Farmall

man, I've been looking for a 6-inch vise..........

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Well, I got a really good deal at a farm auction - I paid $35 for it.........

Here's the 205# Peter Wright I just got a great deal on...but I found a crack near an edge. How would I fix this to keep it from progressing and breaking off?

Ok....so I went and bought it. Turns out its a 205 pound Peter Wright....I'll post pics in the morning........

Looks to be from around the 1880's based on the lettering. Got some sway, and a big dent (about the size of two silver dollars side by side) in the middle of the face - face is pretty smooth otherwise. The table looks like they enjoyed cutting it with chisels. Edges have some good places and some not so good. Weighs around 150 (can't read the weigh marks). Can get it for $165. Reasonable or no? I really don't need it, but seems like I ought to go ahead and get it, so when I run across someone who needs a starter anvil, I can help them. What say you?

I knew I was going to get a bunch of answers and I thank you all for offering them. I know that a sharp shoulder is a stress riser just wanting to crack, but I was curious to see how big a radius was used. So far, seems like 1/2" radius is the largest with most going 3/8" or less. If there are more replies to this thread, I'll compile them and post what the consensus seems to be.

Lately several people have been discussing the pros and cons of radiusing the edge of an anvil. Several folks piped up to say that they have put different radius-es along the edge. It got me to wondering.....what radius or radius-es did you put on your anvil and why? I was wondering what the most common radius-es used were. Appreciate any and all feedback.

There is also a good discussion on lock making in Volume 1 of the Journal of Historical Armsmaking Technology. Kinda tough to come by, but I was able to read it via interlibrary loan. http://www.amazon.com/Journal-Historical-Armsmaking-Technology-1/dp/B000HHJNOU

What a great gift! Great workmanship!

I have been wanting to mess around with making a few things in copper, including a sprinkle cup for the fire. Saw one once and it was nice looking. Never messed with sheet metal much, so I figured this winter might be a good thing to learn a little better. But where to get the sheet copper? I have many sources of galvanized sheet metal, but not copper. Thanks for any advice.

but why would they have such a taper? For making threads of any size? I figured they might be taps, but never seen any like that.

This one is listed on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1900s-CHAMPION-BLOWER-No-50-RHEOSTAT-CHAMPION-BLOWER-FORGE-CO-/150702226603?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23168d7cab

The other thing is not a saw set. It is a saw vise. It holds the handsaw so that you can sharpen it and set the teeth. Got one just like that I still use.

Get him some good sweet gum too....

The use of bed wrenches has not stopped. I know several craftsmen who are making very nice 4-poster beds today where the frame is bolted together and tightened using a bed wrench. None of them are the rope type. I also have seen the old rope bed frames that used a key as well, and I have seen a metal key. All of the keys for the most recent made ones were metal. Not sure that's helpful, but it's what I know about bed keys.

Went to an auction yesterday and got these fun toys. The roller is in pretty good shape, except the third wheel is frozen....gotta get busy freeing it up. Vise in pretty good shape as is the fire pot, but am missing the clinker breaker. Anyone know what the thread things are far? Is the one with the 7 holes for making bolts - a die in other words? Also got some hammer heads, a brush ax, couple of tongs, foot adz, powder wedge, and a bunch of other iron pieces.

I think the cabinetmaker's crosspeens are called "Warrington Hammers" - design supposedly developed in, of course, Warrington, England.

Any suggestions on places or things to see blacksmithing related?

FInd a friend that has an engine hoist - I pick things up with it, put them on four wheel dollies, and roll where I need and pick it back up to set it down. I've got one and that's how I move the heavy stuff around

Got my gear back from Thomas today! Looks great. Can't wait to get it back on the forge. Still cleaning the rest and prepping for some paint. I'll bet I've got the only Thomas Dean Autographed forge in town! (see second picture) Thanks again Thomas......

I'll be sure and post pics when I get it. The sand pockets may explain why it cracked....quality of the casting doesn't sound the greatest. Thank you, Thomas.

Thanks for the information. I just saw a nice 155 pound Hay Budden sell for $450 at an auction, but wasn't sure if $700 was too high. I told the fella to hold it for me and sent a deposit on it. Will pick it up next month when I can swing by his place.

Fellow wants $700....almost $3/pound. Is it worth it? Looks to be in great shape.

Great News! Glad to hear everyone is doing well.