Tim McCoy

Thanks for all the input about what I thought was a funny photo. Like someone said, a photo is worth a thousand words and this one brought out that much and more. Staged or not, the photo caused many of us to really consider what it is about working metal that is truly unsafe! Even cultural differences and what's fair and right about buying products from countries that take advantage of a person's need for food that will allow them to skip what seems basic safety . . . all brought up because of a "funny photo".

Beating metal, welding, dealing with fire, grinding, lifting heavy stuff, and using power tools (homemade or store bought) and working in less than ideal conditions with all the resulting outcomes is serious business! Never forget that something as simple as a poorly thought out shortcut can kill you . . . sooner or later.

:mellow:

Wonderful starting kit! No excuses now - get to hammering!

Found this cruzin the web looking for old vulcanized fiber (cardboard/paper) welding masks/helmets.

http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_jan2008/PaperWeldingHelmet.htm


Nuff Said???
:lol:

Brian,
I want to echo what others say about your work and your willingness to share/explain/exhibit. I don't know about anyone else, but I believe that it is time for you to put out a book (if you haven't already). You accomplish in short order with emails and a few photos what others seem to have trouble explaining in larger formats. Thanks for all that you do to encourage and help all of us that want to be better at blacksmithing.
Tim

:D

Poleframer,

That's very innovative. More photos when done please!

Tim

Prayers for healing and peace from Nevada ...

Blacksmith workers of the world unite!! Zowieeee - gotta love it. Donate a beater and turn'em loose :lol:

Saw an article about new floor cones being offered by Salt Fork ... see the link

http://www.saltforkc...7_July_2010.pdf

says they'll cost about $200 ... might be a members price. Something to check out though. 36" tall with a 10" base tapers to 1.25" ... slots on two sides.

See post #8 this thread for an update

Too much/pound. If your considering spending that much money get a smaller new one or keep looking for a used one.

Look up "Kopis" or "Falcalta" ... you may see some lines that are similar to what you have created. Also, google "egyptian swords". The end of your blade is similar to designs that are very old and effective in swords.

Go find North Coast Knives on the net ... 10 pages of knife blades that you can use for ideas or mimic.

Fun to review some of the older threads ... my votes go to

The Enchanted Cottage
The Searchers
Seven
The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter
Silent Running
The Vikings

You do NOT need to pay full tilt for the Hofi Video ... you can either google "Rent Hofi Video" or go to the following link and rent the show for usually less than $10 ... it's well worth that much.

IMHO the technique is very straightforward and requires only constant practice (like a golf swing is demanding in that it is "different") until it becomes second nature.

It's always a treat to throw out an idea here and see what returns! As a learning blacksmith it helps to find out other people's thoughts are about processes. Thanks to all of you for the links and the ideas - BIGGUNDOCTOR - stop by the place you mentioned, find me a $20 post vice and I'll polish that wreck of a car you drive :D

Excuse the pun, but that is really "tasty". Well executed!

In Windows Internet Explorer you can go to the lower right corner of the screen and resize any photo/page ... maybe some of the other browsers have a similar feature :huh:

:D

Sometimes ideas need to be modified from one craft to be used in another ...

isn't there a way to build a leg vise out of mild and/or tool steel that replicates what is seen in this video? Make it so that the jaws of the vise are proud of the top of the table or ...? Who will be the first to try this - maybe fork lift tine, mild steel bar, a hinge, spring, acme screw and weld it to a base ... well you get the idea. :o

Sad to hear about your loss - hang in there while we all pray for you and yours. May your Dad rest in peace.
Tim

I know that this is an older thread ... came across and interesting article that seems to shed some light on myth versus historical evidence ... hope that this helps. It's 90 pages long so get a cuppa and settle in:



http://met.iisc.ernet.in/~rangu/text.pdf


I don't think that this is in the original posts here

Tim

No real words to express the beauty of what you have done. Be nice if you had photos of the process - make a wonderful BP! It's almost magical.

:D

I love this place. I have this vision of everyone standing around leaning on the sides of an old pickup's bed, discussing the merits of one welder vs another, comparing methods and suckin' some beers. Lots of agreement, some serious, but well intended chiding and always the comraderie. I thank you all for the input and the friendly manner that you send out your opinions - private and public. There is no way to fail with this much help. That's all for now I think; next is the prep/weld-up and photos with comments about what happens. I'll keep you posted.
B)

Great news Jimmy! Hang in there and know that we all keep you in our prayers.

Asking the "right" question here is like opening a water spigot when you're dying of thirst ... Thanks for the continued info and opinions.

I have a "manly" arc welder - not a toy from what I can determine.

Century model 110-081 built before '82 looks new
295amp/220volt (AC Only)
20% duty cycle 230/295 amp - 100% duty cycle 95/100 amp

Will handle up to 3/32 rod and lists 7018 as low hydrogen rod for low alloy and hardened metal

... I am new at this, but I think that it'll do the work asked of it. Probably more than I will ever really need and so much more that a HF no-namer. Can't wait to get started.