Forge Work

by William L. Ilgen

Draw about 2¹⁄₂ inches tapering to ¹⁄₂ inch square at the end; the taper on the top edge should be only ¹⁄₈ inch, while that on the bottom should be ³⁄₈ inch, as shown at a. With the metal resting flat on the anvil and the top edge to the left, bend down ³⁄₄ inch of the end to an angle of about 80 degrees, then forge down the corners from the point back to the heel, to a slight octagonal form, as shown in [Fig. 79]. Grind the projecting end of the angle semicircular with a clearance of 15 degrees, then harden and temper to a pale yellow.

98. Light Boring or Threading Tool.—Fullering, drawing, hardening, and tempering. Material: 5 inches of ¹⁄₂ × 1-inch tool steel.

Using a top fuller, form a depression ⁷⁄₁₆ inch deep on one edge and 2 inches from the end. Draw this metal slightly tapering to ⁷⁄₁₆ inch square at the end, keeping it straight on the top. With the metal resting flat on the anvil and the straight edge to the left, bend down ³⁄₄ inch of the end to an angle of 80 degrees, then forge the corners between the angle and where the depression was formed to a slight octagonal form.

For a boring tool, grind the projecting end of the angle semicircular in form, with sufficient clearance for boring a hole of the desired size; for a threading tool grind it to the proper angle of the thread with sufficient clearance, then harden and temper it to a pale yellow.

99. Diamond Point Tool.—[Fig. 80]. Forging, hardening, and tempering. Material: 7 inches of ¹⁄₂ × 1-inch tool steel.

Fig. 80.—First Steps in Making a Diamond Point Tool.

Using a top fuller, form a depression ³⁄₈ inch deep on one edge ³⁄₄ inch from the end, as at a. Then holding the depression over a round edge of the anvil and delivering blows on the end, as indicated at b, forge the ³⁄₄-inch end into a square form, at an angle of 70 degrees to the lower edge of the stock, as shown at c. By resting the inner corners of this end on the face of the anvil and delivering blows on the opposite outside corners, as shown in [Fig. 81], its form should be changed to ⁷⁄₁₆ inch square, projecting diagonally from the stock, as shown at a, [Fig. 82].