I'd like to see some people post some resources for materials. List the name and what they specialize in. Also, list some sources for good books and videos etc. List them as a reply to this topic.

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www.ottocarter.com
Abilene, Texas

I get all my silver and gold from Indian Jewelers Supply. I've got a lot of tools from them too. As far as steel, I just get it from the metal supply guy in town. He has to order 4140 for me, but it only takes a couple of days.

Jim, What do you use the 4140 for. Is this a mild steel. Id like to find something that doesn't require annealing to form and doesn't temper.
Robert

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"Matthew 6:25-34"

Maybe if you asked specific Questions as to what you would like to find,we might come up with the aswers.

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I'm only as good as you think I am.

Silverchip, I don't know much about the types of steels. What diffrent steels are used for spurbands and why. I have only used 1018.
Thanks, Robert

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"Matthew 6:25-34"

I would say that for most spur application I would consider 4140 for the bands and 1018 for the shank.although 4140 is a mild tool steel it can be bent hot or cold. It is a little tougher than cold or hot rolled and should engrave pretty well too as a lot gun barrels are made of the stuff and you've seen what can be done with them
On the other hand , unless you have ready supply of 4140,which not many of us do ,I have used hot rolled mild steel cause you still have to weld,grind polish ect,and you and engrave,inlay -overlay,blue,brown or grey and it will do this just fine.

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I'm only as good as you think I am.

4140 is a cold finish steel, so it has no mill scale on it. It is also a little harder than mild steel. You have to be a little more careful cooling it or bending cold, because it can crack. But it polishes so much easier than regular mild steel, it is worth the differance.

Hello All,

Years ago all the people that attended Elmer Millers Bit and Spur School were supplied with various tool and material vendors names,addresses, etc. There was an outfit that was supplying large muslin buffs that were stitched tight and were very stiff, approx 10" Dia. they worked very good with cutting compound for shaping or polishing metal. Does anybody out
there have that address or one for a source for large stiff buffs.

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Norm Harris, Jr.
"The outside of a Horse is good for the inside of a Man"

I was making my buttons from carriage bolts, but a while back, I ordered buttons from Bill Adamson (nice and quick!) I also bought some premade swingers from Jeremiah Watt (have not used them yet, but will try them). I have a couple more leads on other supplies, (rowels, bands, etc...) but have never used them. I'm a knifemaker by trade, but have made a few sets of spurs. So much tooling and supplies used in this craft is related to knives. Here is a list of my 3 favorite suppliers.

http://www.texasknife.com/
http://www.knifeandgun.com/
http://www.popsknifesupplies.com/

I have enjoyed this forum so far and look forward to learning and sharing where I can.

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Jason Howell
ABS Journeyman Smith
http://www.howellbladesmith.com

I am in need of some chain for slobber chains. I am wondering if any of you know of a place to get good stainless or steel chain for slobber chains.
Thanks
Jim