Jeff Mack

Getting ready to get my barn set up so I can forge inside. I read a blueprint here that suggested a minimum of 10" pipe, but none of the local home improvement palces cary over 8" pipe. Any ideas? Thanks! Jeff

I'm a fountain pen geek. I'd try warm moving water, or a water bath before anything. WD-40 causes pitting, and vinegar can etch metal. I use Private Reserve inks with my pen, and I've spilled on the pen and me a few times. Water seems to clean the pen a lot better than my hands. Jeff

When I went camping this summer in MO, where it always seems to get hot when I visit, I bought a "neck wrap cooler". It's a tube of cloth, with a water absorbing material inside. You soak it in water for a couple hours, then tie it around your neck or head, and it slowly evaporates the water, cooling the tube, and you. Worked pretty well. I still drink ice water or fruit juice constantly in the shop, but the neck thing does help. Jeff

If I read the email I recieved correctly, there is a meeting Friday at Hot Shops. Did I get that correct? And, is anyone here going? Thanks! Jeff

I just joined the PBA. With luck, I'll start showing up to stuff here soon. Got an email from the Treasurer about meetings this month. Good stuff. Jeff

Cool stuff! Jeff

Good point. "Quench hardenable steel" more accurate? And, good addition! Jeff

Good replies! I'll add 'em to the doc. Anyone else? Jeff

A couple years ago, I bought all the metal I used. Now I'm scrounging more than I buy. I have seen a lot of good ideas/finds online, and was thinking about putting together a guide for people like I used to be. Here is what I came up with after work today. If people want to make additions, I'll compile it, and post it online somewhere. Thanks, Jeff. Raw materials: Copper: Grounding wire. Lots of grounding wire, or other large gauge solid wire is pure copper. Handy for alloying with other stuff to make bronze, brass, sterling silver, etc

I have all the seeds ready for the garden. Starting the peppers and onions indoors with weekend. Yum! Love spring. Jeff

Hillbillysmith, He works at a trucking company. He has been saving the ones they throw out. He has been a great source for me. I'd bet most small trucking companies woldn't mind getting rid of their scrap. Rthibeau, I'm near Omaha, NE

My soon to be brother-in-law grabbed 4 sets of semi leaf springs and some axels for me. I need to go wander my the RR tracks near my house, and see what they have discarded. Still on my quest for real wrought iron, and steel cable. Just havn't managed to find a connection for free or cheep quantities of either yet. Jeff