Using 52100

J

JamesPEmmons

Joined
Sep 3, 2008
Messages
269
Hello Everyone,

I have a pretty much under limited supply of 52100 via my work. The 52100 comes from old roller bearings we use in our equipment. I make stock removal knives and I have no plans to start forging blades. But I would like to use this steel. It is odd shaped races (12" diameter) and cone and cylinder shaped rollers normal around 2" diameter. Would it be possible to build a Hydraulic press to make bar stock from this steel? How big would it have to be? Looking to press it down to around 1/4 or 3/16 then I would run it thru a surface grinder I have.

James
 
JamesPEmmons said:
Hello Everyone,

I have a pretty much under limited supply of 52100 via my work. The 52100 comes from old roller bearings we use in our equipment. I make stock removal knives and I have no plans to start forging blades. But I would like to use this steel. It is odd shaped races (12" diameter) and cone and cylinder shaped rollers normal around 2" diameter. Would it be possible to build a Hydraulic press to make bar stock from this steel? How big would it have to be? Looking to press it down to around 1/4 or 3/16 then I would run it thru a surface grinder I have.

James
Click to expand...

I'm a Timken Service Representative. The cone shaped rollers ARE NOT 52100. They are a carburized low carbon steel that is high carbon on the outside shell only. As soon as you start to forge them into bar, they will decarb enough to lose any hardenability. The cylinder shaped rollers may or may not be 52100. Email me the manufacturer and full part numbers, and I'll identify the steel for you. scottickesknives@gmail.com
 
First let me say, not all bearing stock is 52100. Scott Ickes is the guru on this subject since he works with them daily and will help you make sure you have 52100. Now to answer your question yes you can build a hydraulic press to reduce the material. A 16 ton would be fine. if you take a look at Don Foggs website he has several designs you may like use as inspiration. He also offers James Batson's book on how to build a hydraulic press that is worth the $$ if for nothing else a reference.
 
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