⚒️ Steel & Blacksmithing Guide
Stock dimensions and weight for forge work
Steel Stock Basics
Unlike lumber, steel stock is typically sized at its actual dimension. A "1/2 inch round" actually measures 0.500" in diameter. However, blacksmiths need to account for material loss during forging.
Data Sources
All steel stock dimensions and specifications are sourced from:
• ASTM A36: Carbon Structural Steel
• ASTM A500: Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing
• American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI): Standard steel bar specifications
• Material Density References: Published density and weight tables for mild steel
Steel Weight Constant
Mild steel weighs approximately 0.283 lbs per cubic inch. This constant is useful for calculating the weight of any steel shape:
Weight = Cross-section area (sq in) x Length (in) x 0.283
Stock Types
- Round: Best for handles, hooks, rings, and turning
- Square: Ideal for twisting, scrollwork, and decorative elements
- Flat: Knife blanks, hinges, brackets, and tools
- Angle: Frames, brackets, and structural work
Common Steel Grades
| Grade | Carbon % | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1018 (Mild) | 0.18% | Decorative work, practice |
| 1045 (Medium) | 0.45% | Tools, can be hardened |
| 1075/1084 | 0.75-0.84% | Knives, springs, blades |
| W1/W2 | ~1.0% | Chisels, punches, dies |
Complete Steel Reference
| Nominal | Actual | Weight/ft | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" Round | 0.250" diameter | 0.17 lbs | Steel Round Stock |
| 3/8" Round | 0.375" diameter | 0.38 lbs | Steel Round Stock |
| 1/2" Round | 0.500" diameter | 0.67 lbs | Steel Round Stock |
| 5/8" Round | 0.625" diameter | 1.04 lbs | Steel Round Stock |
| 3/4" Round | 0.750" diameter | 1.50 lbs | Steel Round Stock |
| 1" Round | 1.000" diameter | 2.67 lbs | Steel Round Stock |
| 1/4" Square | 0.250" x 0.250" | 0.21 lbs | Steel Square Stock |
| 3/8" Square | 0.375" x 0.375" | 0.48 lbs | Steel Square Stock |
| 1/2" Square | 0.500" x 0.500" | 0.85 lbs | Steel Square Stock |
| 3/4" Square | 0.750" x 0.750" | 1.91 lbs | Steel Square Stock |
| 1" Square | 1.000" x 1.000" | 3.40 lbs | Steel Square Stock |
| 1/8" x 1" Flat | 0.125" x 1.000" | 0.42 lbs | Steel Flat Stock |
| 1/4" x 1" Flat | 0.250" x 1.000" | 0.85 lbs | Steel Flat Stock |
| 1/4" x 2" Flat | 0.250" x 2.000" | 1.70 lbs | Steel Flat Stock |
| 3/8" x 1-1/2" Flat | 0.375" x 1.500" | 1.91 lbs | Steel Flat Stock |
| 1" x 1" x 1/8" Angle | 1" x 1" x 1/8" | 0.80 lbs | Steel Angle Iron |
| 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1/8" Angle | 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1/8" | 1.23 lbs | Steel Angle Iron |
| 2" x 2" x 1/4" Angle | 2" x 2" x 1/4" | 3.19 lbs | Steel Angle Iron |
Pro Tip: When ordering steel for a project, add 15-20% extra length to account for scale loss, test pieces, and the inevitable "oops" during forging.
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