Forging a trap

[tryinhard]

How difficult and expensive would it be for someone to forge a couple of traps for rondezvous purposes?

Brian

 

[Black Hand]

How difficult and expensive would it be for someone to forge a couple of traps for rondezvous purposes?

Brian

I have a question in return - Would it cheaper to buy a forged trap for $150?

I guess it all depends on your level of skill as well as time and funds available.

 

[LaBonte]

If you're an experienced blacksmith with the knowledge of how to form and temper springs (the closest modern steel equivalent is in the 1060-1085 series), have availability to wrought iron for the jaws and other parts (mild steel will work but it's not PC), etc. not that hard at all and patterns are available, but if you do not have that type experience or the proper materials as Black Hand noted it would probably be less problematic and cheaper to purchase one from several smiths that do that type work.

 

[Comrade Coffin]

LaBonte has hit the nail on the head about the springs. If you can avoid having to make that by obtaining a commercial one, then it could save some effort.

On the other hand, go for it. Do some research and gain a real learning experiance. Wouldnt it be great to answer 'I made it' when anyone asks where you got ya trap?

 

[LaBonte]

there are also some commercial taps that will fill the bill either as is or with a bit of work - the Bridger leg hold is just one and if you can find them at a decent price the Newhouse #4's have been made in the same basic style since IIRC the 1830's.

 

[tryinhard]

I have an old trap. One guy dated it to the civil war era. Would like to have 2 or 3 for display purposes.

 

[MikeyC]

Found one on Ebay for $40.00. It's a Newhouse #4. Some were listed as collectors for $150.00.
Hope this helps.

Mike C.

 

[chichi]

I have forged two by copying a commercially made trap. I believe I used 5160 spring steel and mild steel.. I dont think I hardened them as they were strong enough in a normalized state. They are fun and not terribly difficult to do but I have done lots of forgework.
The enlarged hole in the spring took a little time working it on the anvil horn. Make up a jig so the jaws are identical. The rest is pretty easy. Give it a try. The first will be crude but you will get better.Good luck.