[TheForge] 1045 uses

[George Dixon]

I make die forged blacksmith tools from 1045 but I would not use it for 
dies.  Nor would I use spring steel...it is metalurgically not tool 
steel.  New tool steel, as opposed to dumpster-diving for way-used 
spring steel, is dependable because it is the right material for tools 
(like spring steel is metalurgically right for its application).  S-7 
makes very solid dies and is a straightforward heat-treat.
New tool steel is normalized for sawing, delivered by UPS and is cheaper 
than the time wasted prowling the trash for supplies, heating the scrap 
up to normalize it, then sawing it to size....time has way more value 
than can be saved using junk.
Lastly, used springs can have stress fractures from use and  abuse, 
which may become apparent only after the
die made from them is hardened...when it can crack from previous stresses.
If you are serious about your trade and understand the value of your 
time, stick to new materials which are alloyed with their end use in mind.

George Dixon
metalsmith