| Michael Beeching wrote: |
| The fittings remind me a lot of my class with Ric Furrer!
Forging and grinding fittings is quite enjoyable, but it's also a LOT of work. It makes you understand why so many makers go for castings when it comes to production swords, though the castings generally aren't as good or as tough as a forged part (just the nature of a casting). I also have a question, if you don't mind answering: I have a project in the works, and I want to make a simple sword guard. I believe we have A36 mild steel stock at work, and I should be able to get a piece. To form the guard, I would just use stock reduction as I currently lack any forging facilities. Would simple stock reduction produce a suitable guard? Although mild steel is generally not hardenable, I do wonder if you can make it tougher through the heat treating or forging processes. A very broad question, but if you'd not mind offering some advice here, I'd really appreciate it! |
Hi
If you want to make the sword - a reconstruction - to combat with the blunt edge, then the crossguard should be hardened.
You should use the steel C45 or 51CRV4.
And if the sword will be used for cuting or you make the sword just to your collection, then the crossguard can be not hardened.
The steel A36 is using in production of pipes and steel tanks and it can not be hardened. But you can make it harder if you will warm
it to red colour (red minimum - yelow maximum), and then you can put it in rapeseed oil or wather. The best what you can do is hammer the whole piece to
change the structure. This process will be not hardening process but it will make the steel strong and stiff.
I used the steel like A36 some time ago when I was making balustrades and fences. The best will be a rod 18mmX18mm then you will easy make the hole.
You can aways write - I will answer for your all questions
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