Mark G

Thanks, wassomeoneelse. That page is a wealth of information. I've gone ahead and bookmarked it. I don't think I'll have to go to that extent. To be honest, I think I lucked out, every screw I'm taken off so far has been a breeze and the inside of the gearbox looks it pretty good shape. I would almost swear someone a few years ago went through and cleaned it up really well. The only problem I've found so far was one of the fins is bent, but still in line with the rest of them. So, if I turn the handle hard, there's a vibration. But, I think as long as I take care of it it should last me for years. Thanks for the help, Mark

I love this site. I got looking on how to do exactly what Longhunter was needing to do and here it is.

I got lucky today, I was able to buy an old Buffalo forge with a good blower at a farm equipment auction. I probably paid a little more than I wanted to but, with me living in San Antonio Texas, there's just not a lot of old forges for sale and the bottom line is I'm happy with it. It's in pretty good shape, I'll probably replace the tuyere (Not a problem thanks to the WagonMan and eBay) and the wooden part of the handle is gone. Still not a problem. My question is how do you all prepare your forges before you use them? I know there a lot of surface rust that I'd like to remove before I start using the forge. I've thought about using Naval Jelly and the maybe painting or coating it, but I'm not sure what will work best. I wasn't sure what all I needed to do to the inside beside maybe lining it with castable refractory. Thank you, Mark G.

If your auction was #250299873397 (It looks like it from your description) It doesn't look like a bad anvil. I don't think it would fall in the ASO category. I think you got it for the price you did, because it was pick-up only and he didn't put much description with it. Congratulations

I just got a good deal on an old forge. The problem is the tuyere is very rusted and need to be replaced and the cover that lets the clinkers drop out the bottom is rusted solid. I wanted to try and remove as much of the rust as I could before I considered drilling out the bolts. I did a search and it mentioned Blueprint 0448 was on rust removal, Is there any chance someone has it? Or I'll take any suggestions on how to fix it. Thank you, Mark Gilg

Hello everyone. My name is Mark and I live in San Antonio, Texas. I'm not from here originally, but when I was still in the Air Force they sent me here and I decided to stay. (At least until I get a better offer) I first caught the knife making bug a few years ago with a couple of knife kits, while using the equipment at the base woodhobby shop. And ever since then I've been trying to get the time and money around to go all the way with putting a forge together. I'm looking to meet with any and all blacksmiths / bladesmiths in this part of Texas. I've e-mail with a few, but none of them have been in San Antonio. I could really use some help finding a good supply place for almost everything. I look forward to getting to know this community better. Mark Gilg