eseemann

I have the HF portable band saw and one Frosty told me what I was doing wrong in my blade suggestion I have had not problem cutting hard steel such as forklift forks. That having been said the HF cheapo saw with a good blade NOT from HF can cut BUT and this is a big but: They took off the trigger locking button so you need to keep your finger on the trigger at all times. In the past people have mounted them to a bench to use as a small mounted saw. The took off the plate covering the band so you and your clothing is always a few inches away from reliving one of the "shop safety and You" videos.A good tool has more copper such as thicker wires and winding on the motor, better bearings and will last longer. Any time you get a HF or other cheap tool you need to know this $100 (something) is not the same as the $500 (something). That being said as a hobbyist I have not managed to use that many HF tools to the point the magic blue smoke escapes and the tool stops working. If you get a HF tool that has moving parts I would get the 2 year warranty because with the exception of the change they made to the generator warranties they mean the tool WILL last two years or you will get a new one. My 2/100 of $1.00.

Lou, Let us know how your scouting trip goes. Ernest

Yup, I do see what you mean, someone has had a hard life.

Lou. In Alabama we have more churches than we can shake a stick at and some of them have stores that operate like the Good Will or Salvation Army. People donate things and they sell them. The catch all term for such junk (or Junque if you are fancy) shops is thrift store. Not every thrift store is attached to a non-profit but they all take donations. For example there are (at least) 3 different thrift stores connected to animal rescue/protection groups both public and private. If you have never been to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore (play on words) you might want to take a look. Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore 500 Cottage Grove Rd Orange, CT (860) 519-0828 Take a look around for junk stores that look kind of "gone to seed" and you may find some good stuff.

I am not entirely sure of how long at this point, I am converting my RC lawnmower from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive and making a good bit of this up as I go. The stock screw is 27mm and the best guess I have now would be no less than 2" and no more than 4". The head style is not that big a deal. I think this 1 meter long rod should cut up nicely and I have 25 stainless steel nuts on order so I can use up a few if I need to chase the threads. By the way, I don't know if you are looking but there a Craigslist ad from Moulton, Al posted on the Huntsville CL for a coal forge, leg vise and what the poster is calling a bridge anvil. Looks like (I think) it is a saw maker's anvil. \ Ernests

Gergely, I think you are correct but the answer seemed to straight forward so I thought I should check! I can order metric rod stock if need be. I found a 1 meter threaded rod that I will cut up and may need to use a die to fix any threads but we will see how it goes. thanks again.

Good Morning folks, I need to make an M6 left hand (reverse) threaded screw that will fit in a drill gearbox in place of the chuck. I have the M6 by 27mm screws that came out of the drills but it would help if I had longer screws. I have looked for the last 45 on the interwebs and other than a 10 pack of 1 meter long rods I have have not found anything that would work. The reason I don't get the rods is due to the cost, over 100.00 Pounds plus VAT plus shipping. I figure I would rather blow $10 bucks on a left hand die and give that a shot first. Question is what size rod stock should I start with to cut a M6 screw? thanks in advance. Ernest

Papy, I would say that is big enough! Thanks for the info

Lou, Map out your local thrift stores and look for ways to help them. If they have tools that might go together (that you don't need) let them know. The run down looking stores have the best stuff.

I picked up a bag of skateboard wheels another day for the grinder.

I plan to use it to build a post vise, should be good.

51 Papy, what are the dimensions of you hunk 'O steel?

Good Morning All, I found something at my favorite thrift store in Madison Al that I did not think existed outside of a Roger Corman movie called a "Leg Stretch Machine". These are used (according to websites that sell them) are used "to allow you the optimum amount of stretching of the leg and hip areas". The reason I bring this up is for $20.00 bucks I have a 1"+ thick by around 12" long steel Acme screw, nut, 2 steel bevel gears and a wheel to turn them. I also have a bunch of thin wall square and rectangle stock for good measure. Might be worth looking around if you need a good size screw and if you catch the right sale you can get these cheap.

If you have never seen it take a look at magnet fishing videos on YouTube. Good tip about the first aid use!

Good Morning all, I don't know if computer disk drive magnets will work any better or worse for lowering the ring of an anvil but I found at what looks to be a good deal over at the surpluscenter (DOT) com web site.

Now all you need is a Road Runner and a cliff! Looks good, I hope you will make great stuff with it.

Where are you in East TN?

That looks like something out of a good version of Conan the Barbarian

Sounds nice, we have been having 95+ and very humid weather in North Alabama.

Hot in Texas, say it ain't so!!!!

If this has not been re-homed yet I may know a guy that is a former member of the USMC and a scout master. If he does not know I bet he will know who knows. This is too great a find to let slip. I worked with Bill (the guy) as a DoD contractor and he treats every part of life using what he learned in the Marine Corps. You might want to send a photo to Anvil Fire for their neat anvil page Ernest

Take a look at this post by Thomas Fortune, you will see what he has bashed together for a forge and anvil. http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/47373-hello-to-all/

Even if this $10.00 anvil turns out to be a cast iron ASO (Anvil Shaped Object) it will still be better than nothing. Keep your eyes open and look for the chance to nap some steel and remember to act that your folks would want you to act and you will find good things come to you. My rule that when I am done with a thing I was given for free I give it away with the instruction that the next person do the same. Steel it is one of the most if not the most recycled metal in the world. The same goes for good will and love to and from the pro and hobby smiths in the world. The more you keep your eyes out to help out a new guy it contributes to a cycle good that IMHO makes this world just a bit better every day. If you go to the forklift or heavy equipment places to look for something I would not be a bad idea to bring a bunch of bottles of Gatorade or sweet tea as well. It is got and the people will need something to drink. Ernest

I have seen unlined coal forges that started out like as the steel deck of a push mower, I have a very large break drum coal forge. I think that you will find the better the lining the less heat you lose but as long as you have lots of fuel to use while learning that should not be too much of an issue. Good luck.

Biggun, to be honest I have never had anything other than DIY anvils but what you say makes sense. I was thinking of using magnets and box O sand that I saw in another post if nothing else. Thank you much