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Just wondering. Talking about the heat of the steel making the oil unusable after a period of time. But if a person got used oil from resturants, they throw it out after being heated for a long time. So my point is, wouldnt that oil.be already useable? ?? Or less likely to be of any use. Cause you wouldn't have any idea how old it was or Nothing I used to work at a place That served catfish And They used five fryers. But changed after Friday and Saturday nights. But That oil stayed at 400 degrees for probably 16-20 hours. They had certain ones for fries or hush puppies. But When they throwed it all in that big barrel outside. It was all mixed and stunk. Actually. So I wouldn't think used oil from a diner would be much good. As far as not having a clue as to.what was in it or how old it actually was. Leaving your quenching a real crap shoot. Maybe I'm.wrong. but I've Just always used new vegetable oil. And some salt water quench. At least the first several.uses I had some idea of how the steel would harden. Just curious. I can get all the old oil I want. For free. But. Never have due to my question about It. And that it makes my shop.smell like fish. Which ain't bad. But. It lingers when.It shut up For a few.days. .but don't let me interfere, I've enjoyed the information. May try some of the chevron

I'll tell you something That we use at work alot. Get a washer and weld the hole up while over the. Broken stud. Then weld a nut on to the washer. Using stainless rods. Then you can back it out. The SS will hold up to using a impact. Usually. Or drill it out with a smaller drill bit and then you can use a chisel to collapse the remainder inside the cast. But the washer deal will work. You just Might not be able to get a impact on It. But we gotta do this pretty regular.

I am posting a review on the reviews. Thank you all for the time to comment on these books. Y'all really answered alot of my questions and wish all books on blacksmithing could Be reviewed this in-depth. I have always tried to read all I can about everything I buy. More so from internet. But I have Never seen so many well written reviews from so many people. You can definitely feel the passion Y'all have For the craft And the feeling of obligation to fellow blacksmiths. No matter at What level they may be at. Its as if y'all were giving your thoughts on a gun you bought and had a young boy asking about It. Maybe a silly analogy. But you can tell. That your trying to not sell books but get the right information into the right hands. Hence the gun analogy. As If saying, you want out grow This gun And you Can't tear it up and.its safe. I've been waffling on getting them both. And read hundreds of reviews. But yalls were the most informative. So although I've been doing it for over 25 years. I am at a new place in my career And life. So I want the best books That I can carry from the recliner to the shop And They hold up forever. So I'm really impressed with the honesty but wouldn't expect anything less from the people on this site. I'm gonna go ahead And get them And intend on taking yalls advice. And start And work my way thru it. And hope I'm a better Smith than before. Thanks for the time. I enjoyed yalls reviews. Mark should read this thread. And I hope he finishes the 3volume soon. Cause I'm really interested in that.

That's a.pretty set up you got. Looks like the way I'd want my stuff to look. But Never get it there. I guess when you do demos you gotta keep everything close and in one spot. I've thought about setting my trailer up with a coal Forge And gas too. And go to some of these festivals around here and then stay on the trailer to work. So I ain't gotta handle it all off and on again. But unable to do much Cause of injury. But out to go ahead and follow your lead and get my ducks in a row. Seeing how I can tote heavy stuff Now. Without major pain. That 200+ pound anvil is unforgiving to me. Pushing 160lbs. Thanks For the ideas. Great work. Looks terrific

That's pretty funny Chuck. I'm like you on That. I wouldn't wanna do that To mine either. I'm not so concerned about a little outta round. I Can't get it picked up to see it All. So hope it ain't got hunks outta it. I'll know more once ground gets fit to get to it with a backhoe. Just wanna get it decent. To use. But make it look good too. But with the weather we've Had it'll be awhile before I can get It. I can't flip it by hand. Also bought a 6 inch post vice on a welding table. But Can't get it cause we've had rotten weather And the ground is so bad shape. And its to graveyard to tote. Wanna get my shop straightened up. Since duck season is over with. And get theses decoys off my tables And return my shop back to what its supposed to be used for. I like to have things arranged but had to park truck And boat together in there. So had to shove a few things up against the wall. Y'all have been so nice with your help. Wish I could tell you more. But I'll post pictures as soon as get it home. But would love to see the ones y'all got. Just to give me some good ideas on his to build my treadle. I know how and what I.want. but always like To see others work. Saw a nice one other day. But stone is only 12" it had a square wooden shaft in it. But the made it into a hand crank. No good for me. Hope the weather Ain't wearing y'all out. Be careful and stay safe. Its getting rough on.some of y'all. Stay Warm. If You can.

