D.O.G.

Nice and easy. I have used a similar method, using an 8 ft 4x4 chained to it as a lever to lift posts out. The jack looks easier on the back.

Thanks Eggwelder. I used the rebar handle, because the eye was drifted with that same piece of rebar(makes for a good fit), and it would be stronger,and I think better looking than the same diameter piece of wood.

This was my first attempt to make a hawk. It turned out better than I expected(I expected complete failure). I haven't broke it yet, and I've hucked it at a few solid stumps. The head and handle are made from the same piece of rebar(I know how much you guys like rebar ;)) edge quenched in water and tempered to light brown. I think it might still be a little hard, (as it is difficult to file) but no chips in the edge yet. I plan to wrap the handle in paracord after powder coating it. A friend of mine will do that for free. I'm not spending money on coating this ugly thing, but it would be nice to keep the rust at bay. Thanks for lookin Dustin

Greetings fellow Nebraskan! This is a great site with loads of info. Hope the forge building goes well. Dustin

I like it. Keep em coming. I'm no expert by any means, but I quench 1095 in warm water, unless its really thin or double edged. I have good results as long as its normalized first. Dustin

Thanks Kubiak. So basically if there is wobble I am taking my chances. It could be a costly fix. I will have to wait and see. The seller has not responded yet. I just sent another message so he knows I am serious, hopefully he is. Maybe I will get lucky and there will be no significant movement and I will take it home. Dustin

I would love to make this snow go away completely(I have to plow and shovel Instead of trying out my new used anvil arriving today :() but its already accumulating. I really appreciate your help Knots, I feel more confident about knowing what to look for. Glad to hear that the old American craftsmanship holds up well. There are plenty of Chinese made press's out there, but they don't appeal to me like the old ones. Thanks again for all the help Dustin

Wow, so parts are not likely going to be cheap. Thanks for all the help guys! I hate to waste money, or miss out on a deal due to my own ignorance. I wish the guy would get back to me, so I can look at it up close. Now its going to snow, :angry: that really throws off my schedule. I am ready for spring.

If there is sideways movement in the chuck, is it beyond reasonable repair? I am good at repairing things but there is a limit.

Thanks Frosty. I'm glad to hear it will be worth it even needing work. I'm trying to get a hold of the guy right now. Explain it later, I love it.

Thanks Knots. That's a good idea for testing. I will definitely take a close look, before buying. I'll have to check out that clausing group first, but if the machine is solid I'm probly going to buy it. As you said it seems like Clausing made some really good tools. They have been around since 1911, must be doing something right.

Thanks Jawno. I haven't got the chance to check it out in person, but it looks like a lot of machine for the money. Since it looks older(70's, 80's) I had concerns about finding parts, but clausing says they have parts going back 70 years. A similar grizzly seems to be about 475 to get it shipped. Clausing is made in America, and grizzly is Chinese. You are right, I just need to check it out in person. The older presses I have used worked great, and I think thats what I would prefer. I better not wait, just missed out on a large Rockwell drill press for 125, someone else was faster on the draw.

Looking at one on craigslist, is it worth $225? Anyone out there have one?

Very nice! What are they made of?

Again, I do not recommend that people use rebar for blades, I did because my testing said that this one piece would make a decent knife. The cleaver has only been sharpened once in a year and a half. It was still cutting/chopping pretty well when I sharpened it. These are useful blades. I certainly did not use rebar to save money, as I already own enough 1095, 5160, springs, and files to make plenty of knives. I definitely would not have made a second if the first had not worked so well. I have almost 2ft left from this piece and I will use it for blades eventually, and that will likely be the last rebar I ever use. Rebar is bad for knives most of the time. Please do not waste your time. Dustin