Got some leaf spring!

R

RedEdge77

Joined
Jul 13, 2005
Messages
2,303
Well last week I was finally able to obtain some leaf springs off of a Nissan Xterra. That is about as far as i've gotten.

I plan on getting an anvil sometime soon and start figuring out what to do. Basically where should I start with this?

I would like to make a knife with about a 3-4 inch blade with a 5 inch handle. Something simple like a drop point. I have no grinder but can easily get some files. Basically I have no power tools except a dremel with limited attachments.

Without measuring I believe the leaf spring is about 2 1/2-2 3/4 inches wide and about 5/8" thick.

I have the book 50$ dollar knife shop and have read it once but will start it again soon. So what should my first order of business be?
 
I suggest doing some basic forging using low carbon steel to get a feel for it. Once you can do a good job at shaping you should then move onto the leaf spring and begin your knife. Your going to want to draw out the steel because 5/8 is very very thick for a short knife. You should also cut the steel lengthwise.

I'm somewhere in the general area you are so if you need something I might be able to help you out. I have some 3/4" thick 3" wide leaf springs if you want to try one as a temporary anvil. A thick piece of steel bolted to a large log also makes a cheap and decent first anvil, but can only handle light forging for a limited amount of time.

Your first order of business should be to build a forge, obtain an anvil or anvil like object, get proper hammer(s), get tongs or a pipe wrench, get some files, and get to work.
 
How would I go about cutting the steel length wise? Would it be easiest to just buy a used plasma cutter?

I plan on going to the junkyard sometime soon to find some scraps to make a forge out of, so I will be doing that first. Then the anvil. For hammers I plan on getting a 3# and either a 6# or 8#. Other than what you said all I need is a vice and I will be good to go hopefully. Thank you :)
 
RedEdge77 said:
How would I go about cutting the steel length wise? Would it be easiest to just buy a used plasma cutter?

I plan on going to the junkyard sometime soon to find some scraps to make a forge out of, so I will be doing that first. Then the anvil. For hammers I plan on getting a 3# and either a 6# or 8#. Other than what you said all I need is a vice and I will be good to go hopefully. Thank you :)
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IMHO you still need to do a lot more research. Use the search function on this site a lot and also read Wayne's book cover to cover a few times. Set what you have aside and research more so that you don't have to always rely on us for answers. If you search here on the forums and read Wayne's book a few times you will find the answers to a whole lot of your questions. There are many threads on this site pertaining to leaf springs and how hard it is to identify what steel the leaf spring really is. There are many threads on forging out a blade as well as what tools you may need. There is a thread on that right now in Shop Talk on the first page that talks about what tools to get. There are many threads about anvils and makeshift anvils. Do a bit more homework before jumping head first into this. If you still get stuck after doing a lot of research ask us for help. You are starting this the same way I did and I was told to drop everything and read, read, read, and read some more. Know what you are doing before you even attempt to do it. Just my $.02 worth.
 
Pick up a copy of The Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way to Perfection by Jim Hrisoulas. If a plasma cutter works like an oxy/acetylene torch then no, do not use one for cutting the steel. I use a steel chisel and a hammer once the steel reachs ~1800, this works better with two people but one can do it. Buy a 1lb and 2lb ball pien hammers, a 3lb or 4lb cross pien and straight pien.

If you are going to use charcoal for your forge I can help you design a side blast forge that can cost 15-100 depending on how much you want to spend.
 
ekibyougami said:
Pick up a copy of The Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way to Perfection by Jim Hrisoulas. If a plasma cutter works like an oxy/acetylene torch then no, do not use one for cutting the steel. I use a steel chisel and a hammer once the steel reachs ~1800, this works better with two people but one can do it. Buy a 1lb and 2lb ball pien hammers, a 3lb or 4lb cross pien and straight pien.

If you are going to use charcoal for your forge I can help you design a side blast forge that can cost 15-100 depending on how much you want to spend.
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I was looking at that book earlier today and was going to ask here about it. Now I will pick it up. I am going to read up on some things first, but when I get around to building a forge if I have any trouble I will give you a shout. :)
 
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