Jump to content
I Forge Iron

SmithingEverything

Members
  • Posts

    32
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    Caldwell, Texas

Recent Profile Visitors

1,219 profile views
  1. I have learned some from this post already. I am new to the craft and like new tools. The more I read all the post the more I learn, I still have my opinions and you all have yours. Reading these post and thinking about it, I may be more open to some used tools. If I have the ability to buy new, I probably still will, but I will remember that used may not be as bad as option as I may think.
  2. One way I see it, if you buy crappy tools, you will have crappy experiences and won't enjoy it and will lose interest. If you spend more on something you are less likely to walk away from it because you don't want to of wasted that money.
  3. I prefer my tools new, so with that comes "perfect" edges. I then can shape them to however I would like and what suites me best. I don't want to buy someone's problems if there are any with the tool. Why buy something a little cheaper that is beat up if you have the ability to spend a little more something new? If you buy something that is used that requires some repairs, well that money on repairs could of went towards new. People have different preferences, and like different things.
  4. I do not have a true anvil yet but If it were me, I would still pass. I don't like the beat up edges and it is a farrier's anvil so is shaped differently for making horseshoes.
  5. I am looking at the book and dvd call A primer in Blacksmithing by Randy McDaniel. The book is $17.83 and the 6 hour dvd set is $139.95. Anyone used these, are they worth it? Should I get both or just the book or just the dvd? Or there is the Artist Blacksmithing: Techniques in action dvd from Peter Parkinson that is $34.78
  6. Yeah I know one forge can't do it all, I was just trying to find the best option to suite my needs at this point in time.
  7. First of all I am not sure where to post this. I looked at the forge threads but couldn't find the proper place to put it since I will be discussing solid fuel forges and propane forges. If any one knows a better place feel free to move it. I am trying to figure out what type of forge would work best and efficiently for the type of work I plan on getting into. This is not my work just ideas that I like. Some of you may have seen a similar post of mine concerning anvils. I am looking at rebuilding my charcoal forge and be suited to burn coal or build a propane forge. The size of the work is what I am not sure what would be best. Would it require a large propane forge to be able to fit the curves and bends that make the piece wider? If the piece is long it would not be as much of a problem since I could build to make it pass through the back of the forge. Would I need a forge that is 12 inches wide or more and how long? 18 inches or 24 inches long? 2 burner? Also I wonder what the fuel consumption would be on something like that. If I build a better coal forge I make it so i could pass pieces through to the part i need. Another dilemma is getting fuel. For coal I would have to order it and cheapest I found is 13 dollars + 14 dollars shipping = 27 dollars for 50 lbs. Or drive 4.5 hours or so for 12 dollars per 50lb bag + cost of gas. Making the trip about 9.5 hours or more. Propane I can get a refill for about 15 dollars a 20lb bottle 10 minutes away. One thing I am not sure of is (estimate) how long would 1 50lb bag of coal last vs. 1 20lb bottle of propane? That depends too on how many burners I have and psi and insulation for the propane forge. Coal would be how much coal do I have in the fire to do the job and how long and how much air is blowing in it burning it up faster. I know this is hard to calculate and all the variables, but if anyone has any tips, suggestions or pointers, please share them! The pictures are just some ideas I like, I would be making smaller things and maybe try other decorative items. Try some smaller gates and similar projects. I have a lot of learning to do though before I can do a project.
  8. I don't have anything at this moment. Just some land with spots to build something, something small, something cheap.
  9. It is hot, humid, sticky and mosquito metropolis . I live near Bryan/College Station, Texas. 25 miles east of Texas A&M if you know where that is.
  10. I live in Texas and thinking about building a blacksmithing shop. I wouldn't be able to do electricity at this time. In the summer time it gets over 100 degrees outside. What are some solutions (besides only smithing in the fall and winter). I was thinking like a dogtrot method or something. Something like the old days. Maybe old day methods with added solar panel fans? Not sure how much solar panels are that would run a small/medium fan though. I also see that dug into the ground is a option also.
  11. From what I read on other forums that is what others do. Remove the valve, fill with water ( soap and water if you want to get rid of smell). You can let it sit for a bit. You are the only one liable for you actions so do what you feel and know is safe. People of been injured doing it before. I am not telling you "yeah go do it, it will be fine", I am just saying how people have done it before. Here are some other people talking about this topic on other sites. http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=47602 and also on this one http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/showthread.php?7059-Cutting-Open-Old-Propane-Tanks&highlight=cutting+propane+tank.
  12. I would over the valve all they way like you would be turning the bottle on to use. Open the valve all the way and make sure you get out any pressure in it. Once you do that then unscrew the nozzle off the tank then fill it with water. I have not ever done it myself though so I wouldn't take my advice haha. I think the method would make sense though, but you might want to get more opinions.
  13. I did not know this. Thank you. It would of been nice to have one of his anvils.
  14. Anyone familiar with the Blu anvil from Big Blu hammer? Sounds good and I like the shape. Can't find any many reviews. 260lbs, Double horn, Cast Steel, 54HRC, 1 inch Hardy, 5/8 and 1 inch pritchel holes, upset block and side shelf. $1495+ ship Link removed due to no third party or off site sales policy
  15. I read online that many people like the Ozark pattern anvil from the Ozark School of Blacksmithing. When I try to find these for sale I can not locate them anywhere. When I go to the Ozark school of Blacksmithing page I see no store or anything about anvils for sale. Are these anvils no longer made or where they just a one time deal or what? Anyone know the place to buy one possibly?
×
×
  • Create New...