JimsShip

Awesome. Thanks for the idea, i'm going to try a few. (You're right, I see these old wrenches everywhere.) This is what I like to do best with what few skills I have, repurposing old items into something new and useful.

The idea of welding small sections ot tubing isn't that bad. If you do it symetrically it could look like part of the design. I'm confused about the UL standards. i've been making lamps out of stuff since I was a kid, and no one had ever asked me about this. Is there someone who has to approve the work? For example, I once made a fish tank light using a small candleabra socket and a conch shell. The switch was a simple "in the wire" add on, and the whole thing set nicely above the cover of the tank. Would this need to be approved, and how would you get this approval?

I have never seen this list! It's well worth bookmarking, Thanks!

I'm with Frosty- I learn better by seeing it done. (Monkey see monkey do...) I've read how to do the twist that makes it look like a chian link a million times, but just don't understand it. Even you description of the corn cob one throws me a bit...

dcraven- I like the look of the bottle openers, do you have to thin out the lip of the bent in side to grab the cap, or does it work simply by bending it in? Also, i'd love to see a pick of the card holder without a card- is that a single bent bolt that holds it up? To answer the question, I sometimes make leaves from the heads of very large horshoe nails and give them away as bookmarks.

How about running the black wire around the twist with a little dab of crazy glue gel every so often? (You'd probably only need to use it on the bottom side of the twist to make sure it doesn't hang or droop) Very nice job BTW!

So what exactly are the steps to making this? It looks like 3 pieces of stock welded at each end and twisted, then untwisted maybe half a turn?

I would guess cold twisting the final step. I suppose you could also wrap the bean in thick paper (or thin cardboard) and quickly pop it in before the final twist, you might be able to quench it before the paper burned through, but that would take some quick precision.

Nicely done! The Christmas popcorn tin adds a festive touch!

I developed the habit since I can't afford to buy stock metal, and often scrounge for springs and things to forge.

I had the idea awhile ago for a thread (maybe a sticky at the top of the page) that would show each technique, along with a pics of the finished results. It seems many members have slight twists on recipies and applications, and it would be nice to see how each looks in the end. For me, everything it simply spray painted, or sprayed with cooking oil and cooked over low heat for an hour.

I agree with the train of thought keeping this site free. You can't put a price on knowledge, and to restrict it just seems wrong. I would however support a fundraiser or buy a few shirts if it helps.

Let the bidding begin! :D

Keep me posted!

KENL, what are your plans for it? Are you going to sell it, restore it, or use it as is? I'd be interested in helping out if you needed any. That was my first real forge project, and it was fun to work on!

Looks like one I had, but no one ever mentioned it being military. It was a nice little forge, but very shallow. I liked the way it came out after i restored it, but sold it to buy a bigger one. (Still kind of miss it though!) http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/22978-small-champion-forge-questions-now-for-sale/?hl=+champion%20+forge

The videos make it look a lot easier than it is (for me at least!) I have yet to make one i feel is good enough to show. (I have a touch of OCD and if the ends aren't even-steven I end up working them to death!) I second (or third) the idea of using a few practice ones.

What are you planning on doing with the rail anyway? I have a section (about 4 or 5 ft. long) that with the exception of an anvil, I have no idea what to use it for. It's too much work to slice it into hardy size pieces (at least with the few tool i have). I can't imagine what you could have in mind to undertake the long heavy process of aquiring some for yourself...

You could always cut one of the wooden barrels you already have and insert a metal tub (or cut barrel) inside to hold the water. Then you'd get the look you want without the hassle of having to cure or maintain the wood.

I would go the portland cement/sand route when claying. You've done such a fine job so far, i'd hate to have it blemished with poor quality kitty litter. The cement mixture has held up well for me. Nice job!

Make sure you wear better footwear when forging! :)

Pug, did you ever finish this forge? I was wondering how it looked with the barstool stand...

My Pop was a traditional tin knocker himself, and I spent many years in the tin shop making ducts. I was looking to take a welding class and my wife found a blacksmithing class held at The Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown, NY so she signed me up for the weekend introductory course.(Never did find out how to weld anything without a forge!) Found this site recommended by the instructor and have been hooked ever since. I only wish I could find time and space to do all the things i've read about here!

There are more detailed pics in the link below. I tried to post them, but am having problems. http://www.instructables.com/id/Jointed-mild-steel-necklace/

The idea and design are really beautiful, I'd love to try something like it. I wonder if it's creator is a member here?