tech413

I agree, find your local steel supplier, you will be surprised at how cheap it is. I just bought 3/8" square X 20' for $9.00. Adam

Welcome to the site, good to have you!!! Adam

Looks great!! Simple and usefull. Consider the idea stolen by me aswell Adam

I don't think it is possible for a gas forge to get to a "white" heat. I weld in my gasser and it isn't white. I get a good bright yellow and have no problem welding. When I weld, I turn it up to 12-15 psi, I usually forge at 3-8. A gas forge just plain won't get as hot as coal or charcoal. Adam

Tetnum, that is an awesome haul!! Congrats. If you don't mind me asking, where did you find all that? Adam

Welcome to the site Jimmy. Good to have you The best place to start would be here Lessons in Blacksmithing | articles . Lots to read and learn here. Adam

LOL, I want to buy a lathe, but there's lots of other stuff I need to buy first. I have access to a lathe tho. I made a prototype from a grade 8 bolt like Mike Ameling suggested, it worked well. I sent some bolts to be drilled by my old shop teacher from high school. Grinding the heads down to the right shape only takes like 5 minutes each. I'll just forge and weld on handles. My other question is, what should I use to finish them so they don't rust?? Paint seems to wear off them quickly. Would linseed oil work, or should I use something else? Thanks for all the responses so far guys! Adam

Welcome to the site, good to have ya! Adam

Looking good, what is the overall size of the head? Adam

Looks great, and I'm wondering the same as above. How's the shave? Adam

Welcome to the site!! There is lots to learn and read here! Adam

Welcome to the site fellow Canadian. Good to have you!! Adam

Looks great!! Keep it up. Adam

You could always use a hair drier, that what I am currently using. It works well and has warranty for when it burns out. $10 at Walmart. Adam

Welcome aboard Jared, good to have you here. There is lots of information and reading material here. Adam

I agree, I've paid too much for duty and brokerage fees. One way I've found to save some money when shipping from the States is to have the seller ship USPS. It seems to eliminate brokerage fees. If you ship UPS, they always tack on brokerage fees for crossing the border and they're not cheap. It's just an option if you have no choice but to buy from the States. Adam

That's a great looking blade, keep it up!! Adam

Welcome to the site Bob, good to have you aboard!! Adam

Maybe I should have noted that I do not have a lathe.

Welcome to the site Tobias, good to have you aboard!! Adam

My stepfather works for the city. He brought this key home and asked me if I could make it. They are just used for opening garbage bins for pick-up. The current ones they use are made from cheap cast white metal and break all the time. They want a quote for 12 of them. I have an idea of how to make them, but I want your guys opinions and how much you would charge. Thanks Adam

Welcome to IFI, good to have you aboard. Adam

They also make good punches and chisels. I've made some from springs and they work great! Adam

Welcome to IFI, good to have you. Adam

Welcome to the site Jerry, good to have you aboard. I may also have machining questions for you in the near future. Adam