keykeeper

Quench, After reviewing the DB idler, I would say the same result is achieved with less parts, but with some work. I do not know why the idler I sketched is done like that, unless it is to achieve maybe a finer control of the gas at the idle setting. May be that this one is a little cheaper/easier to build, don't know. I haven't priced the fittings/gauge/nipples lately at a hardware, but when I want one, I'm just gonna buy the setup from Jay. He is great to talk to about gas forges and very knowledgeable in the field. After looking up the price list Jay sent me, the price for his Fuel Saver Valve manifold kits vary as to the number of burners used. So more parts than what I sketched out would be needed for a 2 burner forge. I think they allow adjustment/use of each individual burner for more control depending on how much of the forge is needed ie: using one burner for small jobs vs. more than one for bigger things up to ever how many burners you have. So, really, what I posted is probably not helpful to you. Sorry about that. I will find out though about the setups from Jay and how they work, next chance I get to talk to him. I plan on buying some forge parts from him as soon as I get the cash, which I hope will be Spring Conference. Also, the fittings are 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch copper tube, I don't think any 1/2 inch is used, after looking at the price list. I'd just get an idler from DB, looks like a nice, quick little setup, by the video on their website.

The one I took a photo of is an idler circuit, but I can't find photo now. The needle valve allows the bypass to be adjusted to just enough to keep the forge lit and hot. Open the ball valve, forge goes up to working pressure. Close it, the gas reverts back to the bypass circuit and reduced consumption of gas. A gauge can and should be added between the needle valve and first "T" fitting, so note can be made of what the optimum pressure is for idle and can be repeated. Here's a quick drawing I made using paint. I forgot the gauge in my sketch, but maybe you will get the idea of how it is built. All the fittings are, I think, 3/8" or 1/2" brass. The line in the upside down U shape is copper. Of course, I left out fittings and nipples used to connect the important parts, but that is just a matter of figuring out the plumbing. Hope this helps. I saw this on a forge built from parts supplied from Jay Hayes. The idle circuit can be mounted on a stand-off plate using pipe hangers to hold it on the plate. Mounting is up to the builder, and should be done safely. Disclaimer: I am just trying to help out. Do not attempt this if you know nothing about plumbing, gas safety, etc. Check all connections under pressure, before lighting the forge. Contact a professional at building these things if not comfortable with your own work, for safety's sake.

From what I have seen, Quenchcrack, an idler setup is not that hard to make. I have a picture somewhere of one I saw at a conference, when I get home this evening, I'll see if I can find it. All basic hardware store components, easily put together. Most expensive part is the two valves (one needle valve, one ball valve). I know I made a sketch of it, see if I can find that, also.

Looks pretty darn good, Tom. Super simple design, yet functional. Hope it works well for you. Your enthusiasm for the craft is inspiring, to say the least. Next time your up this way (I-77, exit 138) look me up. I'll show you my little smithy area, may even send something back with you. Lord knows I have too much junk laying around not being used! -aaron

LB0010 Building a Fire | Lessons in Blacksmithing Read through this, then come back to the forum if you have further questions.

Welcome Bud, from another WV smith. Check out the Appalachian Blacksmith Association. Spring conference will be along before you know it. I know we have members near you in Oak Hill and Beckley areas. Forge on!

Pretty much what everyone has said. Thomas Dean summed it up nicely. Here's a few pics of some stuff at one hammer-in I attended. Note the diversity of items, from large steel whatchamacallits, what-have-ya's, hammer handles, air tools, lantern, etc. One good win at IITH at a Hammer-in and you will be hooked. One of the funnest parts of blacksmithing, IMHO.

I'd say you were forging, Donnie. You were forging memories with your kids that will last longer than any old hook, candleholder, etc. you could have made in the shop. Great work!

I have the pdf's downloaded of The Blacksmiths Craft. It is in five parts. Glad I did that some time ago. Edit: I attempted to attach the pdf to this post, however, they exceed the limit established for pdf files in this forum. Maybe I'll work up a webpage to put them up for everyone at a later date.:(

Actually, if I remember correctly, there was another member that never missed a chance to pitch Big Blu along with a link to their(Big Blu's) sales site. That may have figured in that members removal from the site. But, that's just a guess. I agree, I didn't see this as selling, but more as an explanation of design and reasoning. Just because he posted it in the tailgating section doesn't mean he's advertising in the forum.

Ah, Hah. Looks like Mr. Murphy has visited you, Dave. But anyway, "happens to me all the time," "don't worry bout it", "you'll think it was all worth it when you get it done". There, that work? :D

I watched the one in operation at Quad-State and was very impressed with the operation. The fellow making hammers was definitely in production mode making them. Watching him work was inspiring, to say the least. Looked to me like the KA-75 would be a great tool for a one-man operation. Seemed like the hammer didn't have any problem delivering whatever he wanted it to do, whether it was punching, cutting, fullering, etc.

Depending on how clean it is, I would disassemble and check the gears, shafts, etc. Sounds like it has some years of build up on it, better to check the gear box. May be full of old, hard, nasty grease. If it is, clean it up well, fill it with the lube of your choice,nothing too heavy, and get cranking. There's scads of threads on here about blower lubrication. Do a search and many will pop up. Great advice from many competent smiths.

Sounds like a Canedy-Otto if the numbers are on the fan housing, near the outlet. Here's a pic of mine. Good blower, produces lots of air.

You could also cut a pattern out of flexible plastic or thin cardboard. Trim until you have what fits your shaft when folded. Then transfer the shape to metal and form accordingly in the forge. A nice touch is to forge weld the seam over an appropriate mandrel.

Welcome to the forum from another WV-ite. If you haven't yet, Check out the Appalachian Blacksmith Association. Good group of folks, we have some great conferences in the spring and fall, along with some fun Hammer-Ins. PM me for further info, if'n ya want to. We'd love to see ya at some of our events. Where ya from in WV? If your close enough, there's several of us in my area that would be happy for you to visit our shops.

That's the spirit, Element. Be sure to post pictures of it for all of us to see!

You might look at this;) It will blow up big if you click it again once loaded, so it is easier to read.

Wow, those pics I took back then really stunk. I still have that drill, and another just like it. Thibeau is correct, anyone caught not giving cool old blacksmith tools a home immediately shall be flogged publicly.:D

That is one sweet camelback you have there. I'm envious.

I'd buy that in a heartbeat. No question for me, hard to find good equipment, even if it needs minor repairs, and getting harder all the time. Buy it!

Thank you, Alwin, for starting this discussion. I really don't have much to contribute, but I am so curious as to what you are discussing that for the first time in my life I have subscribed to a thread on a forum, so I can stay abreast of this information.

Seems the blower is a little far away from the forge. Is there a reason for that? Looks awkward to tend the fire and crank at the same time. Otherwise, nice little setup you have there. Like the cabin, also!

Wagonmaster, Actually, I-77 would get you here! Next time your gonna be heading through, give me a holler. I'd be glad to meet you at the Love's truckstop off of the 132 exit. I'm off evenings and weekends, work straight days so plan accordingly. IF it's a good day with enough sunshine, we could even fire up the forge and smack a few pieces of iron.

Makes the world a smaller place, eh, Finnr? I met a few folks who were at Quad-State last fall, that are members here. Nice to put a face with the posts. I recognized a few others from pics posted here, but never got the time to catch up with them. Wonder when Tom's gonna be coming through my neck of the woods..lol. A major interstate rolls through our whole county, bet he's been up it a time or two.