making tent stakes?

[TATTOOMAN]

This is not completely off topic. I have a friend with a young son that has recently got into civil war reinactment. I am goint to make him some tent stakes, with his help, and I want to make them from 3/8" round stock, mild steel. Will a charcoal (kingsford) fire get hot enough to hammer out a spike point and hook end to stake his tent down with. And will quenching in water help toughen them to take driving them in the ground with a hammer? I'm trying for a authentic look. Thanks for any info, Randy

 

[SBuzek]

Better to use lump charcoal if you can find it,but the bricquttes will work.keep mama's hairdryer handy and force some air on them while heatin the steel and you should be fine.Use a small pile of charcoal and add to it as needed.
Stan

 

[sunshadow]

only if you give it forced air draft

http://www.dfoggknives.com/charcoal_forge.htm

http://www.anvilfire.com/index.php?...htm&titleName=anvilfire.com Blacksmithing FAQ

http://aquadoodiloop.com/how-to-build-your-own-blacksmith-forge/

Brake drum forges are not the greatest, but they will get you started. 3/8 round stock is not strong enough to hold a reenactor tent most folks I know use 1/2 to 5/8 rebar or 1/2 to 5/8 HotRolled square

-Page

 

[Sam Salvati]

I'll snag a picture of the tent stakes I make today They also double as throwing spikes.

 

[LRB]

You do not want round steel stakes. Been there. They will turn in common or loose soil. Use 3/8" square stock. In loose soil, square wood holds better.