chopit

I did some adjusting on it this morning and it got a lot better. It puts out a good steady flow of air now. I put some brass washers at the collar contact points of the large crank wheel. I also loosened up on the teeth contact area. I had it to tight and was binding. I also figured out how to steadily crank it. Thomaspowers you are correct I will just have to use this for small stuff. I have two weeks off starting next week. If I can get my honeydos finished I'm gonna make a bigger forge. My welding and fabrication skills are much better than my blacksmithing attempts. I just really wanted to do this with no electric where you create it not a power tool.

The blowers is a 150 I cant find any markings on it. It doesn't seem to move very much air. I don't think it will get very hot. The blowers works but my only experience is with a friends champion 400 hand crank. I will fire it up next week when I get some coal and see. I guess I couldpipe a hand crank blowers to it.

I bought this forge on ebay. I guess I should have got a hand crank blower. It doesn't seem to move enough air. The ratchet action just isn't what I thought. Any suggestions?

I'm worried it's to big of a stress point and will come apart. I like the look of a RR spike knife but want a good blade. I was thinking of welding it at the tang. I also thought about drawing it out and just put the blade section Damascus but I hate to waste the steel if it's not gonna work.

Anyone ever forge welded a Damascus blade to a RR spike handle?

The safety gear is important and not a problem. I work in a chemical plant and realize the importance of having the right PPE. I was able to go to someone local and see his shop. He let me use his coal forge,hammers, and tongs. It gave me a real goodidea of what I need. Thanks for the suggestions I can't wait to get my own anvil and forge.

Thanks there are a million hammers. I understand some have a specific purpose but I was wondering which is a general type.

What would be a good minimum start as far as tools? Hammers and tongs mainly. I am getting an anvil from santa. I'm wanting an old anvil and forge if possible. If not I will make my own.

I'm really interested in trying my hand at blacksmithing. More so with knives but I enjoy making things no matter what they are. I do a little gunsmithing for friends while I like it nothing is better than taking something from a block of steel then making it something people think is useful,showing the craftsmanship and care it took to make.