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SWAGES AND SWAGE BLOCKS

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SWAGES
 

Round sections can be formed through the use of a set of swages. The pair shown below are capable of ‘rounding’ a section. Hexagonal sections can also be formed through the use of swages with an hexagonal profile (see hexagonal swages below).

The bottom swage fits into the hardie hole of the anvil and the top swage, is hammered by a sledge.

 
 
 
 
 
SWAGE BLOCKS
 

Cast iron ‘swage blocks’ are found in a Blacksmith’s workshop. The swage block can be set upright, or it can be laid flat, in a substantial stand. The stand is designed to accommodate both positions.

The edges of the swage block, have vee and half round notches and other profiles, and these are used to shape materials, in much the same way as an anvil is used. For example, a top swage could be used in conjunction with a curve on the edge of the swage block. When laid flat, a bottom fuller could be held in one of the square holes and a top fuller hammered from above.

The holes are for holding lengths of various sections, whilst bending or deforming. They are also useful when punching holes.

Swage blocks vary is size and in the arrangement of the holes and edge section shapes.

 
 
 
 
SAMPLE SWAGE BLOCK PROFILES
 
 
This diagram shows the swage block sat upright on its stand. The side views represents how a top swage can be used in conjunction with a curved notch, on the top side of the swage block, to draw down a smaller round section.
 
 
 
 

The swage block is laid flat, on its stand. This time a creasing stake / iron, has been set up in one of the holes, so that it can be used, for sheet metalwork.

This is just one example of the way the swage block can be used.

 
 
 
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