Ted T

Magnets and Blacksmithing
I have a lot of uses for MAGNETS inside and outside of my shop.
Here are just some of my favorite tricks that I do with a magnet:
#1. Cleaning up the drill press table that is covered with oil and steel shavings.
I simply cover a strong magnet with a plastic covering such as baggy (sandwich bag).
This allows me to use a magnet in such a way that it will not be covered with oil or steel shavings when I am through cleaning.
The oil residue and small steel shavings stays on the outside of the baggy. Then all you have to do is just pull the baggy off from around the magnet and you still have a clean magnet.
Here are some other uses I have found for magnets;
#2. I use magnets to position steel that I am welding.
#3. I also drag a magnet over the gravel area out side of my shop where I weld sometime. I cannot afford to have flat tires due to leaving a welding rod end, or a piece of the steel hidden in the gravel that I have cut off while welding.
#4. I use a magnet to quickly stick up a drawing or blueprint onto a piece of steel in the area that I am working in.
#5. I also have magnets that have clips glued onto them. I use them sometime to hold instructions and or photos of things I am building.
#6. Pick up tool. I can hardly bend over any longer due to arthritis. I have had a stick with a magnet glued on one end. It works out great for picking up things I drop. It has saved me from a lot of pain. In fact, I just bought me a magnet with an extension handle at HF. It is like gold to me.
#7. At one time, I have placed a magnet on my anvil to reduce the ring.
#8. And last but not least, I use a magnet to make sure steel has reached critical heat when I am forging.
How did I ever live before magnets were available? I just don't know
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Very well said Rich
Most blacksmiths I know will tell you that you cannot forge weld when using a gas heated forge.
Some will say that you may be able to forge weld with a gasser, but only if you use a recuperating type gas forge.
Over the years I have spent a lot of wasted money to watch demonstrators who said that you cannot forge weld by using a gas forge. Frustration set in because at that time I knew that you could forge weld with a gasser.
When I first started into blacksmithing about 54 years ago. I had never heard of a gas heated forge. We used coal and coke solely where I lived at that time. When gas forges came out, we still had an abundant supply of coke in the area where I lived, so there was no reason for me to change over to gas.
But then the steel mills closed down about 10 years ago, and coke was no longer available at a reasonable price. I was forced into considering using a gas forge.
Then about 4 years ago I saw the blacksmith from the UK demonstrate that forge welding could be done if done correctly! He confirmed what a Knife maker friend had already taught me at one time.
In fact, this very skilled craftsman from the UK pulled two heated pieces of steel out of a gas forge (with no flux) and slapped them together across the anvil face and they bonded into a weldment! Wow, what a shock to my knowledge base. So I bought a whisper Daddy II gasser and speedily put it in storage.
I still avoided using a gas forge although I knew that you could forge weld with them if you knew what you were doing.
But I did not want to deal with the problems of the flux eating the lining of my forge.
I did not use my gasser until this last year. I liked it so well, not only did I start using it, but I also built me a single burner gasser.
I am presently developing a 3 burner that can be used as a 1, 2, or 3, burner type gasser. It will be designed a little different from the existing forge designs I have seen. I want to develop a forge design big enough that I can place a piece of stock in it that has an existing large bend.
I feel it is better to have firebrick lining the bottom of the forge for reasons of slowing down the degradation from the use of flux. It seems to me that it is easier to replace.
Thank you for that step by step explanation of how to forge weld with a gas forge.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

I kinda wounder if that stuff is so good, that maybe I could just take a sip for my arthritis (not much mind you), just a sip.
Then maybe the doctor will just call me "Old Ted" instead of "old RUSTY Ted? Or, if it don't work, the late Ted!
Be safe!
Wo,wo, waite a minute, ... I just thought about it (second thoughts), I'll pass on trying a sip! :cool:
Old Rusty Ted

Thank You
m brothers, Ice Czar, and Fat Pete.
Good reminder of one of the many uses of vinegar. Plus I had not thought about using some type of submersible vessel as Fat Pete described.
I use a lot of vinegar for cleaning all types of things due to it being relatively safe to use.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Stretch said: "There is no such a thing as extra stuff. I thought it was a sin to get rid of stuff, whether you use it or not.
What do you think all that extra room under tables and on tables is for??????"
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Joe H said: "My rule is NEVER sell tools, period. I have sold a few things in the past that I thought I would never need. It never fails, one day I end up kicking myself. Right now I've got one shop I work out of, and another 12x16 building that stores tools that never get used. Even though I may think I'll never use some of them, it costs nothing to keep them."
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Too Much Stuff?
Stretch and Joe H. say exactly how I feel about "My Stuff". I have none extra!
I have worked to hard and sacrificed too much in order to accumulate all of this junk, or, I mean my tools and material.
The only problem I contend with most of the time is that I just don't have enough buildings to keep it all in.
I am a bona fide (12 Step) Tightwad Tool Junkie and don't want to be cured.
I believe the thing that keeps me alive and trying to outrun death (my form of aerobics) is that I don't want to die.
If I die, my "STUFF" will most likely be given away to someone who will not appreciate its value, or it will be sold for ten cents on the dollar.
Keep it all in a safe place. Err, I mean: Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

