Butt Plate Question

[Curtis]

I have an iron butt plate casting that has a slight warp in it.  Would it be possible for me to peen the warped area (it is only about one thirtysecond off) without cracking it?  If so, do I need to anneal it first?

Thanks, Curtis

[G-Man]

Probably depends on the casting.  Overall though, I've always heard that with the steel castings you're better off to heat it. 

Not sure what part/direction it is warped, but if it is only off by that little amount, can you maybe just file/blend it out a bit? When you look at original hand forged iron hardware, it is usually finished nicely, i.e. no forge marks, etc. on the visible surfaces, but you will see ever so slight irregularities in the thickness, edges, etc. Look close at Hershel's work - it looks neatly finished, but not fussed over.

Guy

[northmn]

I am assuming you haven't fitted it yet as many often peen those very small areas to fit and sometimes the small irregularities can be fitted to the wood..  Takes a little care not to split something you don't want split or whatever.  Usually does not require annealing, doesn't hurt, but a buttplate requires a good heat source and the annealing process could cause more warpage.  Generally you file the parts to be fitted anyway.

DP

[rich pierce]

Steel castings won't cold peen to shape.  Any peening or hammering or bending work on steel castings should be done at forging heats.

[Curtis]

Thanks for the help, guys.  I think I now know what I already suspected....

[Dphariss]

I have an iron butt plate casting that has a slight warp in it.  Would it be possible for me to peen the warped area (it is only about one thirtysecond off) without cracking it?  If so, do I need to anneal it first?

Thanks, Curtis

If it will anneal it cna be cold formed to some extent. Probably enough
Soft steel can be worked cold on the wood or out but its a lot harder to move than brass.

Dan