LumberGuy Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 My friend Bennie had this truck leaf spring, and he cut it off for me. It's about 2' long. I plan to try and hammer it out into a froe for splitting lumber into project pieces. I inherited this anvil, and I think I have all the tools I need - hammer, long pliers for tongs, fire pit for heating it up. Has anyone else tried this? I would welcome any advice... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwatson Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Looks interesting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimV Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 I guess you'll have to work the steel to and froe. . No experience, but I wish at times I could do some blacksmithing. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathryn Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 My friend Bennie had this truck leaf spring, and he cut it off for me. It's about 2' long. I plan to try and hammer it out into a froe for splitting lumber into project pieces. I inherited this anvil, and I think I have all the tools I need - hammer, long pliers for tongs, fire pit for heating it up. Has anyone else tried this? I would welcome any advice... My understanding is that leaf springs like that are already tempered. You also don't want something like that too hard--it should be more tough than brittle, because you're going to tamp it in the side of a log and then pry it to split the log open. I'd sharpen the edge somewhat and see if it works before doing anything like heat treating it. After hardening and quenching it you'd probably have to get it up to 600 degrees or so, then gradually lower the temp in some ashes probably--not as easily done as watching colors change on, say, a chisel. Just my guess--I'm not a metallurgist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmykx250 Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 They are already hardened. Just sharpen the edge and it will outlast you! It is some grinding though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwatson Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 I guess you'll have to work the steel to and froe. . No experience, but I wish at times I could do some blacksmithing. Tim http://instantrimshot.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LumberGuy Posted May 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 Thanks for the advice. I have straightened it out and centered the blade with the eye. It was too hard to sharpen with a file, so I heated it up to a dull orange and let it cool slowly in ashes. It may be too soft now, so when I get the edge right, I will try it out and see if it needs to be tempered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neander.normite Posted June 1, 2011 Report Share Posted June 1, 2011 I used and old lawnmower blade for mine, the steal seems to be pretty go for the application. I'd show a pic but a buddy of mine borrowed it for the weekend a couple months ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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