northtowntom,
Whisper Daddy, Whisper Momma, Whisper Baby, we are all in the Smith Family.
I have a whisper Daddy II and love it!
The main thing is that you have your forge at home now where you can use it.
Because you have put your thoughts put into action, you have created a good foundation as a starting point for hands on creativity as a blacksmith.
I believe that getting to the starting point of where you are (when you light your first forge fire and strike hot steel that you have heated) may be the most physiological difficult part of the trip.
Now you can relax and enjoy the rest of the ride as you travel along the Blacksmith trail.
Congratulations, but please keep it fun and safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Good Idea Blackbeard
You might want to check out this set of photos (up close) in the mean time. It has a close-up of the spring and the hammer.
Just use this URL like Blackbeard gave us. Then slip down to the photos. The spring looks like there is some bend in it to me. But not much.
FERRUM D. Gentile: Krusty The 100 pound mechanical powerhammer
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

If I was the one building the hammer, I would not mess with any heat treating solution due to bending the spring.
That is because I am not qualified to apply or discuss heat treatment of any sort with leaf springs for purposes of restoring the original spring properties that it was designed for.
So, if it was me making the decision to heat, bend, and heat treat, I would avoid the heat treating issue completely just by leaving the spring in its natural shape.
Then I would adjust the springs installation orientation (angle of incidence) in such a manner that would maximize its use as it is presently shaped.
It may even give the hammer a more streamlined appearance!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Quote from the PENNDOT Cultural Resources:

Wow, what a great discussion. I could not agree more about when Ralph said "It is fascinating to hear how so many smiths either learned or just do things. We are all different. nice thing about it is we can help others see it in a different manner".
Although I believe all the points of view that have been expressed here are well worth consideration for your use, Peyton and Mike have reflected back to what my beliefs are about hammer use. I am sure it is because the concepts were instilled into me when I was young and in training as a blacksmith.
So, I would like to repeat some of what they said, that I think are valuable points that I feel are worth repeating over again, Knowing that the mother of skill is repetition.

Two things I have learned from working with yesteryearforge is: 1. when cutting stock with a hardie use a brass hammer. and 2. NEVER hit cold metal with a forging hammer. Have a "cold" hammer hanging near your vice or close to your work area. That way you will spend more time forging and less time re-dressing your hardies and hammers! Peyton

Quote: yesteryearforge "Maybe im guilty of teaching bad habits or if not bad habits perhaps useless habits, but I use different hammers for different uses.
Such as
I use a brass hammer to cut off with and to hit the chop fuller with which pretty much eliminates any damage to either.
I have what I refer to as cold hammers that I hit punches , chisels , and cold metal with.
I use a wooden mallet for straightening spirals and twist if they get out of shape
I go to the trouble to dress the faces of my hammers very nice and want to keep them that way.
Besides I have a plethora of hammers.
Most smiths that I know have a lot of hammers , and whats the point of aquiring multiple hammers if you intend to use only one hammer for everything.
I take efforts to keep from marring up the face of my anvil and think it only reasonable to do the same with my hammers".
MIKE-T, end of Quote:
I also just use a 2" x 4" to bring a finished piece of stock back into shape so I will not mar the surface with unwanted impact marks, just like Glenn. I also kinda like the burned pine smell, if ya know what I mean?
If you do Repousse, watch out if you don

Keithh999,
I have an anvil just like it. So I know what you mean.
My anvil is sometime very cold, but then she warms up to me after a while.
She is a beauty with a nice slim waist and a beautiful horn, table, and face.
I carry a photograph of her in my wallet also.
So I know why you chain your anvil down, for security reasons, right? :confused:
Just kidding!
Good for you, I am glad you got it!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

The reason I have had so many welders is due to being in the blacksmithing / welding business for over 50 years. When I had employees, it was necessary.
I recently sold a new Portable Ranger 250, plus gave away a Lincoln buzz box and a Miller buzz box.
I am left with a Miller AC-DC Arc STICK, ~ Century 70 Amp AC Arc STICK (I keep on the work table for quick tacks), ~ Lincoln Precision 185 MIG, ~ Lincoln 135 TIG, ~ Lincoln 110 Weld Pack Wire feed (It is very portable and I used it for installations), ~ oxy/acy, ~ and a Plasma Cutter. And of course, my forges.

