[TheForge] Re: original swage block question

[Bob Rackers]

Just in case anyone is wondering why I am being such a stickler on the
specifics of the questions I asked, I'll give the scenario.
I'm the resident blacksmith where I work, though most of my time is actually
spent (i.e. full-time job) aging the pottery we make (reproductions of 18th and
19th century redware).
The few consistent things I make in the blacksmith shop are made from either
1/4" round or 3/8" round stock.
For the few occasions when I may need something else, I have a few odds and
ends of other sizes, and two sections of 3/4" round just under 4' long.
My boss walks in to the pottery on a Thursday and asks if I can make this item
by Saturday.
He doesn't realize at the time that I will be working half that Saturday in the
pottery, so I tell him that I can't have it done by then.
So he asks me to have something forged and ready for bending to shape by
Wednesday.
Fortunately, I can find the time to sneak into the blacksmith shop Monday and
Tuesday after finishing my work in the pottery, but I have no time to run out
and get any other materials, so I have to make do with what I have on hand.
I have to use 3/4" round for the first two feet, and I need additional length
more than I have in the other 2'.
At this point all I can do is to HOPE that the half-round profile will be
strong enough for what I need.
If it works, then I can rethink what materials I want to use to do the same
job.
If not, then I at least know that I need something stronger.
Regardless, the prototype will show me how it works (or doesn't work)
ergonomically.
So all the alternatives are fine for future consideration, but they don't do a
thing to help me on this prototype because I don't have those options available
right now.

Bob