Pin Press Project

[Allen Rice]

After watching Steve Johnson's Subhilt Fighter video I decided I needed to make a pin press like he has. You can see pictures in this thread http://knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32992 His was purchased from K&G but it looks too much like a shop project to me.

I have no problem fabricating the actual press portion but have a few questions about the anvil or dies or whatever they are called. The parts that actually contact and press the pin.

What would be the appropriate material for these. I have heat treating capabilities as well as a lathe to turn them on but would like to get some input on what they should be made out of and what sort of hardness would be best to use.

Thanks for any help with this.

Allen

[Dragon cutlery]

depending on how many pins your planing on pressing in your life time just some o1 drill rod turned down and left as is should be had enough for brass and brass based metals but a nice 45-55 c scale would hold up well too

[Allen Rice]

OK, O1 it is. Easy enough, not too expensive and good machineability. What should I temper too for good wear characteristic if pressing 416SS pins?

Allen

[Dragon cutlery]

i would go for a spring temper to hard and you might chip out the o1 over time to soft and youl get cuping