LarryM

This is a fire brick forge that I recently finished. So thought I would share a few photos. See what you think more photos in the gallery. That's home made reducing bell on th burner so i don't have a lot of money invested to build this forge.

nashdude, The best way to identify unknown steel is the use the grinder spark test. I won't go into detail but just spark test steels that you do know the carbon, alloy content of, and compare with unknown steels. There is also pictures available to compare with. This is not an very accurate way to do it but It will give you and idea. You can also just experiment with heat treating different steels. There is a lot of info either on the internet, books to get you started. If you know what the steel was used for in it's previous life that will get you a place to start. Like most of the people will tell you if you are making something special (For Example Knives) use new know steels. Larry

Richard, Happy Birthday!!!!!! Bet can't wait for it the be over.:D

irnsrgn, Is right on the cylinder. I'd try to buy new what I'm looking for, there's less hassle. If you need it a certain length do like irnsrgn says shorten longer cylinder. Question what are you using cylinder for? If you are building a hydraulic press. Do the math for an 8" diameter cylinder using 2500 psi power unit. It figures out to be almost 63 tons. That's big press.

Sammy, This old WeldingWeb Forum thread has some old torch pictures. Check it out. Welder Pictures Enjoy!! Larry

UDATE: Thought I let you know what took place here. The family is going to inherit most of the modern farming equipment, Tractors, Implements, some tools etc. The property is still undecided. So things did work out pretty well after all. I personally did get: Misc mechanic's hand tools and equipment. Miller Bobcat 225 welder Victor Journeyman cutting and welding torch with cart. 4" Blacksmith post vise. Several tons of scrap steel:) Here are some pictures of welder and torch setup. So keep on hammin'!!! Larry

ataiter, Below is another site to visit. The thing about this design is there is no slider bar to build. The connecting rods could also be replaced with more suitable pivots. These plans could also be scale up to make a larger verion. See want you think Larry