Tim McCoy

: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.

Truly interesting work & the videos are much appreciated. It is always better to "see" what is done in a process than to read or hear about it. Thanks for sharing.

Nice look Sam you gonna leave the blade "natural"? Did you forge it on power hammer?

NTA & MVA, I like those! Thanks for the input. Will send photos of the weld up once done. Looks like a little work, but should be plenty strong.

I have tried to find a similar thread on IFI with no luck - if there actually is one forgive an old man his lack of computer skills ... I want to weld three pieces of forklift tine. The photos will helpfully explain what I want to accomplish in the making of an ASO. The tine was cut into four pieces: the "L", a stubb that has been set aside for other use the long end of the tine with the pointed end of that cut off. The "L" forms one leg of anvil, with a 3x8x10" box channel forming the other leg - setting on a 1.5x10x11" mild steel base. There is a 20" long piece of the tine that will be the face of the anvil (it is tapered) with a hardy & pritchel hole ... the wedged end of the tine will allow the face piece to be level .... again the photos will explain better than I can. So, I have a 295 amp/220 volt Century arc welder, no tig/mig or gas. Making large bevels on all mating edges, what rod will work "best" and should I lay a first bead with 1016, should the weld be peened, should all pieces be heated before welding? The tine is 1.75" at it's thickest and 4" wide. Biggundoctor was kind enough cut/mill the hardy & pritchel holes and to mill the ends of most of the pieces - thanks!! Comments/suggestions please.

Great kit and probably the best apron decorations ever!!

Fe-Wood, There is little that I can offer you other than to say that many of us understand your feelings of loss. Having to deal with weak and failing loved ones, fearing their death and wondering just how long they may have to suffer sometimes seems unbearable. When they do pass on before us it is always too soon ... there is so much more to say and do. And how can anyone make suicide at any age understandable except to consider that sometimes it seems like there is no other release for mental anguish or physical pain? Words won't make it better, but perhaps having friends - no matter how casual, will make it a little more bearable. It is an honor to have you trust us with your feelings. May God Bless you and yours and may He bring you some sense of peace in this difficult time. I do know that all us here wish you well. Your memorial is very well done - mercy is what it is all about. Regards, Tim McCoy

I got all I need to be a hobbyist blacksmith, tools, forge, coal, scrap steel, ASO's and a shed that I built and I have less than $300 invested out of pocket ... so, $500 or $1,500 is too much! :P

Clinton, Thanks for the info ... working on a couple anvil like things now - fork lift tine and blocks of scrap steel and I-beam, and I have one that I posted not too long ago thats a 1 1/5 x 11 xd 19" plate. This is fun. I know many will say save your money and buy a "real" anvil. Maybe later, but now it's too much fun just puttin' stuff together, especially since I'm not rying to make a living. Tim

Clinton Think I saw your anvil before ... can't remember if in gallery or forum, did you harden the face and what's the weight - 250?? Tim

Yep, A36 is mild steel - just wanted to know "how" it worked/heldup for others ... thanks very much for the answers! I really like the "universality" of the Brazeal style anvil. Now I know what you know and don't have to guess Tim

Hi folks, Tried to find a thread about this - I know mild steel will work as an anvil. Wondering if anyone has any experience using A36 as an anvil? Tim

If your workplace has a unionized work force, they deserve it, IMHO. This topic seems to be very interesting, but not about blacksmithing so ...

Great samples ... yes, the unfinished ones seem to be more appealing. Perhaps it's the mystery and the potential in what is not shown. All of these are very well done. Thanks for sharing your work. Tim

Walt - lets see if this photo loads up - its the anvil we talked about - good buy! It has a raised marking that says "50" on one side. Tim

Absolutely amazing - wonder how old it is ... thanks for sharing!