archiphile

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.

You needed and excuse!? You are an adult do want ever your little heart desires man.

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.

I sure hope that you suprised the misses by doing some laundry....She's gonna tan your hide other wise. Man you're in deep now boy..(don't worry though I wont tell)

Your avatar and your name. While I realize what a blood groove is and that your are a bladesmith, the combination of the two just got me to thinkin....I know look out Archiphile is thinking again. Best, Archiphile

Not sure as to the make up of the steel that you were using. I might suggest that you go to your user CP and edit the location so that we might have an idea of your 20. You never know, there might be a smith close to you who can provide both online and in-person support. Incidentally what branch of the service where you in?(if you don't mind me asking.) I was served in the Marine Corps. PM me we can "talk shop".

I think that it was just meant to check the hardenability of a particular batch of steel for use in shop. Q.C. guys you to test samples like this all the time.

Brand:Peter Wright Weight:Marked 1 2 18,equivalent to 186 US pounds Condition:Excellent Price$500.00 US Date Purchased:October 29, 2008 Location:Wrentham, MA,USA, I purchased this anvil from E-bay seller about five minutes down the road from me. (I live in Walpole,MA) I believe that this anvil was manufactured post 1900 as it says England on it after the logo. I could be wrong about that any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Best, Archiphile

Thomas Powers, I have checked the stock. I was present at the first cutting,the electrical worker cut it from a larger piece that he and I had pounded in the ground, and I have recently made a new cut, just to be safe. The rod is not copper clad steel. I am kind of scared to do any thing but recycle it and use those funds to purchase new stock that I now exactly what is in it. I DO NOT want to end up like Paw Paw(God rest his soul).Thank you all for your input and insight.

Nope,it is not clad. The bar is solid. I am mostly trying to make sure that I am not going to die in the process of making a memorial. I really want it to be a memorial to the brave folks in OZ. Not one for me in the process. And looking for help with identifying the color of the working temps. of the metal itself. I have never had any experience with copper other that the occasional soldering of a plumbing pipe.

I am planning to make some leaves for the AU Tree Project. I am going to use copper as that is what I have on hand. To be more specific I have a copper ground rod that is pounded in to the ground for the panel box. I want to know a few things. A.) Is forging this safe.? (i.e. do we thinks it might be Beryllum Copper) B.) What is the color if any that copper gets when it is hot enough? Any thoughts that you guys and gals have would be great. Thank you Best, Archiphile

my first addictions were women, tobacco, and sex(not necessarily in that order). Then came high school metal shop, the minute I picked up my first tourch I was hooked. I have a lot of other interest, but, working with Metal is the one that I come back to time and again. I love the smell of burning metal in the morning. And there is nothing like Iron filings to do your coffee good. I (and you) will never stop loving it.

Have seen small buckets in antique shop that were clearly hand forged I do not see why you could not do it.

What about after you have finish the wrap and the weld taking another heat, and, with the Pintle inside of the hole and place it into either a guillotine tool or a swage , or even a spring fuller, at the point of the void and smashing closed? Don't know if it will work. I just had the thought while I was staring at the drawings.

Why do you torture me so Wagon Master....why oh why oh why...I too have dreams about finding a place like that...I just will have to look harder I guess.:D

Mr. Hofi, What Brian was trying to say is that in a pinch and if you are extremely careful You can make a tool to a do one off job amd get the job done. Brian is not condoning the miss-use of any tool.Or that by using H13 that one could get hurt,I believe that he is simply stating that in his experience, he has made a tool from A-36 and it worked, but that one should not make a habit of it.

1/2" x 16ga Sq. Tube Steel Rings 3" O.D. sorry guys

Does anyone know where I can find 1/2"x 16ga. 3" O.D. Steel rings. It would really help the layout of a railing that I am designing if the rings were 3" O.D instead of 3-1/2" O.D. Let me know all comments and suggestions are welcome. Yes I know that I could fab something up in Sqr. Stock it would be faster and cheaper of I could just purchase something and practice making them on something that is NOT time or budget sensitive. Thanks Archiphile

To bad you don't need a larger one http://stlouis.craigslist.org/grd/1080512199.htm

If you are willing to drive to West Topeka,KS there is a 70 lbs Cliff Carol Farriers anvil for sale there. Craig's List Link: **FARRIERS - LOOK HERE** by google maps look to be a 2 hr 40 min drive one way for you. Still might be worth it.

I see, in other words it is not just the steel but the geometry that contributes to the results. That is reassuring.