[TheForge] tungsten for punches?

[Ron Childers]

Would dental drills work for small stuff? 

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of jerry Frost
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 4:34 PM
To: 'Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA'
Subject: Re: [TheForge] tungsten for punches?

That about sums it up for using tig tungstens as punches. 

There are tungsten carbides for impact as well as abrasion resistance but trying to grind one into a useful punch would be a bear and need blue wheels just to start. Some of the matrix alloys aren't happy breathing dust either.

I think you'll be a lot better off using H or S series steels and making device that keeps force from the blow centered as exactly down the punch's centerline as possible.

Jer

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ries Niemi
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 10:11 AM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] tungsten for punches?

Considering how easy it is to snap a Tig ELECTRODE (not a "rod"- generally speaking, "rod" would refer to a filler rod of base metal, not a tungsten electrode), I think it wouldnt work.
Tungsten is hard, but brittle. It is alloyed, or distributed in matrixes, to make hard cutting edges, but I really doubt it would be very good for an impact tool.

You might consider trying some of the depleted uranium, though- the Israeli blacksmiths have been said to have forged some it- and since its tank penetrating ammo, it is better suited to beating on.

but hey, try it and see- and 1/8" tungsten electrode is only a few bucks, buy one and see how it works.

ries


On Mar 18, 2014, at 11:03 AM, Bruce . wrote:

> I vaguely remember a discussion on this forum that touched on the use 
> of tungsten punches.  Was there any reality to that notion?
> 
> In particular, would it make any sense to make a tungsten punch in 
> smaller sizes?  TIG rods are available 0.040" up to 5/32" -- just the 
> range where punching is difficult because the punches heat and bend.
> My thought is to encase most of the rod in a close-fitting steel 
> sheath (tube), if necessary to prevent bending and to give a steel 
> surface
for striking.
> 
> Is this idea way off-base?  Your thoughts?
> 
> Bruce
> NJ
> ______________________________________________________________

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