If any of y'all have some pictures of some grinding stones with the treadle stand. Please post them For me. I'm gonna have To build a stand anyway and need some ideas or info y'all could give me.

Thank y'all so much For the great advise. I like the various ideas. I want be drumming It over pedal power. When I can get it home I'll build my stand and fix a tool rest. So I can figure out how to use yalls ideas. Appreciate all your input on this. I'll post up pictures of my great grandaddys shop with anvil, hammer,stone,post drill. I've now have them in.mine. minus the stone just yet. The picture is from 1906 and I hope y'all might enjoy it once I get It on here.

Great ideas. Both of them are. Please keep them coming. Such a great bunch of people on here. Get responses That soon after midnight on Sunday. Gotta love that. I think. It Got hit while someone was bushogging. But still in okay shape. It dates back to 1860s. So Lucky to have It. Gonna build same stand like picture. Please tell me more. I enjoy all.yalls input. Can't have to much. May have to holler at you on were you got some of your treadle parts. Gonna have to.be stout set up.to hold this bugger. Its a nice one. Can't wait to start. Thanks, see how many more ideas I can get.

I guess this would be the best place to ask This. Ok, I Just recently recovered a large grinding stone. Its been laying against a tree and was laid over on the ground for many Years. Still has the square shaft thru it. A little. This has been in my family for over a hundred Years. So its special to me. I got the call tonight to come get It. My point is. It is 30"+ round. Had some slight damage on the grinding surface. Not horrible but enough. That I want to know what is the best way to true it up. Get It back to working order. I'm scared to just try anything to it. What would be the best way to get it to a useable surface again. I know I should have pictures but don't yet. So is there some wheel dresser for a rock That big. Cause I Don't believe I can work It out by sharpening axe heads on it. Any suggestions would be greatly Appreciated. I've been hunting For it for Years And want to build a pedal stand For it and use in my shop. So I gotta make it nice again. I owe That to my grandaddys to keep it in good shape once I get it home and get it rolling again. Wish I could ask them how they did it. Guess it stayed squared up in their day. From use. But ain't turned in over fifty Years. Or more. Thanks in advance for any help. I'll try to get pictures but Can't stand it. Wanna get it home. But grounds to sower to reach it with truck or backhoe.

Thanks to all who have helped me here. And they are calked paradol clips. Kinda like a 3 leaf clover thing. Figured they might work as some chisel steel fairly well. But I know I should just get to work on them And see. But I've been outta commission due To surgery And have Spent more time reading than.working on stuff. I Appreciate yalls help. Just curious about what y'all have used them For. Got a bunch of them And I know that doesn't make them good, But without a power hammer now, I am wanting to get back in the shop and try stuff. But gotta be careful since injuries I Had. But about had all the snow I want. And ready to hit it again. Trying to come up with material now so I can get after it once I'm okay again. Been re-readong alot of books and realized that I needed this time to beef up on my heat treating and material ID. This site has been so great to get information and see yalls pictures. Thanks again For bearing with me and my silly questions. But don't think I Don't use the advice. Keep the comments coming.

Thanks to all who have helped me here. And they are calked paradol clips. Kinda like a 3 leaf clover thing. Figured they might work as some chisel steel fairly well. But I know I should just get to work on them And see. But I've been outta commission due To surgery And have Spent more time reading than.working on stuff. I Appreciate yalls help. Just curious about what y'all have used them For. Got a bunch of them And I know that doesn't make them good, But without a power hammer now, I am wanting to get back in the shop and try stuff. But gotta be careful since injuries I Had. But about had all the snow I want. And ready to hit it again. Trying to come up with material now so I can get after it once I'm okay again. Been re-readong alot of books and realized that I needed this time to beef up on my heat treating and material ID. This site has been so great to get information and see yalls pictures. Thanks again For bearing with me and my silly questions. But don't think I Don't use the advice. Keep the comments coming.

I'd do as some have suggested. As much as I love waterfowl hunting. When I guided people it was Amy fun. Sure it paid for more shells. But I wasn't hunting with my friends and Had to entertain them somewhat. Possibly off topic, but if You enjoy smithing And wanna continue. Do like Done said. Make some pieces and sell a few to keep up with the cost of your hobby. If you wanna get deeper into it and purchase power hammers or whatever. You can make a few knives, headboards, tables to sell and get the satisfaction that people like your work. And That you don't go broke doing it. At least this hobby can pay you back a little. But you Need to educate yourself all.you can. No matter what. Welding classes, machine skills, work with journeyman.blacksmiths or go to meetings is best way to meet people and all are welcome to help too. Build Your skill level.up and things will come To you. As far as opening a business. Sounds like you got That business sense. But your gonna have to have more years under your belt to Be able to handle what people are wanting made. You'll need to know how to build it prior to taking the job or you'll be gambling with your time and eventually your money. You sound Like a smart man. Just worry about getting your skills up to.par and then it will take you where you.need to.go. Good luck in your endeavors.

