Get the Perfect Shape: A Guide to Forging Drifts

Forging Drifts: A Guide to Making and Using Them

If you’re a blacksmith, you’ve probably heard the term “drift” before. A drift is a tool used for enlarging a hole or shaping metal in certain ways. In this post, we’ll be discussing forging drifts specifically.

What is a Forging Drift?

A forging drift is a specialized type of drift that’s used in the process of hot-forging metal. It’s typically made from high-carbon steel and has two main components: the tapered shank and the working end (which can vary depending on what it’s being used for).

How to Make a Forging Drift

Making your own forging drift isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are the basic steps:

1. Choose your materials: As mentioned earlier, high-carbon steel is best suited for making forging tools.

2. Cut out your blank: Start by cutting out a rectangular piece of steel that’s slightly bigger than the finished size of your drift.

3. Taper the shank: Use either a power hammer or hand hammer to taper one end of your blank into a long, gradual point.

4. Shape the working end: Depending on what you plan to use your drift for, shape its working end accordingly using heat and various tools like hammers or grinders.

5. Harden and temper: Once you’ve shaped your drift, harden it by heating it up until it glows bright red then quenching it in water or oil (depending on which type of steel you’re using). Then temper it at around 400-500°F for an hour or so to make sure its hardness level is just right.

How to Use Forging Drifts

There are many different types of forging drifts with varying shapes and sizes depending on their intended purpose but here are some general tips on how to use them:

1. Heat up the metal: Before using your drift, heat up the metal you’ll be working on until it’s soft and malleable.

2. Use a hammer to drive the drift through the metal: Once your metal is hot enough, hold your drift against it and use a hammer to drive it through, enlarging or shaping the hole as needed.

3. Remove the drift carefully: After you’ve enlarged or shaped your hole, remove the drift from your workpiece using tongs so that you don’t accidentally damage any of its new features during extraction.

Final Thoughts

Forging drifts are an essential tool for any blacksmith who wants to create custom shapes or sizes in their workpieces. Whether you decide to make one yourself or buy one pre-made, having a good set of these tools on hand can really elevate your craftmanship level and enhance what you’re already capable of creating with hot-forged metals.