1045 uses?

M

Michael McKay

Joined
Nov 21, 2018
Messages
13
Hi All,

How useful is 1045 for blade making? From time to time i have to pull electric motors out and from google research and feedback from one OEM, typically the shaft is made out of 1045. If you have a 5 or 10hp motor the shaft is usually a decent sized free piece of steel. It also doesn't look like the easiest metal to heat treat if you're just using a home forge in your garage. Other than using it for a beginner like myself to practice on, does it have have much value?

Thanks

Mike
 
much more useful for an axe or hammer : )

(those are typically made of 1045 or 1055)
 
Michael McKay said:
Hi All,

How useful is 1045 for blade making? From time to time i have to pull electric motors out and from google research and feedback from one OEM, typically the shaft is made out of 1045. If you have a 5 or 10hp motor the shaft is usually a decent sized free piece of steel. It also doesn't look like the easiest metal to heat treat if you're just using a home forge in your garage. Other than using it for a beginner like myself to practice on, does it have have much value?

Thanks

Mike
Click to expand...

It would probably work as a machete or hatchet. 1045 is very soft so it would work great in a blade designed for chopping.
 
even $10 machetes use 1055 or 1075... it's really rare to see 1045 anywhere outside of hammers, anvils etc (both of which ARE very useful for blade making; )
 
1045 saw a bit of use in axes, and low to middle grade swords. Canada's government also requested its use for a WWII bolo that was made here in the States for them, so it does have uses. It wouldn't be my first chioce in bought materials, but free is free.
 
Thanks for the advice!



When it's spring, i can clean out the garage and build my forge. I think i will try to make a sheet metal hammer with it.

Started to take the 10 HP motor apart today and it's going to be a real pain to get the shaft out of the core.
 
I don't recall seeing 1045 listed on a blade ... ever. But I'm no expert either.

If it's free metal, it seems worthwhile just to putter around with while you learn the trade.
 
This is a question I had for some time : what could be the ideal balance of hardness and toughness for a sword. I'd bet on 1065. Judging from machetes, so I might be totally off. Ask @Mecha.
 
I would think 1045 would be forgiving or easy to forge. I agree with others, axes and hammers make the most sense but if you make a knife designed around impact, like a chopper, froe, or machete, you may have something that's fun to use at least.

I've not been impressed with some of the 1055 edges on hawks and machetes that I've used but running a thin edge is not a good use for them unless the cutting media isn't to abrasive or hard.

You shouldn't have to worry about chipping much.
 
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