>         Cameron, I find no reason at all not to use 4140 for hammer dies.
>         You may find many a damaged cutter if you try to mill a forged
piece
> of 4140.  It is a chrome alloy and will get hard in the air to a certain
> degree.   Welding to 4140 will yield hard spots that will dull inserts,
and
> take the rake of your band saw blades.  I think it is wishful thinking to
> figure your going to make an accurate set of dovetails on a press.
>     If you have a milling machine, buy the stock the right size, and mill
it
> the first time.....your short cut will cost you in the long run.
>         My two cents.
>
> Ralph Sproul - Bear Hill Blacksmith
> Webster, NH
>
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