For Larry re Rail spikes

Thanks for the research Larry.
I am new to forging so perhaps my answer to your question will be closer to your level. The last knife I made from a spike saw me at the anvil for about 2 hours and I did not put any twists in it anywhere. I spent about an hour filing before heat treating and about the same after heat treat and temper. I am getting faster as I do more and would love to see a real experienced guy work.
Forging is something I wish I had taken up years ago. I have increased our tool collection alot since taking this up and saved a lot of money. I just made a wood carving chisel for my wife from scrap that would have set us back 80 bucks to purchase. Beware, it is addicting.

=ghiostdog=

Ghostdog,
Hey thanks for the reply. When you talked about filing before and after the heat treating...is that something that you have to do in order to properly forge the spike? I am guessing this would be to remove any scale there may be on the spike? I hadn't really considered how long it might take to work the material flat. Two hours seems like a lot of sweatin' to me! I am not discouraged by that possibility, though...I really enjoy trying new things. It may be a while yet, before I get to try my hand at this, so in the meantime, I'll just keep "gathering" knowledge. :/
Larry

Anyone wanting low grade spikes? (I keep the HC) I will sell or trade. E-mail me at elkoanvil@yahoo.com