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I Forge Iron

kunkle

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  • Posts

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Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    Wilmington, DE

Converted

  • Location
    Wilmington, Delaware
  • Interests
    metal working, small engines, dogs, rock climbing
  • Occupation
    Soil Scientist and Wetland Specialist

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  1. Hi, I have some neighbors that would like to flounder with me and learn smithing. Over the years I’ve accumulated a bit of equipment ( couple of forges, few small anvils, swage blocks, cone mandrel, welders, tings, hammers, grinders, etc) Anyway, I’m fine sharing for a fuel and soda donation, but I’m concerned that if someone got hurt that it would cost me. So, how do you all handle sharing equipment and liability? Thanks
  2. Hi, I am trying to find some good pictures of a champion post drill. I lost some parts for a basket case drill I had when a tree fell on my shop. So, if anyone either has the missing parts and wants to sell them, or has good pictures of the missing parts so I can make them let me know. Location, Wilmington, DE
  3. I live in Wilmington, De and don't have a lot of time to travel to the Maryland or Pennsylvania meetings. I am trying to meet other local smiths that would either mentor me, or learn with me. Anyone interested and working together let me know. My interests are refining basic skills, civil war blacksmithing, and wheel wright. Thanks Kunk
  4. I have a 1999 dakota that I am parting, then going to scrap. I was going to save the leaf springs and the torsion bars for one day when I am better at making anything. Is there any other parts of the truck I should save? Any ideas of what to make and what to save are appreciated. Thanks Kunk
  5. Hi, I am trying to find a blacksmith group near Wilmington, De. Like within a 1/2 hr of Wilmington, I work 6 days a week and have school 3 night a week so cant travel too much. If there isn't one, I would like to start one. Anyone send me a message with interest. I have taken 2 classes, so basically I know nothing. I bought what I could from a small shop that closed up, so I have equipment and little skill. So if anyone nearby want to either teach me or learn with me drop me a note. Thanks, Kunk
  6. Hi All, I am trying to attend the fall New England Blacksmith meet up in Vermont from Sept 11 to the 13 http://www.newenglandblacksmiths.org/spring_&_fall_meets.htm I will be leaving from Wilmington, De. and am looking for anyone that is either going or wants to carpool. Thanks Kunk
  7. I am looking to purchase my first fly press. I am still new to smithing but have wrist issues. I've been looking at eBay and was thinking of going up to gold machinery in Rhode Island. Im not in a hurry though So I would like your opinions: 1) I was thinking a c frame was more versatile but would like to know what most people use. 2) how large to purchase. I usually work with 1 1/2 thick and less metal 3) in the Mid-Atlantic where should I look for a press 4) what should I look for in a press I appreciate any input
  8. For punching and drifting, you might try mixing up a little slurry or either coal dust or grahite and water. coat the end of your punch or drift with it before driving it through. It will lessen the friction and keep it from sticking. I use seed slick from napa auto. Can we see your punch? you might just have to change the geometry a little to keep it from bending. Also dip the punch or drift in the slack tub after every couple of hits to keep it cool.
  9. Is anyone from the Wilmington, De are is planning on going to the PABA meeting on June 7? If so, I would like to carpool. I can drive just looking to split fuel. Karl Phone number removed, it is not a good idea to post in a place where everyone can get it. including google
  10. I moved back to Wilmington and started getting my smithy back in shape. If any one is local and wants to meet up and make something send me a message. I have a couple of anvils, a couple vices, and a couple of forges , although they are having blower issues.
  11. I could not find how to search the forum from mobile. I have a champion 400 that has been sitting for 5 yrs. I poured a couple cups of diesel fuel in it. Let it sit for an hour. Then try to turn it. Rough turning. Added some ATF. Let it sit for an hour. Turned better. Lit a fire. Ran for about 1/2 of forging then locked up. Tore apart blower. Looks like brass / bronze? Gear that meshes with worm gear is wavy like a potatoe chip. Problem is trying to remove the two gears in housing. Do you just press them out? Thanks for all your help?
  12. I am so tired of seeing schools close the shop classes. I graduated in 1994, I had one marking period of wood shop and no metal shop experience. We had a nice shop at school but no teachers. I have tried to teach myself metal working, welding, and recently started black smithing. I just don't understand, we ship off the majority of the manufacturing jobs, then when we do have some jobs open there is a limited pool of people to fill the jobs. The community college I attend is trying to close its machinist training program due to lack of interest, but the nursing program has a waiting list. If we want to turn this country around we need to bring industry home, make reliable cheap products, and export more then we import. We need to add value to raw materials. I watched my neighbor throw out a lawn mower and 5 bicycles becasue he had no clue how to true a wheel on a bicycle and replace a pull cord on the mower. This is sad, he is only 5 years younger than me and did not understand righty tighty and lefty loosey. He had never picked up a wrench, no idea about allen vs torx vs torx plus or sae vs metric threading. I dont know what point I am trying to make here, but things need to change. If the schools aren't going to broaden the childrens horizons, than as a community of tinkerers and thinkers we need to step up and educate the public. Any ideas? Thanks for watching me rant.
  13. So the clamps that hold the blower are are more like side plates that clamp in there and hold everything while strengthing the set up. Does anyone know where there is a set for sale?
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