Subject: Re: Wanted TUNGSTEN

From: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 09:16:59 -0400

To All,
Warning, warning, danger Will Robinson!
There are a lot better and easier to handle materials that any tungsten
bearing alloys. I believe that the F-series tool steels have tungsten as
their primary alloying element after carbon. The T-series high speed steels
are very high in tungsten. Both of these series are HARD to work and can be
very tempermnetal about forging and hardening.  Armor piercing materials are
hard but incredibly tough or hard and very dense.
For cold use, a straight carbon tool steel like a W-series or O-series or
even an S-series would be better. For hot use, an H-series or some of the
S-series are better and easier to handle.
Look for other responses for more information.

Hochewa

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From: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 03 Jul 1996 10:29:45 -0700

I have a few hand tools made of exotics, but usually I make punches, 
chisels, forming tools etc. out of castoff springs from the junkyard.  
For the most part, forging them at a red or a little lighter, then 
hardening and tempering works, since they are a little more forgiving. 
Also, do enough tools this way, and the process becomes more predictable. 
 Like an earlier post mentioned, little shops usually don't have the 
equipment to accurately process exotics, and besides, springs are 
sometimes free.

   Bob