ArtMetal

ALex,

I make my chasing and repousse tools from old coil car springs that I get at the junk yard. Depending on the size of the vehicle, the diameter of the springs can be anywhere from about a quarter of an inch to over half an inch. I was originally a silversmith and learned blacksmithing just so I could make my own chasing tools, in fact.

Most American car coil springs are made from 5160 medium carbon steel which is easily hardened and tempered in a home shop, and they hold up very well for working mild steel, both hot and cold.

For a great book on repousse and chasing, I suggest you look at a copy of Adolph Steines' book "Moving Metal." You can probably get it on Inter-Library Loan through your local library. It's an expensive book to buy, but well worth it, in my opinion.