Chipping Hammer Made From Old File

Chipping Hammer Made From Old File FARM SHOP Tools 22-4-39 Don't throw out your old, dull files. They can be used to make a dandy chipping hammer. I like them much better than the bought ones because they have a long, thin point that can be used to chip out flux in tight places. The quality of steel used in a file is good and when the tang is hardened and tempered, it'll hold its shape and stay sharp. The hammer has a 9-in. long handle and a 5-in. long head. To cut the file, grind a groove across the file and break it off. The handle is made from 5/16-in. mild steel rod. To make the tang of the file longer and thinner, heat it red and forge it out. To weld the handle to the hammer head, preheat the head until it is just too hot to touch. Make the weld with low hydrogen or stainless steel electrode. You can use mild steel electrode if the head is heated to 500 degrees F. To make a good chipping hammer, harden and temper the tang as follows: • Heat the complete tang cherry red. • Quench one inch of the end in water. • Remove from the water and quickly polish the hardened end. • Watch the temper colors move from the heated part of the tang down to the point. Quench the complete hammer head in the water when the brownish straw color reaches the tip. The big end of the hammer is already hard, so it can be used as is.

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.