larrynjr

I remember a thread that mentioned that having the ability to stick weld on DC helped in magnetic applications. I was wondering how often those situations might occur or what other applications you'd want / need to use DC for. I was at Lowe's the other day and they had a Lincoln 225 tombstone for around $269 which seems like a decent price to me but it is only AC.

Same for me.

Now that I'm not parking the van inside it's about right but when I move it back in then it's much more crowded. I can still work but have to be more careful.

Frosty, I'd love to see a BP on making a 55 Gal. drum tumbler.

Frosty, you could use those tumblers for smaller pieces of work to get all the scale off and make them all nice and shiny. Throw in a bunch of ballbearings, other small cut off ends of stock. I've seen a built one that will hold items up to 6' or so. I've tried using the little 3lb model that I bought for the kids but even with a smallish piece (maybe 1lb.) it flopped around to much and knocked the cover off, spilling everything to the floor. Oh well back to the drawing board.

That looks great as a start, now just don't stop!

I've got my kids this weekend so I'm not sure how much time I'll have but I plan on putting in a baseplate before then next time I hammer. I let you know how it works! Great I'm expecting.

There is approximately 200 lbs. of sand in the box, I had used that BP as my basic guideline for construction but wanted to try it without the baseplate first. Ring dampening was part of my thought process as was the ability to store tools in the sand but lack of a good hardwood stump was probably the biggest reason. Johannes, I'm not sure what you use for an anvil stand, metal I'm guessing but I think in the U.S. the majority of the anvils are mounted on wood. I don't think my wooden box to be anymore of a fire risk than a stump would be, expecially with all that sand to throw on a fire! I have a fire extingisher mounted near my anvil also.

The tool holders I made.

Well, it is officially broken in. I finished the sandbox anvil stand and spent a good hour plus banging on some steel. I LIKE IT!!! It is so different and better than the little HF Russian sub. You can actually feel the steel move under your hammer. I think I'm gonna be happy............ I finished drawing out the reigns on a set of tongs that I started on the little anvil and also made some tong hangers that attach to the top of the anvil stand. I'll probably have to reseat the anvil though, I wanted to try it with out anything besides sand underneath it. It finished up tilted downward on the corner that I hammered on. So I'll need to lift it and put a solid wide base under it to keep it from shifting.

For those of us who are hobbiest, the prices are a bigger deal. I would think those who are smithing professionally and selling the product to a customer, the increase in cost will get passed along as well. Unless you prebid something using steel prices that are no longer accurate and are not able to rebid using new steel costs. Then you are out of luck.

I've always used my with the horn to the right, I am right handed also. It really comes down to how you are used to orienting your anvil and what you like. One thing that I'd like to know, not having enough experience on many different anvils is; after a certain level of hardness, is the difference really that noticeable?

I hadn't noticed that, perhaps this different person will step into the light now that we are talking about them.

Has it been painted or is it bare metal showing?

The Gladiator is 450#. I've never used a Refflinghaus so I can't compare. I've used the Nimba Gladiator and the Centurion before purchasing my Gladiator. I've never had a problem with the Pritchel hole being at the base of the horn. I may be prejudiced but I recommend the Gladiator!

I like that idea Frosty, I certainly have enough project pieces that haven't turned out well enough to actually use for anything else! I could do the applets and cotlets and from what I remember what those are like, it would be hard to tell the difference between the steel ones and the real ones!

I certainly won't be getting rid of my old one. If either of my girls continue to show interest in hammering they now have a great learning anvil to start on.

Welcome apprentice and good luck in your blacksmithing quest. I think that the walk to Frosty's place might be a bit further than you would hope! I'm pretty sure there are many other members that are close to you in Pa. though.

Feel free to let fly Frosty, being from Maine originally I have a much more warped sense of humor than most. As long as they stay within site guidelines!