Great explaination on how the top gets mounted. And a great idea too, by doing it That way. Nice lines, and love the tenon joint in the center. Truely learn something from all your post. Thanks for sharing.

Can't remember the exact name or material some had quoted that these crooked clips are made of. My question is : I am shy of many Hardy tools I Need. Hot cut just to start with. Have any of y'all. Used these clips To make Hardy tools or drifts or well, just what kinda things have y'all Had success with. I recently acquired several, of these clips and read some about them on here but they are about 5/8- 3/4 thick And possibly 6-8 long straightened out. I recall They were of rather quality steel. But without a power hammer I'm gonna swimg my arm off getting them to the shape I need. Any advise or past practices y'all have had using these clips would be Appreciated. I'm currently getting over surgery and can't work. So I've been researching all.I can. Till I can get back to the shop. Hate being So vague. But getting.cabin fever and with several hundred of these clips. They will be my main source of tool material. If I get some good information on them. Steel type, best tools to make outta them. .thanks in advance. For your help.

Thank you For your service. I know you've gotten some great info already. You Can't go wrong with any suggestions given. Be careful and come home to use whatever anvil you choose to get.

I understand the poke at his email address. Then he decides he doesn't want Your price. That's cool. When people see the ladies pot rack. They might ask who did it and refer to the carpenter. But she'd end up telling them he got a blacksmith to make that. That shows off your skill and his inability to do that kinda work. Point being. He's just a contractor that makes more money the lower prices He gets off you. But in the long run. You'll get some advertising from the other work. And possibly a shout out for not charging extra for his mistakes. That shows character and that's What gives you a good name in the business. Not who measured What wrong or whatever. If you are wanting to have more business. The more product you have in peoples homes the better off you'll be. His work is over. Probably at some point. But with the things you can produce. They are what I call talking points. At parties or family get togethers. Things people can't find at Lowes or wherever. You will get business from anything you can get in a home. Women Like to look at stuff And talk. Duh. You have just learned a major part of business. Had you been dealing with the customer directly She might have jumped on that price. He could've been trying to make up a few bucks from a mistake he had to eat in the job. So what the customer gets is sometime just what the carpenter tells them about. But your work will stand for itself. I know you were just joking around about the situation. But you'll get a return on the way you handled the other issue. I believe in that stuff. May be a while somewhere else. But it all comes back around. Character, That's what's its all about.

That's a interesting joint design. Thanks for showing us that. The wood is great too. Never saw a tenon made like that. Guess you would anchor, screw the top of the table to the iron. ??? Shouldn't That hold it in place?

You can make them fold up at the neck and legs. By using rivets to give it a old time look. I've made a bunch of the wall mounted ones. Just upset the end of the rod that goes Thru the wall plate. And they hold the guitar off the floor and still in sight when you wanna pick some. Plus it want get knocked over either. I'll try to post pictures.

Great advice by everyone on here. But just get to work. You Don't need a PhD to get started. Get your metal hot. And a make shift anvil and roll on. The research And chats are great. But until you can get your forge going. Practice on modeling clay. To get a idea of how to displace the metal. U read That on here. And made since. If a person didn't have all he needed yet.

I like the guitar reference. I was thinking that myself. My grandaddy was a Boilermaker for 40 yrs. First job I was on, as a apprentice. He had never touched before. So I could tell him more after a day. Point being, is that read everything you can. You'll learn something from anything You find. Do This when You can't Be pounding iron. This site is a godsend. The wealth of knowledge and help these guys can provide is priceless. Other than your own experiences.

I'll agree. I'd recommended reading things on here. Great guys to help you For sure. But the look at the book reviews That offer alot of info on getting started and will also give you plans on how to make the items you Need I enjoyed the " THE BLACKSMITHS CRAFT' by Charles mcraven. It is a great book and you can't hardly outgrow it. You've came To the right place, here for advice and possible invites to someone's forge. Just be careful And be smart about buying things. Until you know what your looking For. You can get started pretty cheap. But I'd recommend reading all I could. Most authors devote a portion to their beginnings and what mistakes they made And how they found what They needed. But the book.I.mentioned has alot for everyone.

