firefarm39

Ok, another attempt to post pictures......

Hi Rich, did not neutralize, just rinsed in clear water for about 10 minutes. Do you think I can do anything at this point?

I finished my first pattern-welded knife a little while ago. I'll try to post pictures and would welcome any constructive critcism. The knife on top is one my Dad owned, it came from Herter's many years ago (anyone remember Herter's?), and I used it as inspiration for the one below.
Now, the problem. The knife was made with 1084 and 15n20, worked to 208 layers. Pattern was developed with a dilute ferric chloride solution for a total of about 10 minutes (in shorter increments). I am pretty happy with the pattern, but after the knife sits for a couple of days, dark streaks develop on it. They easily clean up with 800 grit sandpaper, and I have tried coating the blade with several things, but it still seems to happen. I have used oil and paste wax, to no avail. Anyone else have this problem?

Well Sam, if the shock absorber doesn't work out, looks like you could use the vise as a Pogo stick! :P

Whatever you call them, I want one! :P

Number 8 looks similiar to a feather pattern, in which a simple layered billet is sliced almost in half in a press, then welded back together again. The knife that does the slicing drags the layers down somewhat and the result (sometimes :) ) is a beautiful feathery looking pattern. Try googling 'feather-pattern damascus'. This is probably not a first-time technique, and does require some significant equipment.

Ok, I am sold! Tell me where I can get my hands on the Clifton Ralph videos, please?

(I have the Dave Manzer ones, and they are extremely useful, I highly recommend them).

Nice solution to the problem of support! My forge has two "ears" on the side with holes in them that receive a bar bent very similiar to how you did yours. It pivots in the holes, and there is a leg that is attached to the center portion of the bar and goes down to the floor. This set-up allows me to adjust the height of the support or to fold it out of the way when it is not needed.

Words can't express the sense of loss, and I only knew Grant from the postings here and a couple of emails. I can only imagine the loss those of you who knew him better must be feeling. Sincere condolences to you and especially to Grant's family.

I've been in the matchless antique shop. They do only use wire wheels to clean the crude off the stuff they sell. When I was there last I saw a very large pile of worn out wire wheels. Early on they tried some sandblasting, but that really destroyed the marketability of the anvils for them, so they just 'wheel 'em now. Steve is really a good guy, and his reputation as a honest dealer is well deserved. I think that is why he usually gets top dollar for what he sells.

Chad, if you are ever over closer to the west side of Michigan, call Steve P. He has a semi load of coal in 50 lb bags for sale. PM me for his phone number, or search on eBay for coal, or matchlessantiques and you can get his contact info.

JimShip, your Avatar (I think that is what you call it) would make an interesting touchmark!

Looks to me like you wil need the stroke adjustment mechanism before you run the hammer, otherwise it may just float around in the slot and the stroke may "adjust" itself when you least expect it! Great looking hammer! It should be a ton of fun!

Read the wikipedia article on CO poisoning. Note that the level at which ACUTE poisoning starts is as low as 35 parts per million (ppm). Chronic poisoning can start at a much lower level. Also note that a properly functioning gas stove burner generates about 15 ppm CO. So what if your propane forge is burning a little rich (incomplete combustion)? Not hard to imagine reaching levels well into the acute poisoning range. Remember too that CO poisoning is cumulative, at least in the short term. The CO binds with hemoglobin so well that it stays stable for a long period. Repeat exposure accumulates CO in the blood.
Like some of the other responders, I am a firefighter with 18 years of experience. Most of us who have done firefighting for a while have seen the results of CO poisoning. I have helped remove bodies. Please,
don't take a chance!!!

Now that you mention it, i think you are correct about the log splitter. I remember seeing one like it. No doubt some intrepid smith will find a use for it!

It is amazing what gets called a blacksmith's tool! This is a feed screw for a meat grinder, or perhaps a small grain mill.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blacksmith-Cone-Shaped-Anvil-Tool-/140650770362?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20bf706fba

Perhaps some sort of swage? Any patent number on it that you might be able to run a search with?

I had the same problem on an old no-name blower that I have had for 30 years. I finally borrowed another similar-size one and used the fan as a pattern. Plasma cut it out of fairly heavy guage sheet, cleaned it up and twisted the blades hot. It works very well, with very little vibration. In my case, I was missing several blades and had no "repair" option. I think I would try the repair first.

Had a most satisfying and enjoyable forging session this weekend when my daughter (21) asked if we could go out to the barn and hit some hot metal together. It was not the most productive session by a long shot, in terms of objects forged, but she kept looking up with a big grin and saying "this is fun! this is really fun!" Well, it was fun for me too. :D

My local green tractor dealer sells a product designed to repel rodents in small areas like tractor cabs. It is a little pouch with sawdust and the oil from balsam fir trees. Smells good, and definitely is a better option than mothballs (toxic). I still use traps and bait in and around the barn, but the repellant might be a good option for small rooms and equipment cabs.

I recently picked up a "trashed" LG 25 (actually just the frame) for cheap and am thinking about making it into a treadle hammer. Any thoughts on doing this? Suggestions? Should I have my head examined?

John, I got the 'how-to' via email, thanks so much for being willing to share!! I really am looking forward to working on this. You give very clear, concise information in the tutorial. Thanks again!

Dave

I was just yesterday talking to a blacksmithing equipment dealer, and saw a post vise in his inventory with a brass screw box. I commented on it, and he said he has seen many of them over the years. This was the first I had seen. They are really beautiful all polished up!
If I had to guess, I would say that is an Iron City vise.

My wife and I will be there, arriving Friday night. Last year was our first, and I'm thinking this will become an annual pilgrimage for us. She doesn't do any blacksmithing, but still had a great time! See you all there.
Dave

2Tim215, I would be especially interesting in how you form the grapes. To me, that looks like the hardest part of the project. Great work, thanks for sharing it!