Ridgewayforge

Anyone got a link to the Mark Aspery video? I'd like to take a peek and get the theory of spoon-making down first.

Hi all, I'm currently looking at this forge to buy, and I'd like y'all's opinion on it. Does anyone know what brand it is? (I think Cannedy Otto, personally, or buffalo) forge.bmp Thanks all! ~Rf

Dave, that's a beautiful looking spoon! Thanks for all the input, I think I'll go ahead and try my hand at it, I'll start by trying 1/4th " square bar, (its what I have). Thomas, I haven't started forge welding yet, I'm more just trying to get the pattern of a spoon down before I attempt some projects for a local Boy Scout Troop- a cooking award! Once I get my real forge (hopefully it'll be coming soon so I can stop using a campfire), I'm going to try my hand at basic forge welding- chain link and easy good practice bits like that. Drewed, how'd you carve out the wood? And was it hardwood? I've got all my stuff on some old Tulip Tree stumps: would these be solid enough for swedging? Thank you all for your input into this.

Hi all, I was wondering some specifics about making a flux spoon- What size stock, should I upset it, etc etc. Any help would be great! Thanks! ~Rf

As I'm interested primarily in tool-making and hardware, I'd have to go with Brent Bailey, though I am glad to have my current mentor!

Show us a picture of your scores!

You got some secret coal that turns mild into carbon steel?!? :P Curious, though if you've just found out a way to make carbon steel, you're going to be a millionaire! :D

That would only choke the fire, unless you had it hooked up to a hood. But even still, the opening would be too small. I think the best bet is to put a log on top while its burning to make more charcoal, contain the heat all in one!

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/2963697796.html Now THAT is what I call a forge blower!!!!

No matter how many books you read, a mentor is still the number one best asset to an aspiring smith! I'm thankful I've gotten to be mentored by a friend. Its taught me a lot!

On Craigslist there are two up north, one in connecticut and one somewhere near Columbus, Ohio, I think. For material, ask hunters for the discarded deer hides and tan them yourself! Or ask a butcher for some cow hides. Synthetic material also works, such as old couch materials. Those come across craigslist for free ALL the time. I would start small, if I were you. Build a single chamber bellows maybe three feet long and see how that works. Then move up from there.

I say start with Lowe's or Home Depot round rod, 1/4 inch hot rolled "welding rods". Its a cheaper way to practice!

Ah! Camp Hill! That's right near Harrisburg, right? My brother lives in Harrisburg and works there.

I saw this too, looks a little off from the pictures. Let us know if its a good one or not. If its a good anvil, then that's a fair price, see if you can talk him down. Also, put your location in your profile. It could help locate some helpful smiths nearby!

Try a mixture of coal and charcoal next- It helps when you don't have ideal air going through the forge. But congrats on your first blacksmithing! I definately reccommend getting to spend some time with an experienced smith. They'l guide you so you don't get into bad habits while forging.

That's a really neat way to do it. Good way to recycle vegitable oil! I guess when you run out you'll have fried chicken more often!!

The way things are going, it might be cheaper than gas prices though!

$650 is pretty pricey, but that vaires by location. Pit your location on your profile, it will help us determine what you're asking.

from the looks of the tracks they are used- there is a lack of rust on the tops. Could've been from a few deliveries by that train, but I'd say they must just run every once in a while. That's a good score if you like fixing them up. It kinda looks like it sat at the bottom of a pond, the way it is really black and shiny.

That sounds about right! Anything you can get, even a plate of steel will work, but I favor the anvil shape becuase it gives a few more options, especially the horn.

A small one will require more effort to use- there is less mass under you hammer blows. But if you want and can put the extra effort, go ahead and get an anvil- the shape is invaluable! I'd look for a 25lb or 30 lb minimum, that's not too large (dumbells can work, too!)

On some models it does, some it doesn't. Try to get a feel for it. If it blows air both ways, then you're set.

It appears to be a Dora the Explorer towel. Oh, the Anvil? That's what you meant!

Sounds like a real nice set up! Any pictures? When I read stories like this, all I can think is "one day.. Just one day I'll have one myself!"

I use a 2lb straight peen for heavy work and a 12 oz ball pein for small, intricate work. I'd like to get a 1 1/2 lb cross peen, but right now I'm working on assembling my forge.