Use for a swage block?

S

sirwilliamjr

Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
44
First, let me make sure I'm using the right name. It's a cube of steel w/ hemispheres cut in it and tools to match the different holes. That's a swage block, right? Anyway, my Granddad gave me one today that he used when he was a jeweler. It's about a 2 inch cube, with dimples ranging from about 1/8 inch to 1.5 inch. And a bunch of tools with balls on the end to match the holes (although the tools only go to about 3/4 inch diameter). My question is, what could this be used for in regards to knives? Do any of you guys ever use one for anything?

-Will
 
Will, what you have there is a jeweller's DAPPING block and punch set. It is mostly used to dome discs of silver or gold to make hollow balls or cupped pearl seats. Unfortunately you can't use them for steel since they are not hardened. Don
 
Well, I guess I won't be using it much then. Thanks for the correction and the info, Don. I probably would have been pretty dissapointed when it started tearing up when I tried to hammer steel on it. Oh well. It's still pretty cool to have (nice paper weight?).

-Will
 
I have two of them, have made lots of knife stuff as well as jewlery stuff, all non ferrus metals and soft. You can have a lot of fun with it. Just don't mess it up and make a few yourself, you can make ----
 
I had to do a google search on it....but I think I understand what you mean now....any chance of posting a pic of it?
 
neat stuff....

158@00.jpg
 
once you start looking you will find something to do with it. Probably make some nice endcaps for mimi's
 
As a jeweler I use one all the time.As a knifemaker,I use one from time to time.You can dome up a piece of silver/brass/nickel and make a neat butt cap/pommel.Do it from 1/8" stock and you can filework it into a pumpkin cap.It makes perfect domed rivet plates for Sami style riveted tangs.And if you ever get fancy enough to make an assembled western guard in silver,it can make all those half domes to solder on.
SA
 
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