Subject: Re: forge tools

From: "David C. Hufford" <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 1996 07:21:26 -0400 (EDT)

Chris:

I, too, have collected numerous blacksmithing tools, mostly tongs, from 
flea markets and such.  Of the tongs I've acquired, I believe they are 
all mild steel; which the exception of one pair which I'm certain is 
wrought iron.  Of the other tools - hammers, swages, hot cuts, punches, 
and such - they are obviously tool steel, but I have no idea what type.  

David C. Hufford

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From: Peter Beky <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 1996 10:07:26 +1000

> and such - they are obviously tool steel, but I have no idea what type.

If the tongs came from a small shop, then mild steel.  If they came 
from a large forging shop, then some may be either medium carbon steel 
or may even be an alloy.  With long production runs in the 10,000's or 
100,000's, say for auto components, then medium carbon or alloy would 
last longer, and you wouldn't need to retool as often.

Same goes for other tooling.  Older tools would more likely be medium 
carbon & heat treated because of cost or availability of alloy steels.

Peter.