iamdunn4

Can some one give me the temperatures for the colors that the metal turns during heat treating ?

Rob I am pretty green at this and I was wondering how you make the rivets for the tongs and then I saw this. I figured you would just use a piece of round stock and make a bulge at one end before inserting into the hole then do the same on the other side to secure it. But then the problem would be that you would change the diameter of the shaft and could not get it in the hole. Could you explain how this tool is used or is there another way to do this for a novice. Also how do you punch the holes in this device when the two pieces are separate, would a c clamp be enough to hold the two side together while you punch through it ? Or did you just drill the holes ? Don

Thank you guys for all this information, this has helped me because I am in the same situation as ofafeather with no hardy. I can see both sides of the picture and I think I will try both methods. I should learn something doing both of these. Especially since I don't know anything yet. Don

Thanks John I will give that a shot. I think it will fit in my forge . How much heat do you think ? Just a mild heat or do I need to get some color ?

I have an old one that is frozen up pretty rusty but it looks like it would work. any one ever get one of these freed up after it set out side and rusted up ?

Where I work we have a big pile of old small equipment parts and other stuff. There are some small tractor blades about 7 inches long and they weigh about a pound each. They look like cast parts. I was wondering if I can forge something like this into a hardy or axe or what ever else. I do not have any hardy's for my anvil and would like to make some if any one has any idea on what type stuff I could use for this project? Also what can I do with old lawnmower blades ? I'm new to this so I need some of you prose to help me to gain more knowledge. I have been reading a lot and started that tutorial that I found on this site. I know I need to have the correct tools to work with so I will try to gather some.

I am new to this site and to blacksmith work, so go easy on me. I was just at the Homstead Fair in Waco TX. and watched them make a simple axe/hatchet. I have a gas forge and a 300 pond Anvil that I would like to try making an axe with. I have done some simple bending and twisting and hinges and a door lock but nothing like welding yet. Does any one know where I can get written instruction or watch a video on this subject? I would appreciate any information , I have seen some neat axes on this forum and I do not expect to create anything near this quality. Thank you Don Dunn