Sorry. Just to fox It back up as a keep sake. To show others and would be a awesome show forge. I inteneded, if I got It. To put it on my trailer and leave it there and do demos For the scouts and at the state park I live beside. Yet. Although I think about it daily, almost. I hate paying that much for it. I guess the OCD is kicking in. Strange how a piece of equipment can bring So much joy even if you don't use it much. Yet I worry about a couple extra bucks to save it from its ultimate demise. Its sat there for Years. The man That owns it. Just bought it as a conversation piece For all the guys That come to his gas station And whittle. So. Please. After all my preaching on how I Don't mind paying to much at times. To get what I want. I am gonna fool around And this man sell it or die on me. And lose it forever. So. To all my friends on Here. Tell me to go get it. Now. Fix it up like it needs to be and enjoy it. I wanna repaint the blower and clean It up nice. So,,,,,, y'all get on me and make me go get it. Cause I want be happy till I do. I'd die if it was gone one day. I've even bought paint to repaint the blower. How crazy is That. Trying To not pay more than I think its worth, but allowing the idea of it to control my thoughts. Guess I've told off on myself. Ha. I need to take my own advice. Strange how you see stuff and think I'd have bought it for That. But I usually gotta fight with myself to pull the trigger. Its the only one I've ever seen around here. Y'all don't think I'm crazy, I'm just .........well spirited. Is what my momma called it. Hope y'all found the humor in my rants. But y'all give me the shivering I need. Please. Ha.

I reread my long post. That was after taking a ambien. Got of track. I enjoy when friends come by, that know nothing about anything. Hardly. But they just look at the post drills or vices And forges with such amazement. We have band practice at times here And they will look for hours and ask so many questions. On the uses of certain items. I was lucky to have a family full of smiths. And have most of their tools. So the pride factor is there. But I also enjoy buying things That I didn't get handed down to me. Just to have. I'm a blacksmith first. But collect things too. If at the right price. Everyone in my town has driven roghit past a Buffalo forge with large cast table and under table gears. Its been setting ten foot off the side of main street for years. I'm trying to buy it from the man. And He wanted $200 for it. Which I thought was high. But I have yet to walk in my shop and not think about it. About how sick I would be if it was sold or scrapped. Its still got everything but the wooden handle on it. Just needs new legs put on it. Yet I want it so bad. Just to fix

Love it. We practice, my band in my shop. Should do something Like that too. Of course it would Be southern rock.

Maybe Had the higher prices not come along. Most stuff would be long gone. These tools will survive now. Because of all the internet, TV picker programs and pawn shop, storage locker shows. My point is. ,that everyone with a TV nowadays. Is thinking They know something about antique anything. That just because its old means its valuable. My great - great grandaddys tongs are worth the world to me. But the average Smith wouldn't give me nothing For them. So I have noticed that it might be a little harder to find things or buy them cheaply. But either They are retained in families as heirlooms or for profit later, they still exist. Like mandrel cones. How many have been lost to scrapyards. Now people wouldn't think about getting rid of nothing like that. Without a quick Google search. So. Although. For the working Smith. It may cost a little more To get certain things now. But just think about what has been saved. Simply due to eBay and TV. .at least Its still around. Maybe untouchable at today's prices. But should be around for the next generation. I'll buy what I have to. And pass on somethings I should buy. But if I gotta pay alot to get something that is so hard. To come buy. Then I consider it a investment for my kids. But I'm gonna get my use outta it. And somethings I Got are just to have. Like old coal forges. I get enjoyment just having them. To show friends about this craft. What's a few hundred dollars for a lifetime of memories. Just knowing I have certain Smith equipment makes me feel good. Like I saved it from the scrap pile. I was lucky to be the fifth generation Smith in my family. But collect certain pieces. Cause I don't have everything that was in the family. Long way of saying. If you want it and can get it. Just do it. Your about guaranteed ,the bottom want fall out. You Might pay to much. But if you wanna sell it. You'll get most back. Like you leased It And put it back in the rotation for future smiths. Someone had gotta keep these items around. So I can't think of a better place than my shop. So I can enjoy them while I'm here. Life is short. Don't deny yourself the enjoyment thinking you'll find another later. ,cheaper. Sorry I'm rambling. I Just feel better to preserve the craft all I can. I Don't buy just anything. But considered it money well spent. Within reason. Up to late for such a long post. Sorry if I got off track. I'm Just happy you can still see somethings. Even.if you can't afford them. But I like the post about setting on a gold mine of tools one day