swage sizes

[martin9]

I got a forge awhile back and have been having fun with it.  I was wondering....those who forge your own buttplates what size swages do you use the most? I'm planning on making up some southern mountain, Woodbury and Bruton style parts.

[45-110]

When I forge my plates to shape I use my swage block, and end up using several of the 1/2 round grooves and depressions. Never measured them for size.  Sold my huge block and now use the 12 inch sq. one and a bick iron.

[martin9]

Thanks for the reply. I don't want to buy a big block as I wouldn't use half the stuff on it. I just found a block that has 3 bottom swage grooves cut in it 1" -1.5" I think that'll work for this next gun at least. Bought some scrap wrought iron to try also.

[Clint]

One & 1/2" is a little tight, but the piece will flatten out when you bend the cresent shape It is a lot easier to take some curve out that put it in. Use 1/8' thick iron or even 3/16" All of these pieces will need to be "jointed on the inside and file finished on the outside. Even door latches were finish filed in the old days.