Re: make - forge? - wedge for feathers-and-wedge rock-split

On 29/03/2024 18:33, Joe Gwinn wrote:

On Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:40:58 +0000, Peter Fairbrother
<peter@tsto.co.uk> wrote:

I'd probably use O1 ground flat stock, but only because it is readily
available.

What about S7 steel:
 .<https://www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/steel~/oversized-shock-resistant-s7-tool-steel-rods-and-discs/>
 .<https://www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/steel~/oversized-shock-resistant-s7-tool-steel-bars/>
 Or 1045 steel:
 .<https://www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/steel~/high-strength-1045-carbon-steel-sheets-and-bars/>
 .<https://www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/steel~/high-strength-1045-carbon-steel-rods-and-discs/>
 Or 4340 steel:
 .<https://www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/steel~/high-strength-4340-alloy-steel-rods/>

All good choices.
Ah yes the wonderful McMaster-Carr. Unfortunately they only sell to VAT-registered businesses in the UK, and shipping starts at about $300 (ouch!!).
You can get 4340 and S7 in the UK, but I don't know where you could get suitable flats to make wedges in reasonable small quantities.
1045 is about the same as EN8, which is sold a bit more widely, but again I don't know where to get suitable flats in small quantities.
EN9 would do better (quench-hardens, unlike EN8), but again I don't know where to buy suitable flats.
Anyone?
The only reason I suggested O1 ground flat stock is because it is readily available in the UK, eg on ebay, in small quantities. And it's suitably strong and hard, it's obviously flat not round bar, and can be had in the right size for about £40 for 500mm delivered. Not cheap, but I don't know where to do better, especially if you include carriage. There are occasional bargains to be had too.
80 x 12 x 500mm, £40.50
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/395054999101
80 x 10 x 500mm £38.82
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143198127946
Not sure how thick or wide you might want.
Actually, I'd buy wedges rather than make them, but ymmv.
Peter Fairbrother