JimsShip

Some folks use a large magnet or two attatched to the underside to help quiet the ring. I have just the chain and it doesn't seem to be too loud. (For me at least, the neighbors may think differently!)

Great find indeed, and your shop looks fantastic. I'm very jealous right now!

I would definately ask before taking a rail, you don't want to be arrested for something so trivial. I always ask the guys actually working instead of the management. Management always says no, for fear of lawsuits or putting their butts on the line if someone higher up should get mad, but the worker guys usually know whats left is of no use to them and are happy not to have to clean it up! Have fun!

The link, and the answer to your question, is directly above your post! http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/20370-the-55-forge-blueprints/ It should be fine for your needs. When you decide to work bigger projects you can always upgrade it as needed.

I was thinking Brian lived in Ct., (I was born and raised in Norwalk, Ct. before ending up in Upstate NY) and i was getting excited at the chance to meet him. Mississippi's a bit too far for now though. :(

I'll take the same deal as Joshua, but i'll also pick it up and throw in the blend of your choice of a fresh roasted bag of Deadly Grounds Coffee as well! ;)

That looks awesome, i'm a bit jealous! I need to make a cart for mine, I have to lift and carry every time i forge! You may also want to consider a rail along the sides for tongs and tools. I think if I were to build one i would include that as well as a small bucket area for small items (brushes, files and drifts, etc.)

Brian who? And where in CT.?

My vote goes to the forge at The Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown, NY. That's where I first tried blacksmithing (they offer excellent 2 day courses over the Summer) and someday I hope to have a forge like that of my own. (Cue dream sequence music)

I have a small rivet forge as well, and Old N Rusty's mix idea has worked well for me. I haven't found the need to water my coal since i'm never forging for any great lengths of time, I just put in what I need, as i need it. I never extinguish with water, but shovel all the coal and coke into a 5 gal bucket of water and all the useable stuff floats to the top where i simply remove it and let it dry out. (I have to pack all my stuff back in the garage when done, so this method makes sure the forge can cool, and my garage won't burn down from smoldering embers!) Welcome to the site, and the new habit! Good luck!

When I read the first post, i have to admit I was very jealous. It's an awesome looking anvil, and I would love to find a deal like that. I also live in Upstate NY and although millions of anvils were made over the years, they seem to be few and far between around here, and the ones I did find were way out of my budget. (I'm still looking for that back barn bargain!) Now the thread has turned to collecting, and if it should be used, and there's a lot of really good points here. I feel if it were a rare one of a kind thing, or something of which very were few left in the world, I would consider selling it to a museum or somewhere where it would be preserved and protected for others to admire. This is not something of that nature though. As far as I can tell, it holds no historical value, it was not used in any great battle or conflict, and it as far as my untrained eye can tell, it's just like every other anvil of its make, with the exception of the sticker. (Which I agree should be preserved if possible) Personally I would look into what someone may pay for it, simply because if I could get a nice anvil, AND a power hammer or forge or something else for it, it may be worth using it to upgrade my shop. But that's just me. Whatever you do, take care of it, and have fun!

Hi Liz! Couldn't you lay the long piece accross the forge so the area you want to work on is in the fire? I also have a small forge, and frequently use my BBG grill on the other side of the forge to help support my stock, I put the are i want to work on in the fire, and then pile the coals on top. I wouldn't think you'd really need to heat more than 6" at a time since by the time you hammered up that far you would have lost your heat. What were you thinking of making?

I'm having trouble finding it, all the sites i've found are sold out. Anyone have a lead on where to get some?

Yes! That picture (as well as the grand announcement) is so full of WIN it hurts! Congrats!

I always though it would be pipe, I never thought it could be a flat strap. Well, at least now I know what it looks like in the fire for next time.

Yeah I steered clear as soon as I saw it, but didn't think flat straps would be galvanized. Thats the trouble with scrap metals, you really never know what you'll end up with.

Ok, here's a question I think I know the answer to, but I thought i'd toss it our there for the pros anyway. My father in law gave me a post vise that was strapped to a tree for the last 20 years. I finally got it all apart and decided to use one of the metal straps that secured it to the tree to make a new leaf spring for it. While in the fire, the flames became a bright blue, and the red paint (very old and faded) blistered and turned a dusty yellow while it burned off. (I was outdoors and stayed clear of the smoke/fumes until it cleared) I had never had this happen before, and i'm thinking it was probably a lead paint that the strap was coated with. Thoughts?

I stopped by a garage door place and was allowed to take whatever springs were in the scrap bin. I tossed one in the forge this weekend and it was very easy to uncoil and pull straight when hot. Instant round stock! :)

My first "at home" fire was done with hardwood charcoal and I hated it. Millions of "fire fleas" flying all over the place burning me and my shirt, it wouldn't stay lit, and I don't think it ever truly hit forging heat (although I pounded away anyway!) but I guess that's all part of the learning experience!

That seems to be a bit more trouble than it's worth! Looks like sanding may be the easier option (for me at least!)

Nice work! I loke you you can see the evolution of it! :)

This raises a few questions I had. What can you make with old drill bits? I seem to find them in all sizes everywhere, almost free and haven't been able to think of anything to use them for! Also- Copper cable. A friend has a small length of it, very thick and I was thinking of unwrapping it and using the strands for some decorative cage twists for Christmas ornaments. Can you forge copper, and if so, would it be too soft when done? Any ideas of what to use it for?

I'd never turn down a chance to work with anyone who may teach me something, but if we're talking hypothetically, I'd love a chance to go back in time and spend a day with Paw-Paw Wilson. I loved the sense of humor that came accross in his writing and was sad to learn he passed away before I ever lit my first fire. He seemed like he'd be fun to have a few steaks with. My second choice would be Beth. Any smith can teach me the craft, but I like how she finds the artistic quality in everyday objects. I'd love to be able to teach my mind to think more that way. (Not to mention it would mean a dream trip to England!) ;)

Looks Great! I need to look into the electrolysis bath thing. I've always had to sand everything...again....and again....and again....

Looks like the perfect thing for a newbie like me!