Abstract: A method and apparatus for upsetting forged bars to form compressor vane blanks are disclosed which utilize a two-stage upsetting process. In a first stage, the rough forged bar is placed in a first die having a first enlarged cross sectional area such that the end of the bar to be upset extends into the enlarged cross sectional area of the die. The enlarged cross sectional area is shaped so as to have at least three lines of contact with the bar segment during lateral expansion of the bar. In a second upsetting stage, the expanded bar is removed from the first die and inserted into a second die, also defining an enlarged cross sectional area portion such that the expanded portion of the bar extends into the enlarged cross sectional area of the second die. The second enlarged cross sectional area has a cross sectional shape so as to accommodate the previously enlarged portion of the bar such that at least one line of contact is maintained between the bar and the die as the bar laterally expands.