IanR

Add me to the list of dreamers, what a fantastic setup. I like the fact that you can access the forge from all sides and that blower, what an awesome fire it produces.

Thanks for the link Kyboy, that is truly a thing of beauty. It's great watching craftsmen at work:cool:

A big thanks to everyone for your answers and images,we have another similar fireplace, so sometime in the future I will be making another one. I will be able to put your ideas into practice for that and also any other projects requiring the same. Thanks again Ian Ross

G'Day Cliff welcome aboard, there's lots of ideas and answers here if your looking for something to make. Ian Ross

I have just finished making a new firescreen for our open fire, which has a arched opening. I made the frames of the screens (two hinged halves) to match the opening by forging the curve on the horn of the anvil, using 32mmx5mm flat bar. This was a fairly difficult task, is there a easier or better way to make large curves that flow nicely? I haven't got a photo but I can take one tomorrow if anyone wants to see it.

Nice poker, I have made one from 12mm square (1/2"), they are definitely a "mans" fire poker.

Great work Dick and Michael. How are the gumnuts attached Michael?

Welcome aboard Keith, I haven't done any knife making, but there is plenty of guys here who have and I think you'll find a heap of info. Ian Ross

Thanks Glenn, I must confess the idea for the artwork comes from Lorelei Sims' book, she has a similar face on her forge. Thanks for tip about the drum, I'll give it a go, but my first priority is to install a damper, instead of turning off the motor all the time.( I'm using more coke than a power station at the moment):D

Thanks Bully , I haven't got a separate shed yet so everything has to be stored in the corner of the garage when not in use. The blower is an electric one it's a German made EBM-Papst centrifugal blower and runs through 50mm square tube. There about $ 260 to buy but I was lucky and mine came from a disused promotional balloon that belonged to a friend. It has a capacitor fitted to it as well, which I think is designed to make the motor slow down gradually when it's turned off, I may be wrong, those who are more electrically minded might correct me. The dog is actually a black Pug, but does the same things, sleeps and eats, follows me around like a shadow. Good luck with your shed cleaning, might have to take a truck with you.:)

Nice items Bully, especially the dogs head. I had been using a pair of vice grip pliers because I found the flat mouth tongs I had for ages wouldn't hold items properly and they would move from side to side. Solution? reforge the tongs, they now are very usable, but until I can perfect the art of tong making, the vice grips still come in handy. I know what you mean about the best place for the dog, our fella coped a hot coal recently. My forge at the moment is on wheels and as the photo shows he now sleeps behind it.;)

Great table Tom, looks pretty sound and the vice looks like a quality one

Nice work Mike, do you do the chisel work hot or cold?

Welcome aboard lanchie 76, I see you seem to have sourced most of what you want, here's another link for firebricks if you need it. Dry Press Firebricks (Darley Refractory Bricks) Ian Ross

Sorry about the spelling Steve, some people spell it with an s and some with a z, you'll find references either way.;)

G'Day Mike I was just browsing the forum when I came across your post, I was asked by someone if I'd like some too. It is spelt bisalloy and from what I can gather it is some sort of hardened steel. I cant tell you much more. Cheers Ian Ross

Or you could use a couple of monkeys. Seriously though I'm sorry I cant help you with some gearing diagrams, I'll keep an eye out though. Ian Ross

I live right in town and work from my garage, I haven't had any complaints and I have a firie who lives right across the street. I use coke in my forge and it doesn't seem to create much smoke, but come Winter time it's a different story with our house having 3 open fires, a slow combustion stove and an outside fireplace, its smoke central. I haven't had anyone say anything about the hammering but the other week when I had to really pound on some stainless steel, I thought there would be but everything was sweet.

G'Day Mick I'm not sure if you are still in QLD or where abouts in QLD, but Alan Ball at the Village Smith has some items for sale,The Village Smith, he is winding down due to illness. Good luck with your gear and have a safe trip home. Ian Ross

I always wear a glove on my holding hand, but not on my hammer hand, it doesn't give me enough control with the hammer. Although the other week I dropped my fire poker and picked up the wrong end with my bare hand. I wear two gloves when welding, got a nasty UV burn on my arm once.

Thanks everyone for your comments and words of encouragement, I will keep you posted as work progresses:) Ian Ross

G'Day Joe welcome to the site (from another Aussie). You will find members here from all over the world,interesting discussion, photos and more. Ian Ross

Thought I'd get the ball rolling,this may not be a special project, but it will be to the recipient, started work on a day bed for my eldest daughter. I have made the four legs, from 20mm square bar with differential twists and faceted tops. there will be two sides and a back with the front open, I have yet to think of a design for the sides and back but I hope to use tenon joins on some of the assembly (GULP!!). Ian Ross

No worries Bully I was just going to ask around and if there was any interest I was going to point them in the direction of the project web site and they could email Paul;). I see Paul's posted some details so I'll mention those.

Whats that eleventh commandment, thou shall not covet thy neighbours smithy. Bully, looks great mate, my setup has to be portable because I work in the same shed that I park my tool laden ute in.:(