Swages from hammers

[Philip Davies]

I bought a load of hammers cheaply, they cost less than 50p each and set about making a set of swages. Recently I sold the larger of my two anvils, including a lot of the tooling, since my smaller anvil has a 5/8” hardy hole. I thought I’d priced it high, since I was reluctant to let it go, but I was informed my price was a “steal”! Then I thought, I still need a range of tooling if I want to continue forging, so although I already had a couple, and since nobody else had any use for the hammers, that would be ideal material.
The last couple of weeks, my main exercise has been sawing and filing. Only one hacksaw blade was used! (An Eclipse). 1200 strokes + for the 7/8” V swage. More certain, if a lot more work than hitting a square bare into a red hot blank, and I don’t have hardenable stock that size.

[Toolmaker51]

Do these fit in a plate or some type receiver? The purpose is clear, while use of same a bit murky.
And 1200 strokes for one lone tool; what a commitment!

[Philip Davies]

Do these fit in a plate or some type receiver? The purpose is clear, while use of same a bit murky.
And 1200 strokes for one lone tool; what a commitment!

I should have added that these are top tools and would be fitted with a handle. There will be a single handle - I haven’t made it yet - which will be tightened temporarily for use. There is no room to put them all in a rack with permanent handles, so I’m keeping them in trays. As for sawing, 50 strokes, breather, do something else, resume, all good exercise.

[DIYer]

Thanks Philip Davies! We've added your Swages to our Forging and Casting category,
as well as to your builder page: Philip Davies's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Swages by Philip Davies

tags: blacksmith, forging