forging w1 rounds

Evan Martin

Evan Martin

Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
521
I'm getting things ready for my little forging project hope I want fall in love because i like stock removal alot anyway. I have read in previous threads I think it was Mr. Phillip who was selling 2" round W2 and he said that you just about would have to have a air hammer well I don't have that option (maybe later). I can get W1 locally (Fastenal) what diameter is easy forged with a hammer but is still big enough to make a slighty bigger blade if need be I was thinking 3/4" or 1" would do any help would be greatly appreciated
 
These are from 7/8" round W1:

oi8-1.jpg


II7-1.jpg


IO5-2.jpg
 
Stick with the 3/4 inch to start with. The difficulty in forging increases dramatically when you add a quarter inch to the stock, forged.
A three pound hammer will work the 3/4" nicely.:thumbup:


I've heard it said that: Stock removal is to forging what puppy love is to romance.
Be careful, you may get the bug.
Have fun! :thumbup:

Fred
 
Dang, those are pretty, Karl! I don't recall seeing those before. :thumbup:
 
3/4 will take you a little while, but it can be done. 1 inch will hurt ya...lol.
 
I'd go with 5/8". 3/4" just to much for your first adventure. 5/8" should give you at least a 1 1/4" in width and won't destroy your arm.
 
Where are these Fastenal stores that carry tool steels? My local store only has mild steel. Boo....

Josh
 
Ask them to order it. My local Fastenal only carries O1 but I asked them for 3/4" W1 and they had it for me within 3 days. They can get brass stock too but it's expensive.
 
jackrabbitslim said:
Ask them to order it. My local Fastenal only carries O1 but I asked them for 3/4" W1 and they had it for me within 3 days. They can get brass stock too but it's expensive.
Click to expand...

Your store carries O1? The guys at mine looked at me like I was a little crazy when I asked about it... :)

If I can figure out how to make a knife out of aluminum rounds, I'd be set. It would probably forge easily... :)

Josh
 
Yeah but you have to worry about melting it. Although to get knife material from beer cans might be the best thing in the entire world!
And, yeah, the Fastenal in my hometown carries O1 drill rod up to like 1". Maybe it's because of the oilfields around here... who knows? But they were super nice about ordering other stuff too. They're a little expensive but that's kind of offset by not having to swing shipping.
 
all fastenal stores carry oil hardening drill rod (O1) and can order Water hardening drill rod (W1)

you just gotta figure out how to ask for it so that the minimum wage guy at the counter can find it for you.
 
I have to agree that the staff at some Fastenal stores leave something to be desired when it comes to things like steel. I have asked for things and received the blank stare. I take the book, look it up and point to the item I want. I usually go on line and find the item number first. Here is 3/4" by 3' W-1 round stock ($13.88).
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0987933
 
In the Travers Tool Company May sales flyer, pg. 57, there is W1 and O1 PG on sale. Both are in 36" lengths... W1 $2.25 to $2.60 a pound and O1 $2.80 to $3.00 a pound in the 3/4", 5/8", 1/2" sizes... other sizes, smaller and larger available... http://www.travers.com

1/2" rnd. makes a rectangle 3/16" x 1", 5/8" rnd. makes 1/4" x 1 3/16", 3/4" makes 1/4" x 1 3/4" or 5/16" x 1 3/8" ... just to view a round more like a blade.

Mike
 
Just my opinion on hammer weights. Yes, a 3 lb hammer will move more steel per swing, but you can keep swinging a 2.5 lb hammer a lot longer,( and with better control ) especially if you're just starting smashing iron. I've been hammering for over 5 years, and still use a 2.5 for normal work and only grab the 3lb when working big stuff. As I said, just my opinion and you'll have to find what works for you.:)

Ray
PS
Welcome to the wonderful world of Red hot Steel !
 
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