NeatGuy

I have rubber pressed copper ceiling tiles and light switch plates using a cast zinc dies or cnc machined plastic bottom dies. There is plenty of information on rubber pressing on the net. You may even be able to use a press that uses a bottle jack. The capacity of the press is a consideration for large tiles. The advantages are simple setup and simple die production. The dissadvantages are you need a larger blank to limit the formation of wrinkles; so you have to trim. I will try to find some dies from around the shop and send you a picture.

Here is an example of a spindle made with my nibbler. It is forge, cold, from 1" - 0.065 wall tubing.

Tesla Motors

I am glad that you like the articles. here are a couple of more: http://www3.telus.net/public/benowak/SciAmer%20April%2011%201874.jpg http://www3.telus.net/public/benowak/SciAmer%20Aug%2026%201868.jpg brad

I you missed the latest blacksmithing article in Sci Amer. It can be found here (2 pages) -> http://www3.telus.net/public/benowak/SciAmer%20Sept%2021%201895%20-%20page%201.jpg http://www3.telus.net/public/benowak/SciAmer%20Sept%2021%201895%20-%20page%202.jpg Scans are a little large ... brad

Sand and lime can also be used as flux. Sand can be purchased at a masonary store and lime can be purchased at argicultural supply stores. I have not had a huge amount of success with either but I know that they have been used in the past as fluxes

Try an oxygen generator ... found on ebay. It can be used to enrich the o2 mix at the venturi. Also try recycling the waste heat thru a heat exchanger. I have a small forge that I was expermenting with which includes a heat exchanger and a "ribbon burner". I find that it generaly to hot but may be good for making billets. There is also a "drax torch" the principles of the torch could be used in a blacksmiths forge burner: (WO/1999/001698) IMPROVEMENTS IN BURNERS I can not seem to find the book mark I had to "drax torch" document at the USPTO which is very interesting. If I find it I will post it.

Use flux to learn it will make to welding alot easier. I learned to forge weld from a lot of practice. The force of the blow used to create the joint is important. It is difficult to explain the feeling of the blow when you have it right and the weld holds; for an instant the hammer feels as though it is hitting clay then suddenly feels ridged, you will know when you have it right. As you get better you will find that you can get good welds at lowwer temperatures which decreases the likely-hood of burning your work.

Custom Cast, 4340 steel, 400lbs, Very nice ring, very pleasant to work on. My Anvil

Hi all ... new user ... I have been using a large stationary nibbler (Pullmax P5) for hot and cold metal shapping several years. I find this machine to be incredibly versitile and indispensable. I recently purchased a Trumpf CN900 a much larger machine. I am currious if there are other blacksmiths also using such machines and in what capacity. brad