The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a plurality of parts, such as spade-type boring bits, from a continuous stock material. Thus, the various steps of the forming method of the present invention can be performed to predetermined portions of the continuous stock material prior to separating the continuous stock material into discrete parts, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the forming process. The present invention also provides an improved forge for forming portions of the continuous stock material into parts having a predetermined shape. The forge can be designed to provide a clearance region proximate the forward end of the ram to permit slight flexing of the forward end of the ram in a radially outward direction during forging operations. The forge can also include a lubrication system for lubricating its various components. In addition, the forge can incrementally rotate the ram after one or more parts have been forged. By repeating the incremental rotation of the ram, the forge will eventually rotate the ram a full 360.degree.. An improved forging die is also provided which includes a back surface having a conical medial section and a pair of conical lateral sections that are recessed relative to the medial section such that forces will principally be applied to the medial section during forging operations.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/215,159 filed Dec. 18, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,437 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/143,630, filed Aug. 28, 1998, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/662,665, filed Jun. 14, 1996 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,267 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/366,986, filed Dec. 30, 1994 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,113 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/514,071, filed Aug. 11, 1995 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,738, the contents of each being expressly incorporated in their entirety herein.