jimmyw404,
I can see that you are serious about learning the blacksmith trade because your actions speak much louder than words about your intentions to learn the trade. I respect a person who is willing to help them selves; it makes me feel more willing to give up my time and energy to someone like your self.
I wish you lived close to me. I would attempt to help you get started if you did.
Because of your drive and associated activities you are pursuing, you will soon find out
about where your skill level is. And then it is onward and upward from there.
In addition to what the other smiths have suggested to you, I would suggest to you to make sure that you are using a mild steel to forge with, and stay away from any steel that is treated with galvanize.
The suggestions they have provided to you should keep you busy in the meantime until you are able to attend a meeting with the Michigan's blacksmithing association.
They should provide you with enough guidance to get you going straight down the right path.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

What Glenn said X 10

rlarkin,
Looks like a little bit of a heaven for a playhouse with two angels sitting on stumps to me.
Good for you, and have fun!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Re: Rings v. Safety
I believe this is a valuable wake up call about wearing

NeatGuy,
At one time, back in the 70's, my friend owned a small

Northtown,
Very nice find.
I am your neighbor, I live in Utah.
For the last several years I come to, or thru LasVegas about 3 or 4 times per year. Maybe someday I could drop by and see your anvil in person.
I lived and worked in Vegas in the late 60's at the Sands Hotel and Casino.
You should be pretty safe with me in your shop. I can

Blacksmithing injuries? Probably about the same as most of you. Sometimes we all forget things are hot.

Diddo.......
I believe most of us are about the same. Except for me at this time in my life. I forget more often than most..... Oh, :confused:I just about forgot what were were talking about.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

An important consideration if you will be using it in a number of anvils where the fit might be tight on one or a couple of them; is to make sure the shaft will stick out under the anvil and be smaller than the hardy hole so it you tap it to get it out it won't mushroom and rivit in place.

Thomas Powers,
Thank you for pointing out that very useful concept which is new to my thinking.
I consider my self as an “experienced beginner blacksmith” with well over 50 years of practice.
I know it sounds redundant and clich

Advice to a beginner
I would agree with everything Dan and Glenn said. I believe what Dan and Glenn said was simple and valuable advice that is worth reading over again.
Go to Home page and you will find the following Ref:
Want to get started in blacksmithing ---> Click here
Want to find information quickly ---> Click here
Want to navigate the site ---> Click here
Looking for a blacksmithing group near you ---> Click here
If MI = Michigan, then I would contact the following: Michigan Artist Blacksmith's Association - MABA at: President Steve Alling Romeo, MI
Email: allingjan@yahoo.com (586) 752-7016
When Dan said: “The worst part? Trying to teach yourself on your own”, I agree.
But in addition to what Dan said, I would like to add;
Because sometime when someone tries new things on their own, they may not realize the safety issues associated with what they are doing. We are all about safety first!
Nothing beats hands on experience guided by a qualified person, coupled with the associated study necessary to understand the how, why, what, when, how many, how hard, and most important; what to charge!
Learning to do it right the first time saves a lot of money and pain.
Like Glenn said: “Protect everything you want to keep”.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Happy Birthday Chopper, "Cough, Cough, Or, I mean Dale!:cool:
I hope the birthday blacksmith fairy brings you a "Fly Press" this year!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Anvil Hardie Tool Safety
About 4 years ago, I trained under a seasoned blacksmith named Naham Hersom from Boise Idaho. He made it a point at the very first part of the training to remind me about not leaving a hardie tool in place after I was done using it.
In fact he suggested that I face the anvil so the striking hand was opposite the hardie hole. I could see his logic, because sometime we forget to remove the hardie tool (especially the hot cut) when we are trying to squeeze out the last bit malleability out of a heat.
Most people I have passed this information onto just shrug their shoulders to the concept and say they will just remember to remove the tool. I am included in this group.
By giving it some thought, I believe the reason is due to how I was first taught to blacksmith. In fact, I wind up standing all around my anvil at times. Although I have never cut or hurt myself on a hardie tool, I try to remain respectful of the potential danger that exists.
Over the years I have had several other old time, full time blacksmiths warn me of the hazard of leaving a hardie tool in place while using another part of the anvil.
One of them told me that he knew of men that had cut their arms and had bleed to death.
Your reminder stuck with me.
Glenn... Like you say;

You guys are hot (pun intended).
Like the "Great Finnr" said; "ya got to earn your burns".
Finnr would know!
But Frosty's experence made my hand want to curl up just reading about it.
This thread just re-enforces the concept of why we need to keep writing posts like this one to remind each other, Over, and Over, and Over again about safety issues!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Sam, AKA --- > Apprentice Man
You are man! I think we could safely call you a "Metal Activist"
You are paving a path to success as a blacksmith. Keep on hammering!
But, “BE Safe”, we need you. Like Glenn says: “Protect everything you want to keep”.
Old Rusty Ted