welding teacher

Tear down went well, got everything apart with only having to grind 2 bolt heads off. Everything else came apart with some knocker-lose and elbow grease. Original fire pan/box seemed very thin how thick should I build the new one, Will 1/4" be enough? 

Ok, got side tracked. Took these photos before I started tear down.

I picked up a working champion 401 rivet forge today for 50 bucks! Not in super bad shape, one leg broke off and 20" round fire box is rotted pretty bad. Blower works great, still has the brass oiler on top. I will post photos tomorrow as it was dark when i got home tonight. Rehab will start after church tomorrow. Wish me luck or give me pointers....I will take either.

As a welding teacher at a community college, It's great to see someone taking advantage of the classes offered. Keep up the great work! The fish is amazing!!!

Thanks for the input. I think I'll start with a Treadle and see how that works for me. Plus I have everything I need to build that right now. So as soon as the weather breaks I'll start the build. Look for photos!

Most of the time I'm working metal under 1 inch round or square. Crosses, Candelabras, Flowers, Fire Pokers and Sign brackets that sort of stuff.

I am thinking of building a treadle hammer, and I would like to hear the good bad and ugly about them. I have all I need to make the treadle, but I would need to invest a few dollars to make a power hammer. As a hobby blacksmith is it worth it the time and money to build a power hammer or will a treadle be good enough?