Curly

Here's the jig, pretty simple but does the job! Start at the handle end and work your way around.

Thanks all, will grab a photo of the jig tomorrow.

Been making a few of these recently for companion sets. The most time consuming bit for me was making the two parts match. Ended up making a jig which has halved the time it would normally take me. Normally use 10mm round which I sometimes flatten down a bit depending on the set. This is how they turn out now. Can get a photo of the jig if interested.

Haha was worth a punt! Will keep searching ebay, most seem to be up north for large chunks of money!

Wanna sell it to me Andy?! could do with a new shelf! Atb, Tim

Thanks all! Some great information there DSW, you have certainly explained it in a clear and defined manner. I would say that I certainly fall into the "timing patterns" as you described and will now try and "read" the puddle as I go. Had a bit of a practice pushing the weld yesterday, certainly felt odd doing that way and wasn't how I was originally taught or been custom to doing. Like you said, you really have to get your body into a whole new position. However I can see the advantage with the weld cooling quicker and was able to get some much nicer welds on a practice overhead piece. Crazy Ivan, if you do happen to come across any material then please do send it across, always happy to read up on stuff that I am interested in. Ian, neat little trick with the copper, I'll keep that one in mind! Robert, maybe a little strong reaction? ;) I'm certainly no professional certified welder but I can at least in normal circumstances put down a nice bead of weld. Hadn't really done any overhead welding before so just took me by surprise that's all. So not really sure how you know what I get up to in my little workshop with regards to reading instructions manuals and practicing but there you go. With regards to gas, using a 12% Carbon Dioxide, 2% Oxygen, 96% Argon mix which is our standard BOC supplied Argoshield and 0.8mm wire.

Wow, thanks for the detailed replies guys. I thought it was just me doing something stupid but seems there is a bit more to it than that. I'll certainly try and get a better position for the weld to be in next time for a start, it wasn't a massive item so could have flipped it. Was just trying to save time more than anything. Crazy Ivan - a few questions, I was always taught to face the torch back and lay the weld down behind it as you go. Is that what you are describing as pulling the puddle of weld? Should I for overhead welding then do the opposite to that? Also first time I've heard the terms short, spray and globular arc, is that a method of welding or an actual setting that you might find on some machines? I actually came from a cheap gasless mig and found it pretty forgiving at welding in any position, now I've upgraded I'm having to learn stuff all over again!

Was doing a bit of welding today that consisted of welding box section together. Whenever I got to the underside bits I found a lot of the weld dripped off and didn't make a clean weld. As if it wasn't sticking well. Any tips? One thing I did learn was to wear a hat next time... Slight smell of burning hair in the air afterwards! :) Was 4mm walled box section MIG welding at around 160amp. Will have a play when get a chance with the speed of the wire feed and ampage but thought Id ask on here first.

Andy more than welcome to come and visit my very little shop in Dorset, can't provide anywhere to stay and you might well be teaching me stuff :) but the offer is there!

Got a growing pile of offcuts that I need to reduce in my workshop. Thought I'd offer them up on here before getting it weighed in. Mostly 6,8 and 10mm round and some 10mm square in approx 200mm lengths. Bit of everything to be honest thats been chucked into the corner. If any one wants a bucket full then you are more then welcome to come and collect from me for free. A donation of a couple of beers would also be welcomed :P Perfect for anyone starting out who wants to practice making hooks, bottle openers and so on.

Thanks John, some good ideas there. I'll have a look around the hardware stores next time I'm in one to see what they have!

Thanks for the links! I'll order a couple and see how I get on.

This is what I have used in the past, they do the job but the quality isn't that great, they sell for £1/$1 each and often the bristles fall out before even being used. Would be nice to have something a littler nicer to put on a fireside set, especially if a customer is paying quite a bit for one.

Anyone know of a good supplier here in the UK for blank brushes to add to companion sets? Having trouble finding nice ones. Have had the standard wooden dome ones with the black bristles but the quality isn't the best. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks, Tim

These few items followed me back today from my local market. All for a grand sum of £5 ($8) also got a 1m long steel rule in that price as well which isn't in the photo due to it already being put to work.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Some great ideas there! Partially like the the steam whistle key fob as well as more recycling of spanners and tools. Making some items from rivets and plate is also a great idea DSW and im sure would go down well. Will be dropping by my favourite local market this week to dive in one of the tool sellers bargain 50p bucket! There is always some old tools in there that could be put to a different use. Was also thinking of getting some old saws or shovels and using the plasma cutter to cut out some silhouettes of vintage vehicles. With regards to the RR spikes, its not something that is used here. Which is a shame as I always see such good ideas for using them!

Have a show coming up based around vintage cars, steam engines and tractors. So looking for some ideas and inspiration for items to make up and sell? Going to make some bottle openers from spanners along with my other usual stuff but would be great to hear some other suggestions!

Thanks Chinobi, hopefully that has fixed it. Silly computers!

I am currently looking to hire someone to work at my forge. Initially for 1 day a week, possibly 2 depending on workload and how things turn out. Would need own transport and be able to get to DT2 9ER. This is a paid role would cover the following: Basic forge work - would need to be at a level where you would feel happy making any of these products on this page http://lloydblacksmiths.com/exterior.html Would be using both a propane and coke forge. Welding - nothing technical, just using a gasless mig to put together bbq grills and some of the other items you see on the above page. This can be taught if required. General workshop fabrication - using tools such as a pillar drill, grinders, flypress, plasma cutter and so on. These can also be easily taught if needed. Plus other bits and pieces such as painting and packaging items and getting ready for shows. If you are interested or have any questions just send me PM for an informal chat. Can also arrange a visit to the workshop for a cuppa and to see what you might be getting yourself into! All the best, Tim

Great offer indeed. Where in Wilmington are you? That's my wife's home town before I dragged her back here to the Uk.

What heat source do you have? I'd mark with chalk where you want to bend, heat the area, then quench if needed to isolate the area (can use a cup, old cat food tin, watering can to pour the water) Then either bend using the bick of the anvil if you have one or clamp an old bit of inch pipe in a vice and by holding the metal with some pilers, or bending forks if you have one, bend around the radius of the pipe.

Sounds like you have a good day Joel! Just got back from a days trading at a RSPB event, apart from the many downpours it was a good day. In terms of selling your wares, how do you rate doing live demos compared to just there to sell? I know it's not always about the money but I imagine it must be hard to sometimes do both.

How did the demo go? Sieve?! Go on then, what's that for?

Thanks, will have to give that a try!

Joel, out of interest what is the sandpaper for? Also always handy to have a notepad and pen to take customer details for potential commissions.