Subject: Power Hammer Die Material

From: [email-masked] (W. M. Durrett)
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 17:54:56 -0600

For my 100 # Murray I have built several dies using 4140 hot rolled,
normalized, aircraft quality obtained in bar stock 3" x 4".  Other
dimensions are available.  This material is available from Jorgensen Steel
and Aluminum (an allied company with Kilsby-Roberts) from their Chicago
warehouse.  It can be ordered through any division office.  After machining,
preferred heat treatment is in a vacuum furnace to Rockwell C-42.  Be
certain to machine the bottom of each die so that all force is transfered
evenly to the ram and sow.

Depending on the width of the ram and sow die-ways, a compound die can be
slid off center if much work is to be performed on one side.  However, after
twenty five years on my Murray, there does not seem to be any abnormal wear
on the ram ways.  Use copius lubrication.