Swage Block

The Blacksmith's Swage Block is usually a large Cast Iron block with outer surfaces containing impressions of various shapes in which to work hot or cold metal, usually with the aid of Top Swages. The shapes commonly include:

• Half rounds for finishing shafts or axles.
• 90° V's or half squares for finishing squares.
• Half hexagons for dressing hexagon bars and bolt heads.

The sides have a variety of round, square and rectangular holes that pass through the thickness of the block. These holes are used for bending and punching holes.