archiphile

I think that I may have miss-read your previous post as "argumentative" because most of it was typed in all capital letters. That's all Mr. Hofi, but, I do find it interesting that while some of the other folks on this board clearly subscribe to your system of blacksmithing, I have not had the fortune as to be exposed to your system, with the exception being, the BP section devoted to you alone. And so, after reading the suggested BPs I also find it interesting that your system of making tools is not all that different from theirs.

As to the other posts on this thread I am pleased that this has been a learning experience for all. Brian and I are working hard on getting that BP ready for flight. (although,right now, he is doing most of the work.) Just as soon as it is ready we will submit and then see where it goes from there. Let us all keep in mind that Glenn and Andrew are so busy with everything that they can't find their butts with both hands!

I built my forge and I set my height at 3' AFF. Just comfortable for me. I am 6' and 250lbs though. You do what you like and what feels comfortable for you.

I have to say that when I posed the question here I did not realize that it would garner this much attention. Nor did I realize that it was also and issue of such hot debate. Thank you all for your gracious replies.

If I were you I would invest in an Oxy/ Acetylene torch set-up. While the initial cost of the rig is large this is offset by the time saved in the cutting and heating process times. If you cannot purchase a O/A rig see if you can borrow one from a local smith. I am sure that some one close to you would be happy to lend you there rig to cut that piece of plate you have there.

This (MILD-STEEL-COAL-FIREPOT-Fabricated) I got the dimensons for my firepot. I welded the flangeon my pot and therefore I skipped the bolt holes and I made the hole 2" in dia. I cut slots so i don't need a cover a tuyer cover.

I made my own firepot out of some scrape 3/8" diamond plate as well. My firepot measures 13" x 8" at the top and 8" x 5" at the bottom and is 4 1/2" deep. I would not use 1/4" plate as it will burn through fairly quickly I think. If you could go to the scrap yard I would get my hands on a piece of diamond plate.

Diamond plate was designed to be walked on, and therefore, it is extremlly tough and has a good heat resistance. It will take you awhile to burn through that.

I have been wanting to make one of these for a while. I have a chunk of 2" bolt stock that was used as a tension support in some structural steel. I was wondering that since a flatter is not intended to be used for heavy forging work could one get by using stock that is not Tool Steel? I would think that non-tool steel would work a trick since this hammer is NOT designed to be used as a heavy working tool. Thanks for the input and advice.

Archiphile

I guess that I am a fortunate man as all I have to do is ask. If the money is there I get to buy it and if not we budget and save until it is and then I get to buy it. There is none of this (most of time) me just going off and buying a big ticket item. I have done it and it ain't pretty so a word or two to the wise, discuss it, plan for it, save for it, then buy it. It will make for a lot happier marriage and smithing. Wives don't like being ignored and left out of the loop and neither do you.:cool:

No the guy in the video is NOT Mr. Hofi. BP stands for BluePrints look at the top right hand corner of you screen and you will see a link to blueprints.

It looks like whom ever purchased this vise originally got it from Sears.

Link
1897 Sears Roebuck & Co. Catalogue - Google Book Search

The link is to the 1897 Sears and Roebuck Catalogue

I was reading on anvil fire that the post vise was so common that it was sold by weight a majority of the time. I looks that that was the case with your vise. Very few folks did not put their stamp on them .

I would suggest that you pick up this book.


Tool Making For Woodworkers
By Ray Larsen
ISBN: 0-9643999-8-9

Mr. Larsen talks specifically about how to make an adze in that book. I bought it when I went to Old Sturbridge Village. Great book tons of information about tool making and blacksmithing in general. I paid about $23.00 US for it a few years ago.

Best,

Archiphile

I am not sure about coke in central MA. Just out of wonder, where in Central MA are you headed. Would love to put a face with the. PM me and maybe we can set something up.

Welcome to IFI Kamhal. I am no gasser either but I would say that you should try and get your hands on some blanket insulation called Kaowool. That would help keep the heat in. As to the burnner and such I will let someone who is more knowledgeable about how that stuff works answer those question.Hang in there and good luck.

Ted,

I think that it would be beneficial to the rest of the forum if you could post some photographs of the vise and what is left of the logo. This would help us to be able to see what you have and give us a good idea of where and how to start our search for the information which you seek.

Best,

Archiphile

Good work man. Look like you are off to a fine start.

I am soooo jealous I would have loved to find something like that in my neck of the woods I mostly want the blower now though as I have built my own forge and firepot. A really nice blower would serve me well. (this hard dryer thing just is not cutting it.)

Good to know, Thanks.
It was a long time since I've been by but they are still listed in the lists online . I did see a post lately on one of the forums regarding Aubuchon coal and it was favorable as well. Hope they keep handling it.

Dick

When did they go out of business?
I was just there a few months ago, are you certain they are gone?

I want to thank all who have responded to my questions. This has been a very informative thread. I can tell that some of the information that has been posted is a hotly contested issue, but, cooler heads must prevail. We all have our opinions and we all are allowed to freely share our opinions thanks in large part to this forum and the internet as a whole.

I have decide to use 1095 for my first couple of tools and work from there. My decision was based in large part on the information contained in this thread and discussions off forum with various members here at IFI. I also based my decision on the materials that I have readily available. I have 1095, I do not have the money available to purchase H13. In future I expect to procure a wider range of tool steel, but for now this is what I have.

Again I would like to thank you all for your time and consideration.

Best,

Archiphile

The thumbnails that you posted look good but I can no clicky on them don't know what the issue is.

Them's some fine looking pair you got there. I would not be surprised if you make more of your own tongs in the future. Tongs were my first project as I did not have any and I am NOT going to pay good money for something that I can make myself. Have fun and Happy Hammering.

One more thing....I tried the place in Braintree the do not exist any more.

I used to love playing with clay and now i got an excuse to play with it again:p:p

Chris,

I get my coal from Aubuchon Hardware. I the last time that I bought coal it was like $8.50 or so for a 40lbs bag. I burns well and has very little clinkers. Cokes up real nice.

Tiny URL Link:
Aubuchon Hardware

Looks like that skinner is coming along real nice. Can not wait to see the finished product.