Top tool steel?

A.McPherson

A.McPherson

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 27, 2012
Messages
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Hey Guys, I'm looking at forging out some tools, so I thought I'd get some advise before I waste a bunch of material and money...

I've seen 4140 mentioned as a good steel for making hammers. Would it also work well for top tools (hot cut, dishing dies, drifts,etc)?

Thanks!
 
Many would advise h13 for punches/chisels since it is super tough and air hardening so won't lose temper and require cooling during use. I think of lettered steels as tool steel. XXXX number steels (other than 10XX) series are alloy steels.


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From what I have found, is
4140/1045 good for hammers/tongs, etc
H13 good for any hot work, drifts, punches, etc
S7 for any shock type tools, cutters, fullers, etc
 
Thanks for the replies fellas! I found a local steel supplier that carries all three of those! Ruining lots of steel here I come!! Lol!


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Tool steels get expensive, also much more difficult to forge. A tip I picked up from Arnon Kartmazov was to weld a small hunk of H13 onto the end of a bar of mild or rebar then forge the whole tool out.


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