leaf spring identification

I won't forge used leaf springs because many years ago I was 3/4 the way into a blade and found cracks. But I can get brand new drop pieces from a local spring shop for 22 cents a pound. My last few trips there I was not even charged.

Almost all the drops were in the 12-14" range. I consider that the best of all worlds. Cheap known steel that is easy to forge and HT without the stresses of being on a car or truck for years. Remember leaf springs are under stress from the moment they are placed on a vehicle. Even parked in a garage they are still being stressed.

My dad worked for Benz Spring Co. in Seattle for 25 years and 5160 is the only steel they ever used.
 
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Not all used springs have stress cracks BUT.... The problem is ou can't tell until you have a bunch of hour into the blade. Just need to be aware of it and if you really want to use leaf springs then check all the way through the process.
 
is there a super source out there for 5160?

I checked admiral, and for what I was looking for(.25" X1.25") they only sold it by the 20' stick, though they could shear it down.

right now I'm looking for a 3' section for a prototype crossbow prod, so if anybody knows a place selling 5160 in smaller quantities, let me know.

thanks

Kindyr
 
so why is the whole leaf spring thing so accepted by many if cracks are a big issue. some knife making books suggest them, tim livley's video suggests them. just kind of strange that these guys would suggest using something that isnt sure to work.

i dont know. i think if i were to use them it would only be to practice but then again why go through all the hassle of cutting them etc.

jake
 
strahd71 said:
so why is the whole leaf spring thing so accepted by many if cracks are a big issue. some knife making books suggest them, tim livley's video suggests them. just kind of strange that these guys would suggest using something that isnt sure to work.

i dont know. i think if i were to use them it would only be to practice but then again why go through all the hassle of cutting them etc.

jake
Click to expand...

I don't think cutting them would be much of a hassle.. you have to cut any steel to make a knife.
I'd also bet that people that use leaf springs forge them. I would like to know the answer to your first question though.
 
I made a lot a knives out of old leaf springs before I noticed problems. I do not want anyone to think that all leaf springs are bad since many good knives have been and are still made with leaf springs. Not being sure about the material (yes many are 5160 but some are not) and the possibility of stress cracks have made me shy away for the most part. I do like working with coils springs esp if I can get them spectro'd. The biggest thing for me is being able to tell my customer what the blade is made from with some sort of surety. Yes getting material from a dealer can have problems too but it is readily apparent when beginning to forge that something is off. Also it is a good idea to know what the bar should look like, (most 5160 comes with rounded edges). If I do not think the material is as advertised I would be on the phone questioning the supplier. In my machine shop days i have had to send material back that did not meet spec or was beat up too much. i have been very lucky that I have not dealt with a miss label of material from a reputable supplier, Admiral, Pacific Machinery and tool steel, Aldo Bruno and Don Hansen III. For the cost, to me it is not worth taking a chance on most steel. I did score 2 large cat springs a few years ago. Since I have enough material I will get it spectro'd to see what I have. If you want to play around and take the chance by all means go for it. I myself will not tell my customers that I have made a blade out of 5160 if I have used a leaf spring but rather tell them that. The bggest thing to do here is HAVE FUN.

Get it HOT and hit it HARD
 
Another source for 5160 is Security Steel. They seem to have good prices.....but again, they like to sell 20'+ sticks. I think they sell to spring makers. A friend told me about them....but it is too much material for me sit on. I tried buying replacement springs from a local car/truck spring shop. It is more expensive and most of the folks working there don't know what type of steel it is. I checked with some of the new spring suppliers that sell to the local spring shops here in Las Vegas and found that some are T6160. I backed off of that one because I had no idea on the HT process involved with it. Another shop used spring stock from a company called "Triangle Spring" and they use 5160H. I picked up all the short "cut-offs" he had, and may buy some 48" from him in the future.

Good Luck!
Brad Voyles
 
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mike,

thats a really good price i have saved that link and when i buy i think it might be some of that!

thanks buddy

jake
 
Thanks for the link. 5160 in round bar is tough to find. That is the Portland branch of where my dad worked.
 
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