[TheForge] Tungsten

[Andrew Vida]

Ralph Sproul wrote:
> 	I also have a question - it is not related to forge contruction or burner
> placement though I am enjoying the posts on them.
> 
> 	Does anyone have a source for 3/4, 7/8, or 1" round Tungsten.  From my
> readings on the net it is a "refractory metal" that is used in shaping and
> steel working process as it's melting temperature is almost twice that of
> steel.  It is also impossible to weld for the small shop, but is made in
> sintered powder pressure process to make it machinable and useful to the
> metals industry(and others).  It not only has a high melting point - but
> also a high compression value so it can be used as a slitting/drifting
> chisel in a press like Uri Hoffi does in one pass thru a hammer head.

	MP is almost 6200*F.  You won't be likely to melt it in your forge. :)

> 	The problem becomes finding which alloy to order and at a price one can
> afford.   I was going to order from McMaster Carr - their high density
> tungsten bar (8 inches of 3/4" for $97 - but the new price increase has it
> at $151 for the product)   :-(

	For the money, I think you'd be far better off using other materials

> 	From talking with Uri a couple years ago and Dean Curfman at Quad state,
> They mentioned using an almost pure alloy of tungsten for hot punching.  The
> high density alloy from McMaster is 90% tungsten and the rest is copper and
> nickle - the copper making it stronger to hold shape.  The sad part is the
> price of this material and was wondering if anyone knew where to access this
> product more affordably.

	Surplus joints.  If, e.g., you can find someone making penetrators for 
anti-armor rounds (non-DU), maybe you could buy their drops.  I used to 
have a friend in that biz, but he doesn't do it anymore, but he used 
pure W in the cores of the penetrators he made.  They were absolutely 
beautiful pieces of work.