JimsShip

Forging Carver- That's a great idea, making a list of finishing methods (and hopefully pics of the results!) I always thought that would be a good reference thread, but never had the time to compile it! (There are a LOT of different recipes and methods out there!) Can't wait to see it!

They look great for a first try! You should try and give yourself a bit more length on the nail end to give it some stabitlty in the wall. (You don't want it pulling out!)

Huh, the hyper link and it's entire sentence has been changed to that. Am I in some sort of violation? Am I allowed to type the actual website here? Maybe someone from that site saw my post and doesn't want us to undersell them!

Also, this has been discussed many times in many threads, but just to clarify, all scrap should be obtained LEGALLY, and not picked up off the tracks without permission.

I have always loved using reclaimed scrap to make new inventive ideas, and IFI has always supplied me with some great ones. A friend found something online they asked if I could make since the prices quoted are really out of his budget, so he asked me to see what i can come up with. (OK which ideas i can "Borrow"). xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.com I have to wonder though, How do you think they drill a hole into the glass insulators without breaking them? Also. i've never seen the washers they use for some backing plates, are these common? I may have to buy some from them, I've never seen any before!

Carnuba wax isn't food safe though, is it?

I think the comparison to rr spikes and an old truck on someone's property is a bit inaccurate. People often think of railways as public areas like roads. If you found a bolt or piece of rod along the road while walking, would you keep it? Of course you would, you'd assume it fell off a truck or whatever and justify it as helping keep the roads safe while thinking of what you'll make with it. Same thing with rr tracks, people think if the spikes are there then they are discarded and fair game, but the difference is people often forget railroads are private property.

Frosty for President!

I would think those manacles would be easy to escape from, all you need to do is push the pin out. Think they had a lock or something else along with them? Will the wedding couple be using a wedding candle (or candles?) Some ceremonies have a candle for each family, then the bride and groom use them to light a larger center candle showing the joining of the families. You could make a holder for one (or all 3) of the candles. (Maybe one unit with 3 holders together?)

That is awesome, did you make this from scratch with square stock or was it a reclaimed item? Looks a bit like a sickle mower tooth!

Maybe this one will kick the gears loose! Edit: Boo-Yah! Since IFI has done so much for me over the years, and you're all such close friends, there will be no charge for the repairs.

Same here Spanky, and many times we drive by and see all sorts of cool stuff pushed to the side for the employees. The had the back of an ambulance i wanted sooo badly for a play fort for my son, but they wouldn't even think about it.. "Once it goes in, it's not for sale" I did find a few garage door companies that were willing to let me grab some various size springs from them. They make nice round stock once you straighten them out.

I love it! Now i need to find the "rephile" thread for more ideas!

I like it!

That's Awesome!

How about cutting a small section of round black pipe down from the top in quarters, that would open up to 4 "leave" sections you could easily round out and flatten, then use a smaller section of round stock and neck it down to make the stem. I have never done this, but I had the idea of the stem from this awesome acorn tutorial I've been hanging onto for awhile now Not sure how you'd finish the center off though, and it may be more work than necessary this way. Just a thought.

Great ideas! The Beatles used an anvil for the song "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"

Thomas, i love that cold turkey line! As far as helping other addicts out there, the first thing you need to do after admitting you have a problem (which technically would make this the second thing to do) is to remove all temptation. I will gladly make it my personal mission to come collect all tools, books, assorted accessories, and any scrap metal you may have to help you in this cause. Out of sight, out of mind as they say. .

LOL arftist, i thought you were being a wide guy, and appreciated the remark! Thanks for the info "Original" Jim! (Or should I say Jim 1.0?)

Jim, How are those pins attached? I don't see any weld marks...

These Ideas are great! If I use the pipe slices Ken mentioned, and Black Frogs angle iron idea, I could easily make all the sizes I'd need! I could have a pin welded onto a small piece of angle iron as well so I could slide it closer or further to the pipe pieces as needed for thicker or thinner stock! Funny, I got so tied up on how to make this to work on the bench, I never thought of the vise. I was seriously going to drill all sorts of holes to hold all the pins and things, when this answer is not only a perfect solution, but much easier. Guess this is one of those forest through the trees things. I knew asking you guys was a good idea! Thanks!

I thought of that, but wasn't sure how to attach them to the bench....

No, but I know a guy!

I want a bending jig, but the ones I've found on ebay are a bit pricey. (or out of my budget at least!) One seller has a buy it now for $150.00, but the disc sizes are smaller, (I like the option of having the larger sizes if needed) the other has discs up to 6" but bidding reaches well over $200.00 which seems crazy high. Any suggestions on what could be used for the steel discs so I can make one myself? I searched the web, but nothing seems to fit the bill... Any ideas? I thought of maybe using assorted pulleys but thought it would mark up the stock. What else could be used? I use the cone or horn when making regular hooks and stuff, but I've found myself needing to make several of the same thing for a project, and I never seem to be able to replicate them as exactly as I'd like, so having a jig would really help. (I have a bit of OCD, I'm my own worst enemy!)

Nice job! I found this pic while surfing the net for ideas, and I always liked the way they split the end of the spike to make the knocker hinge. It would also work nicely with your idea! (Credit to whoever's pic this is)