Chris Covington

where is the best place to get a large brass wire brush? The only ones i can find are fairly small

I made a split cross out of 1inch stock tonight and I wanted to give it a brushed brass look.  Once I had forged the cross I cooled it off then wire wheeled the scale.  Then i heated it back up and brushed it with my small brass brush.  After it cooled some I used a beeswax/turpentine/japan dryer mix to coat it.  It ended up bring a mostly black color with an uneven shine from the wax. I really was unhappy with the finish.  I want to know the best way to end up with a "golden" or brushed brass look in the end.  Thanks

Chris

Spent all day yesterday making 2 hammers with Ed Brazeal ( Brian did some grinding and provided moral support! haha )  The small one weighs 3.71 lbs and the larger one is spot on 5lbs ( both weights include the handles).  Thanks to both of those guys for all their help!

I'm trying to decide between a north or south german style anvil.  I was wondering if there were any pros or cons of each or if its just personal preference.  Specifically im looking at the refflinghaus no 9 and the no 57 ( i dont think i want the side shelf ) .  

I think I figured it out.  the stock size used in the linked thread was 3/8 inch.  I converted it to .375 and divided it into 1 which gave me 2.67,  I then multiplied 2.67 x the original dimensions to give me proportional dimensions for 1 inch stock.  The overall dimensions I came up with for 1 inch stock was a stock length of 10 inches and my 2 cuts ended up being 7 inchs for the long cut and 3 5/8 inches for the short cut.  My overlap ended up being 5/8 inch and the section removal was 2 5/8 inch.  On paper it looks and sounds legitimate.  Ill post pictures once I try it out.

Here I hope this helps: http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/21026-split-crosses/?hl=%2Bsplit+%2Bcross

I saw that thread.  I just didnt know how to alter the dimensions when going to 1 inch stock.  Should I go for 1 inch overlap of the cuts? I found a website that suggested a 1:2 ratio between the arms and the base ( the arms are 3 inch and the base is 6 ).  However when i drew this out on paper the base seemed too long.  It looked better with a 5 inch leg instead of 6.  I guess i could increase the dimensions from the link you posted proportionally based on the stock size difference.  

I have a few pieces of 1 inch square stock that I want to make into split crosses to hang on a wall.  The cross height I am looking for in 10 inches.  In my drawings I have the arms at 3 inches and the bottom leg at 6 inches.  Do these dimensions sound right? How long of stock should i need to achieve this and how long should the cuts be and how much overlap?  I know this should probably be easy..but im having a major brain fart right now... Thanks

I have  a store room just off my garage that is about 6x8.  We are planning on building a workbench for my belt sander this weekend and the location choices are between the storage room and the carport itself.  My question is this...is it safe to operate a belt sander in small room like thator should i build the workbench in the garage and just raise the garage door. ? ( the door from the store room  into the garage will be open.  ) I will of course be wearing a face shield.  Thanks