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I Forge Iron

joshua.M

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Everything posted by joshua.M

  1. Kubiack, Thanks for your suggestion, I am using as much flux as will melt on it from bright orange heat, when i said that heat it slowly, i meant the heat, pause, heat pause heat method. I take 2 welding passes after twisting it tighter at a welding heat, more if needed. I think it has more to do with the center material, it is very shiny and springy, if bent cold it snaps back to shape, if the outer layers are bent cold, they spring back but stay slightly bent. My best guesses are: galvanized, stainless steel or a strange alloy. Anyone know of some tests I can do to narrow the options of what it could be?
  2. My grandfather gave me a bunch of 18" long sections of 1 1/4" crane cable to use in making cable damascus, They were a christmas gift last year that have sat in the corner of my shop because I was having a hard time welding them (whole outside welded together, but core strand wouldn't). I use the following steps: - Soak in vinegar for 2 days to strip as much gunk off as possible - Spray with brake cleaner and wipe down (box fan blowing away any fumes, and my shop is very open) - Let dry for one day (in sun) - Heat to orange in gas forge to burn off anything else (while I prep coal forge to weld) - Flux on "end grain" of cable so flux flows in - Transfer to coal forge and heat first 2" to welding slowly to ensure even heat - Weld end together - Repeat process for other side - Heat un welded center to orange, twist open (locked in vise) wire brush and flux, close tight - Heat center evenly to welding heat, twist tighter in vise to weld, then 2 more welding passes on anvil Here is the problem. Center would not weld, so I went through the cleaning process and took a piece of the cable apart. The center seems to be galvanized! I didn't even think to check first... stupid me. So here is the question, because it is a gift I don't' want to trash it, but I know the galvy is bad, so does anyone have an idea of how I can take out the center core without the other wires collapsing (thats what happened when I drove it out) I could disassemble the cable and weld each rope separately and then weld all those together, but that is less than time and cost efficient. Thanks for any answers If you need more detail please ask Josh
  3. I LOVE good wrought, got the first good stuff i've used, 4' long 5/8" bolts, I want more :P
  4. we have a huge pile of topsoil/fertilizer in one of our bottom hay fields, it is a byproduct of the horses. It is the only field with access onto our property. I was out hunting groundhogs that have taken up residence in that field and noticed some tire tracks through the deep grass, followed them up to the topsoil pile and there was at least 2 yards gone. I set up a trail cam and and caught him coming in twice but no good shots, so i set up in the treeline with my .22 and waited, he drove in, red ATV and small dump trailer and shovel, I let him get out into the field, walk out of the treeline where he could see me, he stopped the ATV, turned around and left, never came back....
  5. The way I read what Timothy said was, instead of flipping 90 degrees left to right, you flip 90 degrees and hit all four sides.
  6. Sorry guys, I didn't mean to offend, was making a joke, I know you use them!
  7. "collection" and anvils sitting on the floor in a corner is not a nice combination!
  8. I have multiple anvils at all different heights, from 4" above my knuckles (60 lb post-anvil for small work) to more than 6" below (400 lb Peter Wright for 90% of my work) I am 6'6" but i like my anvil alot lower than normal, and I now have the steel to make a striking anvil that will be mounted around 22"
  9. i like making large bottle openers, I tell people that they are so that when you are a few deep, you can still get the leverage you need
  10. MASKING TAPE! sorry, had to yell it so i wouldn't forget it.
  11. De-Masculator is what we call it around here, the name even hurts
  12. wow... i thought the coal i was getting now was a good price, $40 for 70lbs. im moving to the states!
  13. IMO I would drill holes in the top of the plate where the legs are and filling them with sand and oil, it will dampen sound and add a suprizing amount of weight, then you can thread the holes and plug them with bolts and top it off as the sand compresses over time. Josh
  14. I was awarded the OABA scholarship this year (first year it was started) to go join the International Young Smiths at Brian Brazeal's place in Brandon Mississippi. There will be a large portion of my time there swinging a sledge so i want some practice before I leave (22 days 10 hours 11 minutes and 43 seconds as i write this). I worked striking all day today with Lloyd Johnston at Lang Pioneer Village, and would like some more practice, so if anyone has a job they want done, or wants to come help me with a job, we can for sure work something out. Thanks Josh
  15. NOOOOO! forging hammers and top tools is my favourite task! (when I have a striker)
  16. Yes! I'm starting to get too much! But I just can't pass up an amazing deal for an anvil, even just to save it from a collector and resell it to someone who will use it, but I'm up to 5 anvils now (just sold 2 0.o). I am now starting to look for a nice big post vice, 6"+ and then a swage block Josh
  17. Just picked up this big momma, it's a 400lb peter wright, in good shape. More than good enough for what i payed for it! Josh
  18. Please don't call the cops, because this was almost highway robbery, 400lb Peter Wright anvil Canadian forge co. blower #1; no stand, 18" fan housing Canadian forge co blower #2; on stand Portable refractory lined forge 5 pair champion bolt tongs 7 misc tongs misc wrought iron, springs, lawn mower blades and steel bars 1 ton coal in bags (mixed bituminous and anthracite) misc top tools 2 hammers 3 nice new homemade wooden boxes, 5 antique crates/boxes (for mommy) casting stuff (ingot mould, lead ladle, cast iron melting pot, holds 1.5 gallon) The seller was asking $1000 for all of it, but i talked down to $800, as a $200 down payment and $50/month until its payed off... Pictures!?!?! you want pictures!?!?!?! well fine then!
  19. I'm so good I can put a 1" hole in 3/4" bar! Josh
  20. 4lb Brazeal style rounding hammer, made it with Sam Falzone and Brian Brazeal striking (not at the same time!), and myself directing.
  21. Yes! I should have updated this! Please anyone and everyone feel free to come out and meet us! Josh
  22. I have heard of using silica sand, but never tried it. Play sand is silica sand Thanks Josh
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