Cole Cross

Will a 110a mig be sufficient enough to weld some 4x2x4" 4140 to a railroad track? I only need it strong enough to stay in place while its being hammered upon at least until I can manage to buy a real anvil. I'm guessing I'd have to make quite a few passes if this will work. Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks for everyones input. I came across one problem though, it sucks regardless of wire position. I couldn't figure it out so I just bought a cheap $10 hair dryer and it works great.

I've heard of hair dryer's burning up because of the lack of air flow in one direction; it has nowhere to go but back into the fan. If this will not harm my vac motor using a valve type system, then I will do so. Will this happen to the motor?

I scavenged an old vacuum motor and I was wondering, how do I slow it down? I want it to run about 100-150 cfm but since it's an ac motor, I have no idea how to do it. I thought about running a dimmer switch to an outlet to which I could plug it in but I read that I shouldn't since it's against code. It wouldn't be mounted in my house, just on a piece of wood.

I don't mean to be a smarty pants but you can't blacksmith with a welder. You weld with a welder. You blacksmith with a forge anvil and hammer. They are two distinct types of metal working. But most people do blacksmith also weld.

Go with the Lincoln.

I am new to welding and I was looking at harbor freights 90a flux welder. This one here Will this work pretty well for general blacksmithing? Or should I go with a lincoln stick welder?

I have welded 3/4, 1, 1 1/2 even 2 inch with the method I am putting this link to. This is a crude way of doing it but it has always worked for me. I am not sure if it shows it, but after welding the end I usually clamp the end in the vise and untwist the cable a little and sprinkle flux inside the cable then put it back in the vise and tighten it back up.

http://picasaweb.google.com/LDWynn/BirthOfACableKnife#

I am looking to try my first damascus project and my research lead to using steel cable as a start. I found some 1 Inch 6X37 IWRC Wire Rope for sale online and was wondering if this is suitable enough to start with?

I am looking for a good pair of general purpose blacksmithing tongs. I want something that will be good enough for a beginner (me), but will also last me into further progression of my hobby. They would mostly be used for knife making as that's what I like to do. I was looking at some wolf jaw tongs, but I need some input as to what more professionals would suggest I use. Also what length would should I get?

Cool, I am going to try the drill and screw solution. I think this should work quite well. Thanks.

I have acquired a piece of railroad track to use for a temporary anvil until I can get a better one. My question is that when I hammer on it, it is extremely loud. If I hold it down against the stump with my left hand and hammer with my right it deadens the sound. What can I quiet it's vibration noise?