Need a little more help with forging steel

[tomsm44]

Ok guys, I just about have everything together to start forging a little:  propane forge, about a 125-150# block of scrap steel for a makeshift anvil until I can afford a real one, and a couple of hammers.  Here's my current question.  I have come across some 4140 at a closed down machine shop that I can get for nothing, just have to go pick it up.  Would this steel be a good choice for building some additional tools like tongs and maybe even some hammers in the future?  I'm not really familiar with this steel.  The carbon content looks to be a little too low to make a good knife, but what about using it for axes/hawks?  I'll probably go ahead and swing by this evening and pick some up.  I figure if nothing else, it'll be good for practicing with to learn how hot steel reacts when whooped with a hammer.      

Thanks,
Matt Toms

[Lin Rhea]

Pick it up. It makes good hammers and tools.

[tomsm44]

Ok, thanks lin.  Would it make a decent axe if I ever get to the point where I want to try one, or would I be better to use a bit with a higher carbon content and just use the 4140 for the body?

[Lin Rhea]

4140 fully hardened and not drawn back might make an axe, but I'm not sure. They used it for hammers, dies, shafts, etc. Good find.

[akaboomer]

What Lin said. It would be great to have around. It forges well and gets nice grain structure but not as hard as what I want for a cutting tool. If your looking to make some hawks, axes or hatchets you will need some drifts or mandrels. That would fit the bill. What size stock is it?

Chris

[tomsm44]

There are several different sizes of hex rod.  I think i saw about 1" up to about 2 or 2 1/2".  There is suposed to be some 4140 and some mild steel so I'm not sure yet what sizes were what type.  I didn't get by there today.  Maybe next week.

[akaboomer]

Dont pass up the mild steel. Its great for axe bodies and other project. As far as using the 4140 for an axe body, I dont see why not. If you did a full quench you might get the poll somewhat harder than mild. But do be carefull of warps. They are a booger to get out, trust me on this one.

Chris

[akaboomer]

Dont pass up the mild steel. Its great for axe bodies and other project. As far as using the 4140 for an axe body, I dont see why not. If you did a full quench you might get the poll somewhat harder than mild. But do be carefull of warps. They are a booger to get out, trust me on this one.

Chris

[Doug Campbell]

Never ever pass up free steel!!  

[madness522]

free stuff is good stuff.  you will find ways to use it as you get farther into forging and have a need for tools like hold downs, tongs, hammers or even guards.

[tomsm44]

Thanks guys.