[TheForge] Re: 1045

Thu Feb 20 16:04:31 2003

In a message dated 2/19/03 11:10:48 PM Central Standard Time, 
[email protected] writes:

> Message: 6
> Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 10:25:57 -0500
> From: George Dixon <[email protected]>
> Organization: Traditional Metalsmith Magazine
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [TheForge] 1045 uses
> Reply-To: [email protected]
> 
> 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
> 
> 
George,   What kind of tools do you make with 1045?  I also have found a 
small source of 4140 and 4150 which I thought would make good dies.   All of 
this metal is virgin, cut offs from a forging shop.

Ben

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