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Swaging is a process used in the metal-forming industry, whereby
a piece of metal is manipulated in a controlled manner to alter
its original shape, size or angle. "Swage" can be
used as a noun, adjective or verb.
This reworking of a part, by hand or machine, creates a new
or refined shape through various manufacturing stages. Normally
associated with the use of a die (machine) or by hand (swage
block), the part can be worked in either a hot or cold state.
In woodworking, it was used to sharpen cutting tools, most notably
saw blades. Swaging is a much different method from the lever
set tools and the hand filing that are associated with smaller
hand saws.
Used mainly on larger circular saw and band saw (band mill)
blades, the swaging or upset process involves the widening of
the saw blade tips to a triangular wedge or other shape. This
creates a new cutting edge and gives some set (side clearance),
all in one or more application, generally with one tool. This
system relies on the use of force to deform the saw tooth, normally
by striking the swage tool. Some early swages for this type
of application employ two recesses, where one creates the form
and the second receptacle gives a rudimentary finish set or
clearance. |
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