Quality steel

[FAT-TOY]

   I have made myself a couple of wooden planes, ( the woodworking type )  I had a small piece of steel that could be hardened, so I made one blade from it, and the second plane I used an old chisel for the blade.  The problem is that I want to make a couple more larger  block planes but I am having heaps of trouble finding the grade of steel I need, (1075 or 1084 are the best for this job).  The knife making people on line will sell me knife blanks or some small offcuts, but they want to much money.  I used to have a couple of old plane steels but they are long gone, or I could have used them.  There is some of these blades on ebay for about $15 each but the postage on them also makes them to expensive.  So any ideas on where I might pick up some steel, preferably in the Newcastle / Hunter Valley region.
    Zane

[80-85 husky]

isnt Newcastle the steel capital of Oz??

[brucey]

What about Hales Tool and Die they stock silver steel capable of being hardened and tempered at home ?

I make taps and dies and drills (D Bits etc) from it

Regards Bruce

[FAT-TOY]

  Had a call from a mate and he suggested that I get one of the worn out concrete cutting blades and cut them from it. So now the hunt is on for one.
80-85 husky, used to be, now most of the industry has closed, and our gov has even leased most of the harbour to the friggin Chinese.  Good move that!  by the time these bottom dwelling scum politicians are finished we won't own any of our country.
  Zane

[jimson]

Old tools at the markets second hand, you can pull them  apart and make what you want from them. jimson

[80-85 husky]

im keen to start my own political party...to get rid of politicians..(short term job) we should have a bunch of business heads running the joint, get rid of all these hangeronerers and lobbyists....once the pollies are out, plenty of cash to pay the team to avoid corruption. would be simple...have elected (non payed) pollies to make reccomendation to the team...shimples

[Butcher]

interesting that politicians and TOOLS on the same thread. Coincedence?

[FAT-TOY]

 I remember reading that Australia is a country where anyone can grow up and become Prime Minister, that appears to be true.
  Zane

[Momus]

Old Brobo blade would be more than good Zane- usually tool steel.

[Hoony]

Good idea Momus i may be able to get one but im in Melbourne Zane

[GMC]

I have a a broken Brobo blade here (Doh) your welcome to for the cost of postage, I'm guessing $13.80

[Berwick Boy]

That's no guess, Geoff.
$13 or 14 acceptable only

[sleepy]

You could use mower blades or even car leaf springs. Most older cars had multi leaf rear springs that will harden quite well.

[80-85 husky]

chase a well established earthmover, he will have some worn out grader blades or points lying around, they are bloody hard.

[FAT-TOY]

Yes Marcus the Brobo is perfect for this job and I have one on the way along with a diamond concrete cutting blade, both around 14 inches.
thanks Hoony and Geoff but I hope that these 2 will be enough to get the planes made.
I have some spring steel and a offcut from a loader blade, but they are both to heavy for this project. I don't want to have to setup my forge to make the blades when I can get the thickness I need ready to use.
  I will put up a couple of photos when I get these last 2 made.
    Zane