Dodge

Brian, The Marine Corps moto is "Semper Fidelis." In latin this means "Always Faithful." Us jarheads say "Semper Fi" as a common greeting to other jarheads but as I've said before it fits any close knit group to mean "I got your back!" Thats what I mean in my signature that "its not just for breakfast anymore I never saw any combat or overseas duty for that matter while I was in but we were always prepared for that "call to duty". Your son has answered that call and to him I offer him a hearty SEMPER FI!!

Sorry, I haven't checked this thread since I first posted complaining that it didn't work. I need to be more patient Neat process, albeit time consuming. I started one of those rings from a silver dollar many years ago. Drove my mom nutz with all the tap, tap, tapping. But, that may have been part of the motive. he he (I was only 14 or 15) I got frustrated with the tedium of the spoon "hammer" and soon switched to a small (8oz or less) ballpeen to speed up the process. This, however, caused the ring to start an "s" curve around the circumfrence. Interesting but not desired effect. I think I may still have it buried in my "treasures" somewhere. I'll have to try to dig it out someday and finish it. Might even fit now as my fingers have gained some girth since then LOL

Hey Joe, Welcome. Looks like the bladesmiths are taking over! LOL It wasn't my first interest when I started, but I am gradually being converted. :)

Awsome work Jerry. I am going to be changing idler arm and pitman arm on my Dakota soon. Plan to "recycle" parts;) Dunno if I'll get to it for this thread but will post when done!

Welcome Mike:)

Nice blade Victor. I'm just learning about harmon lines and such but it looks good from here. Have done a bit of photography and Jens (Oakwoodforge) is right on with his shooting tips.

If you opt to lift anything heavy with a cherry picker, engine hoist, block and tackle etc, keep in mind the center of balance. Most of the weight of a power hammer is in the anvil but weight can fool and tragedy can strike quickly! Manny odd shaped things like power hammers, lathes, etc may have the bulk of the weight to one side. Many factors need to be considered when lifting heavy objects. Have plenty of help. Even if you can manage a cherry picker or engine hoist alone, the balance can shift if you aren't using the proper lifting straps or slings. Chain is most susceptible to shifting when weight is applied. Remember, the toes, hands, LIFE you save may be you own!!

Welcome Andy, I'm a newby when it comes to blade work but having fun learning. I hope I can enventually produce something that nice.

Welcome Cooncreek:)

You were given good directions:) Welcome!

Howdy claypipe, There are a few farriers here but we don't hold that against them LOL. Most of us are hobbyists. Some even serious about it Seriously, this is a fantastic source of knowlege. Welcome!

AutoCAD is another one, but there again, without some training and a fairly greasy wallet, its out of reach to most. I hear there are a few resonably priced ones out there, but can't attest to their ease of operation. That seems to go with that third dimension. Good, Cheap, and easy? Pick two! ;)

Chris, Those remind me of that ribbon candy that ya find around Christmas time! I bet the bok ends don't taste as good tho LOL

Hey mac, Welcome! I too am a welder though I don't do it for a living any more. Did so for 20+ years. Mostly mig on mild GMAW as well as FCAW. Hobby smith for the most part but this is certainly the place to learn. :)

Woody, Would that heat also be right for simply bending stainless? I want to make a new bbq cooking grid out of stainless with a 1/2" round frame and I want nice small radiused corners.

For similar reasons, the company I worked for banned the sale and or taking of empty drums altogether except in return for deposit. Some barrels just don't come clean enough. But if you have one in question and it will hold water, fill it to the brim. Not only will it be less likely to explode, it won't blow over in the wind;)

welcome to the club Jamie ;)

Interesting idea, Jeff. I might have to try that. My wife already thinks I'm nutz. Wait'll she see's the vinegar in her freezer! LOL

Nice blade Bruce! I gotta find those spikes I stashed in that "place where I knew I could find them!" he he. I want to try a knife and maybe a hawk too:)

Welcome klickitat. You've come to the right place. Jump in to the chat. Its great source of information. We even talk about blacksmithing from time to time. LOL :)

Sorry RC, That link didn't seem to go anywhere at this end. Could you check addy and repost? I'd like to check it out :)

Thanks Jens, The stuff I have are Lennox industrial bandsaw blades. 1.5" by .06" Not sure of the composition but probably similar to what your using.

Jim, You make it look so easy;) Awsome work! I can't wait to try it. Again, thanks for the demo-ing. BTW, I'm assuming you are hammering on the edge to weld the cores and edge then hammering flat again. Correct? Also, could you explain the "biscuit" and how it is used? Thanks -Dodge

The reason that those blow torches should not be use was explained best by the late Jim "Paw Paw" Wilson on the Anvilfire Guru page. I couldn't find the thread due to the lengthy process of the continuous thread but to paraphrase, these torches often had leather seals which shrink from non-use. If they had ever been replaced with rubber seals those too have long passed their effective life. The torches were not that safe in their best years but that was the technology of the day. And as many have stated here, they only produced enough heat for soldering and thawing of pipes or maybe a frozen bolt or two. They do make neat conversation pieces however. I have one the was my grandfathers and it is one of my favorite shop ORNAMENTS. Just my two pieces of coppers worth -Scott

I also live in a residetial area. Omaha, Ne and I run a gasser. I have some fairly new neighbors whose backyard faces my smithy. He is a volunteer fireman and I know he and his (I assume) fireman buddies have been outside durning some of my forging sessions. Thought they'd come over and ask questions,at least out curiosity. No sirens yet however. No one has even complained about the noise form the power hammer . But most of my work is done on weekends when most folks are busy with their own noisy projects