Hillbillysmith

Ever use brass? I don't think brass is weldable b/c of the zinc content; it wants to blow away from the joint (I think). I haven't tried this personally, but want to. I had the idea of inlaying brass in the twisted grooves of a RR spike knife handle. I don't want to bras it b/c of the excessive heat being put onto the knife. I want to TIG weld it, but will it work? Anyone ever done this?

Has anybody welded plain steel with SS filler just for the joint?

Anyone weld SS regularly? Ever weld SS to plain carbon/tool steel? If so, did you use 309? If not, did you get cracks? Did you preheat the materials first? Ever make a mild steel blade and them put a several bead pass on the edge part with some 400 series SS or a tool steel filler?? Anyone try taking a flat piece of plain steel and just running beads on the face in a pattern of SS filler then forging it out and etching for some "cheated" damascus?? :confused: :confused:

Anyone here ever welded copper?? Did you use a special copper filler wire/rod? I also know you can use a SS filler rod. I believe it's 318, but don't quote me on that. Did you TIG weld it? MIG weld it? O/A weld it? But I highly doubt SMAW was used, but if so, did you use that?? Since you can weld copper with a SS filler, has anyone ever welded copper to stainless or visa versa? Anyone ever thought of doing this? I think it would look kinda cool on those repousee's that I see people making. Anybody????

To weld Titanium, you only use the TIG welding process and you have to have it completely shielded from ANY oxygen and the rest of the "xxxx" in the normal atmosphere that we breath. Otherwise, the weld can/will fail or be rejected from a welding test. I also know that you can't weld it at high enough temperatures that it changes to certain colors, because they are rejectable. And that you CAN NOT wire brush the weld when finished before the visual test is given. It become IMMEDIATELY rejected. Any other thoughts, comments, questions??

Since I am going to school for welding, I want to learn all that I can. So, lets discuss the proper procedure for welding titanium according to AWS code. Has anyone ever done this?? I am trying to get into a welding college (Hobart) and there, they have a special titanium welding class/course. I just figured on getting another thread in welding started and I KNOW there's some welders in here. So, LET'S HERE IT!! P.S: Does anyone work with titanium in knife making/decorative use etc.?? If so, lets see pictures. Does anybody have the atmospheric chamber (bought or homer-made) for welding titanium at home?? Lets get this goin.....:D

Not to get another controversial conversation started or anything, but, in the "ironwork used as toy's?" post, HWoolridge stated that he made a 10" dagger looking deal with wrist guards:"I am not a knife/sword maker but many years ago, I worked with a guy who was into medieval "Renaissance Fair" role-playing. He asked for a pair of custom push knives for his play acting and I made them to his design. They had double-barred handles with finger/wrist guards and 10" dagger blades." I saw wondering if he had any pictures of these. I am in to making knives and weapons of sorts and the mental picture that came to me peaked my interest. But like I said; I don't mean to start another "heated" conversation, just repeating the PLACE in which I read of the object. Thank You, Hillbilly

I don't have a power hammer either. I use an 8lb hammer to get the metal moving, then use a 4lb'er. I did use a 16lb'er a couple of times, until my friend broke the handle by accident, now I can't use it for a while. I don't work out or anything, but my arms are roughly 22-24 inches around. My cousin works out though and was benching (the last I knew of) 425lbs, which is insane. P.S. I'll arm wrestle for food. :)

Log chain. (Tow the truck) :rolleyes:

It's not much, but check this out: YouTube - Blacksmith (part three) Good luck!

If your hammer already has rounded edges, than it might be that you don't have the spike hot enough. Be sure to keep it at bright orange/yellow in color. Other than that, It doesn't look bad at all. Kinda "sick" lookin'. Sorta like mid-evil. Just grind the edge smoother so its more rounded than jagged. I like it. No question about it!! Keep practicing you'll find that it only gets more and more fun from here! -Hillbilly

Horseshoes are for good luck. Why not make him one? I mean, you ARE a BLACKSMITH after all. :)

6. You drive a nail into the wall to hang a picture up with a ball-peen hammer and, after putting the nail in, you find out you used the ball end. :)

Molasses....... Goes great with oreos! :)

Glenn, I am glad that you have brought this up because everyone gets stressed at one point or another. Hence my signature that I have had forever and a day! I agree that it's not WHAT stress or even how MUCH stress you get, it's how you DEAL with it. And like gerald said, it's mind over matter; " If you don't mind, it don't matter". I, personally, do as HW does. I just stopped caring about the everyday "xxxx" that you are forced to put up with. I live my life one day at a time and go with the flow. What happens will happen beyond your control, so why worry about it? You never know what life will bring you, weather it be good or bad, so why get so excited and start planning ahead and have the chance of failure to disappoint you? Now, I am not saying I don't try and plan or even make dreams that I would love to have because I do believe in the saying that "You can accomplish ANYTHING if you put your mind and effort into it" as well. I am just saying that I learned to live with disappointment and I never let it bother me anymore. Take what life throws at you (good OR bad) and take it like a man and turn it into something spectacular. Make the most of it and be happy with the simple things that we all "NEED", not the stupid things that we all "WANT". That, and the love of your family is all you need. As for Jayco, I am glad to hear you are doing well and that the help of modern medical technologies has kept you around for a million years more. And for Dale Russell, I am sorry to hear about your wife, you and your family have my deepest sympathies. I hope all works out for the best for your whole family.

I started out using RR spikes. They are in abundance and they can be made into virtually anything! Get some of those and go to town. If you mess 'em up, don't worry, you can fix it. That's the thing about blacksmithing. If it's broke, you can fix it. Good luck. And believe, listen to these guys/girls. I couldn't do half the things I do without them. -Hillbilly

Piston....

Cars......

Chips......

I don't get cold, but I suggest Georgia Boots. I have some and they have been the best boot I've ever worn. I haven't worn anything BUT work boots since the third grade and I'm graduating this spring. So I've had ALOT of boots. I usually go through about 2 pair a year, but these have lasted me almost 2 years now. Georgia Boots! P.S. Don't just get the Wal-Mart special. I, personally, hate those. :(

Yes, I LOVE the snow, Dutch. Especially the ice that comes with it! I do doughnuts with my truck. I think it's one of the best things in the world. But as you stated, 4WD is a beautiful thing. Particularly in the mud and snow.

Wings.....

I have mine stored in four 55 gallon barrels. they have lids with seals.

Anvil... Definitely anvil.

Where do you get beeswax anyway?? I know where to get it in the cylinders, but I was wondering where you get it in the raw, lump form like you see on old colonial t.v shows. Or is that where you would get it is at colonial re-enactments?