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View Full Version : railroad spike tools/metal working



flandersander
07-18-2008, 12:32 AM
What could you all make out of railroad spikes? I was thinking knife http://bronksknifeworks.com/images/Rspike2.jpg maybe a hawk or axe, tent pegs, chisel... what else? I just got a blowtorch and a table mounted grinder and side grinder and figured railroad spikes must be good quality steel. Also, how do you go about tempering steel and making it "hard" or is it the same thing?
Just did a quick search and found this http://www.metalsmithinghowto.com/content/Spikes/

crashdive123
07-18-2008, 06:49 AM
Here are a few videos that may help you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc78rirIlyc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6yiBqgzrJM

The second one gives a bit more informartion, but the first gives you a bit more idea of how much labor is involved.

skunkkiller
07-18-2008, 10:18 AM
I have seen little hawks made from spikes they hold a good edge leave the head on for hammering like tent pegs or nails.seen knifes to some nice ones.

RobertRogers
07-18-2008, 01:06 PM
Tie a spike to a length of rope and, holding the rope, throw the spike in various ways as a weapon.

This is a real type of weapon that has been used for centuries. Of course, this is an excellent way to injure yourself too.

flandersander
07-18-2008, 08:28 PM
Thanks guys. I realize lots of labor is needed but a self made hawk would be sweet. and Just to know how to make things out of steel.

moses
11-12-2008, 09:36 PM
I think you will need more than a blow torch to forge spikes,also the steel is a low carbon so you have to quench it in water to cool it quick and then you will only get a HRC of 45 at the most,i don't even bother tempering the spikes ive worked on..




this is what i made with a railroad spike.

crashdive123
11-12-2008, 09:41 PM
Nice work.

moses
11-12-2008, 09:44 PM
Nice work.
Thank you......:)

Gray Wolf
11-13-2008, 10:59 PM
Very Nice!