Jack hammer spade bits and their uses

[Wulf]

I recently acquired three old jack hammer spade bits, marked "Vulcan." They've probably got 6 or 7 pounds of steel each.

I figured I'd be able to work them into hardy tools, given their size and shape, not to mention the handy little collar around the shaft. Then I got to thinking that they could also be used to make a big ol' battle axe. These bits are made of a very shock-resistant steel (S5?), which, I would imagine, would work well for a large impact cutting tool - especially one that may be thrown from time to time as well.

On his website, regarding S5 as a sword steel, Kevin Cashen, MS, remarks: "jack-hammer bits just need to pulverize concrete without breaking or deforming. This means nothing for the duties of a cutting instrument. Yes this would be your unbreakable sword but it wouldn't be a real great cutting sword." (link)

Here's some info from crucible: (link)
AISI S5
LaBelle Silicon #2 is a shock resisting tool steel capable of maximum toughness at relatively high hardness. It has excellent resistance to impact and battering, with good edge retention.

Typical Chemistry:
Carbon 0.60%
Manganese 0.85%
Silicon 1.90%
Chromium 0.25%
Molybdenum 0.30%
Vanadium 0.20%

................Tempered......Hardness HRC
................ °F °C ...................
..........................................
...............As Quenched........64-65...
.................300 150..........60-61...
.................400 205..........59-60...
.................500 260..........59-60...
.................600 315..........57-58...
.................700 370..........56-57...
.................800 425..........51-52...
.................900 480..........48-49...
................1000 540..........44-45...
..........................................


What do you guys think? Have any of you ever used jackhammer bits? If so, what were your experiences? Did you have success heat-treating it?

 

[Mark Nelson]

Could also be S7. Which I have a great interest in but can not find alot of people that have worked with it. Most that comment are positive. From what I have gathered both are very tough but due to somewhat low wear resistence niether would hold a super sharp razor edge for long. Which I do not think is a huge problem for a sword or big chopper type blade. I hope you question brings out some good imput.

 

[Wulf]

Originally posted by Mark Nelson
I hope you question brings out some good input.

Me too.

And I would definitely like confirmation on the type of steel. I did a google search but found nothing on Vulcan jackhammer bits.

Nonetheless, I'll be sure to report back with my experiences once I get some work done.

 

[mete]

Hardy tools would be a good choice. You are assuming a certain type S steel. There are tunsten and non tungsten types.You could at least narrow the possibilities with a spark test. Tungsten gives a distinct spark - deep orange or red with little sparkle to it.