Tim McCoy

I hope that I have put this in the right section ...

Ran across this link that does a very decent job of explaining the different spark results created when we run something against a grinder looking for an answer about what it the heck it is. I looked for a while with the search feature, but couldn't find what I need ... maybe this will help someone identify that favorite scrounged chunk of metal.


https://secure.wikim...i/Spark_testing

I built this smithy about 18 months ago. Nothing used was purchased ... all scrounged or donated. Built the walls as tip up units. Used asphalt cut outs from a dump site for most of the flooring. Found a pick up load of cement forming plywood - has a form of formica as covering to allow a smoother finish. Door from sauna ... roofing tile from extra that my brother had and all nails taken from found nail gun strips ... and so on. Cheap, strong, drafty ... 7x7' interior dimension. I work from the center of the room ... everything is within easy reach. All stock that is over a couple foot long is outside. Small and efficient, but no room for any thing you could consider big. No power and no heater or A/C. Have to do any summertime work before 10AM as the heat here in the high desert can get to over 118. Anvil is a loaner - seems to be a vulcan. Forge is a large brake disk set on diamond plate (its upside down) and cast 2" pipe connected with tin cans tied on with tie wire (found that too) - Champion blower ... stainless steel slack tub with Superquench and in one corner we have used motor oil for quenching also. The window is some wire mesh I found in the road and the lumber is all scrounged from a dump site. The fire brick on the forge is from a demolished house ... big stuff! The punches and chisels are all yard sale items at 50 cents each. Hammers are all yard sale stuff too - except for a HF hammer that has been rehandled. Out front sits a champion forge that is cracked. The smithy sets within a small raised bed garden that has been unattended this past winter ... nearest the smithy there is a coal/charcoal bin. Have to use charcoal when there is no wind ... coal smoke causes complaints from the neighbors.

It doesn't take much in the way of money to have a shop or tools or supplies or something to burn ... just a willingness to scrounge, use some imagination and be dedicated to getting what you need to learn how to be a blacksmith. Today was my first fire in almost a year as I was busy with tending to an ill wife. She's better and now the shop is open again and I spent some time practicing pointing up several different sizes of that nemisis rebar. I really have missed holding a hammer.

I know that winter may soon be over for some of us, but was wondering if anyone has experience using a rocket stove to heat their shop/work area? Below's a link to a UK blacksmith that offers rocket stoves. Seems like they could be an efficient and cheap way to get heat where there is no other way without having to rely entirely on your forge. Especially if your spending time doing cold work. Just wanted to hear from some of you before gathering the stuff to put one together. All comments appreciated!


http://www.rocketstoves.co.uk/

This link should help dispell any doubts about using stone for an anvil . . . enjoy! Low tech but effective ... seems that the granite yields nothing to the blows, no chips or dust that I can see ... wow!