tompdw

I've got a lathe and a mill, both older than me:o

I always wanted both of these machines but as it turns out, I use the Lathe WAY more than the mill.


So I thouht I'd see what are the favorite machines for Blacksmiths. Dosen't have to be either the mill or the lathe, just whatever your shop favorite is!


It would be great to see pictures too.

would it be possible to make a tactical tomahawk (1 piece head/handle) by making a normal hawk with a narrow eye and inserting a bar of steel and forge welding the eye shut to/around the bar? the reason i would liike to know is because i would like to make 1 and donate it to a soldier in iraq, also i am seriously debating joining up myself and would like to have one.

You are a regular at the scrap yard but the foreman never sees you dropping off metal only buying it.

My most used would be my Chinese 4x6 bandsaw. I improved the guides, replaced the roller bearings, improved the stock holder, changed the gear oil and use an American bi-metal blade. It works great.

Thank you.

Here is my latest one. I got my inspiration from my K bar and a tanto. I broke my finger making the handle. Blade is leaf spring (1095?) Handle is leather cut with a hole saw and then shaped with a rasp. underneath is threaded rod and pommel is what I made on my lathe.

What did you use for flux?

I use car polish.

No I didn't grind the teeth down. I heated the steel and hammered it smooth. The big one is kind of like a cleaver.

These are my latest. The black one is from a farrier's rasp and the big one is from a leaf spring.

I used to have a 1220 and it was basicly a toy. I sold it and bought a 13x39 lathe and then a full sized mill. Save your $$$ and don't get the little smithy.

Nice hammer. Will you trade it for two teenagers?

That's a nice cake knife. I still don't want to get married but that's another story and not a fault of your blade.

If I were going to use stainless for a blade I would use 440c. It heat treats like 1095.

Grandpa had several of the black ones and I had the military one when I was a boy scout. That was one of my first knives.

What are you using to etch? Vinegar?

What did you use for flux?

I use plasma and it works wonderfully. Draw with a marker and cut.

If you are dead set on 110 Hobart has one or two. It's not that much if you have an electrician set you up with a 220v if you have the box space. That way down the line you could save up for a ac/dc stick.

I hope Santa brings lots of coal for all of your stockings.

Looks like I have a lot to consider. I will do some experimenting and have fun. Thanks guys.

Has anyone inlaid glass in any project. If so any particular methods of doing it? I heard you put broken glass in the area to be inlaid, put it in the forge and melt it and then let it cool. Is that about right?

Nothing wrong with stock removal. You are working with metal doing something you enjoy I assume. Don't apologize.

Hello, Juggalo. I take it you are a fan of ICP. Save the hatchets for later. Try with a blueprint of some tongs from mild steel, or maybe a fork. I'm not trying to be smart with you just helpful.

I get mine out of my oil pan when I change my oil in my truck. Nothing like 15w40 for a quench. Cheap.