Making tools (chisels) ?

Where can I get some good info about making my own tools for carving marble?

What is the difference between mild steel, blue steel and 'tool-making' steel?

I guess I need the 'tool-making' steel. I have access to a bench grinder and torch so I can make different shapes and would like to try tempering the tools myself. What is the process?

Thanks,

[Try Alexander Weyger's book, The Complete Modern Blacksmith. I've got it reviewed in the 'online bookstore' on my site: unitedartworks.com. The author was a sculptor, working both stone and wood with hand-made tools, and he takes a very practical approach to his subject.]

[Mild steel has a lower carbon content than tool steel. The carbon is critical to hardness. Steel turns blue from surface oxidation when it is 'tempered' to a certain temperature. This corresponds to a set of physical properties; eg. steel tempered blue is good for springs, but poor for cutting edges.]

[Basically, you shape the tool, heat it to red hot, then quench it (either in oil or water, depending on the type of steel you've got). At this point it is extremely hard. Then you temper it by heating it to the color you want, and quench it again. This preserves the properties that correspond to the oxidation color at that point. Then you sharpen it, being careful not to overheat it, thus 'losing your temper.' ]

TGIF

Andrew Werby

Martin, You're in for some fun. I haven't done any of this stuff for a while but I used to make some tools for working in boatyards; reefing irons, wierd stuff. For metal I used scrounged parts from autobody shops and from around automotive garages, old leaf and coil springs, suspension parts and the like. Give it a try, experiment it's fun. You'll need something heavy to use as an anvil.

Best, Doug