Forging Stainless Steel

[mulepackin]

Anyone every do any forge work with stainless? I would basically be forming 3/4" rod into a half circle with 6-7 in dia. with an additional 4 inches on each end which need to be flattened and divided into a 2 prong web about 3/16 thick.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Anyone every do any forge work with stainless? I would basically be forming 3/4" rod into a half circle with 6-7 in dia. with an additional 4 inches on each end which need to be flattened and divided into a 2 prong web about 3/16 thick.

Not me, But could I interest you in a very heavy and old, forge and blower?

 

[mulepackin]

Not me, But could I interest you in a very heavy and old, forge and blower?

Actually have one of those avail. Never used it, it sits in an old shop building on our original homestead. I would guess it could be spruced up and used if I wanted to. Theres also an old hand crank post drill and some other stuff.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Actually have one of those avail. Never used it, it sits in an old shop building on our original homestead. I would guess it could be spruced up and used if I wanted to. Theres also an old hand crank post drill and some other stuff.

Some guys take those old post drills, motorize them, rebuild them with new bearings etc, add a new chuck and end up with a very nice drill for their efforts. The old stuff is still popular with some of the old blacksmith crowd. Good Luck

 

[markb1]

I haven't forged any stainless but have done some mild steel.
Your project sounds simple enough, but 3/4" ss is pretty hefty stuff, hows your arm?

Most smiths use gas forges, (they're quick, clean and fast) but you could dust off that coal forge of yours. It's alot of fun.

Any way calc. your length heat and pound like hell, SS doesn't move as easy as MS. Split the end and do it again on the other end, then heat and bend to desired dia.

Use a 3# hammer, don't hit your work cold, and bending it will be the challenge.

I know this is an over simplification but it might help
Mark

 

[mulepackin]

I haven't forged any stainless but have done some mild steel.
Your project sounds simple enough, but 3/4" ss is pretty hefty stuff, hows your arm?

Most smiths use gas forges, (they're quick, clean and fast) but you could dust off that coal forge of yours. It's alot of fun.

Any way calc. your length heat and pound like hell, SS doesn't move as easy as MS. Split the end and do it again on the other end, then heat and bend to desired dia.

Use a 3# hammer, don't hit your work cold, and bending it will be the challenge.

I know this is an over simplification but it might help
Mark

Yeah, I suspect thats what I would have to do if I get into it. I would most likely get or build a gas forge. Have a hefty old blacksmith anvil already, and plenty of hammers. The arm is another story, gets pretty sore pretty fast after many years of carpentering and horseshoeing. Might have to look into some type of trip hammer. Otherwise "heat and beat". Thanks.

 

[Dean]

hholmberg have you sold your old forge and blower yet? If not how much are you asking. Pm me if possible

 

[JB740i]

Yeah, I suspect thats what I would have to do if I get into it. I would most likely get or build a gas forge. Have a hefty old blacksmith anvil already, and plenty of hammers. The arm is another story, gets pretty sore pretty fast after many years of carpentering and horseshoeing. Might have to look into some type of trip hammer. Otherwise "heat and beat". Thanks.

I so thought you were talking about the horseshoe game when I first read it...Sorry