Subject: Tool Steel

From: Mike Linn <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 05 Jul 1996 20:42:34 -0500

I aquired a quantity of file stock a few days ago, round, square,
triangular etc.. I think it was  scrap drops from the Nicolson plant. Any
ideas on what type of tool steel this is. Id like to make some hotwork
punches and chisels from this if possible.

thanx,
mike
                                    _///_
                                   /(o o)\
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               Michael Linn 
            Artisan Blacksmith
              AFC Web Master
 http://www.the-matrix.com/afc/index.html
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Smile, it makes people wonder what you've been up to.

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From: Michael Spencer <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 96 23:50:17 EDT

> triangular etc....Any ideas on what type of tool steel this is.

Nope. (I envy you guys that know all that stuff about tool steels.)
But I've made some cold-work stakes from Nicholson files that have
been very durable. And also cutters for an antique pattern lathe (for
making spokes and handles) that held up just fine. Quenched the stakes
in water, the cutters in vegetable oil.

Says nothing about hot tools, though.

- Mike
-- 
Michael Spencer               (902) 543-8375
[email-masked]
URL: http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/mspencer/home.html
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From: George Ezell <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 03:12:52 -0500

>  http://www.the-matrix.com/afc/index.html

Hey Mike,
	I can't really tell you what kind of steel they're made of,
but it hardens quite nicely in warm oil, and tempers about the same
as 1095...I think it has a bit more carbon than 1095, but I'm not
really sure.  You might want to give a sample the quench test
(quench it and see how well it breaks)...heard a rumor that they are
now case-hardening them...My first few knives were made out of 'em,
and I still like to throw a piece in my damascus now and then.
	BTW, the AFC page is looking good...
	Time for bed...
	George