Steve McCarthy

I welded up mine out of 1/2" plate. It has a 1/2" thick x 1" wide lip all the way around. Having this lip lets it just set in the hearth without being attached. Some will tell you to mount it flush so to make it easier to rake in fuel. I have not found it to be an inconvience to me. Make yourself a proper rake and I doubt that it will be a problem. Even with the fire pot 4" deep, you should have 3 or 4" of coke above the top. I have a slot cut in the lip around my hearth but not in the lip around the fire pot. This works well for me, but consider all options before you make a final descision,

I've had good luck with TheLeatherGuy on ebay. Price was fair and product was just as described,

There used to be a blueprint by John Bennett on exactly this. Maybe John could post a picture.

A big OOORAH and SEMPER FI to all my fellow Marines. Happy Birthday

Try surpluscenter.com for inexpensive ac and dc blowers.

Those really look nice John. I'm going to have to learn that Russian rose. There are so many places it could be used.

I'ld be very happy with that. Good job.

I have made some tree branches out of 1/2"X1". I split like you did then had to work the two parts to round. The same thing happened to my first one. Dressing the end of the split with a small fuller before working the remaining arms stopped the problem.

Another fine example of your skill and workmanship. Great job John. And Steve Sells ain't lying. Pictures do no justice to seeing these things in person.

I really like it Sam. The cord wrap looks good, but the grind on the edges is what really sets if off. Ver well done.

Just trying to be helpful, my friend. If that big Trenton and that little Vulcan ever cross bread, Lord only knows what kind of mutants you'ld have running around yer shop. :blink:

If that one really grows on ya, I know what you could do with the "OTHER" one :P

I liked it before, but seeing it in use I really like it. Good job Curly.

Dang John.That sucks. I sure would liked to have saw the process. The finished product sure is impressive,

Maybe in the PNW. But not in Southern Missouri.

I've probably got 15 hammers in the rack. But what gets the most use is the 2 1/2 and then the 3 1/2 lb cross peens. Both are Ozark pattern.

Nice work John. Really like the punch work.

Thanks to all for the replys. I've got some practice to do before I start the project. I'm working on a design for a 2'x3' wall grill. No more time than I get at the forge, this may turn into a 3 month project. Thanks again

Thanks Phil. It couldn't get any easier than that. I was just drawing a big blank.

I want to slit and drift a 3/4' hole in 3/4" round stock. Other than drilling a pilot clear through, how do I mark spots 180 degrees from each other? I am having a mental block because drilling is all I can think of. I welded together 2 pieces of 2" round and put a hardy stake on one end. I'm hoping that laying the 3/4 between these will support it enough to slit without too much distortion. If that don't work guess I'll have to make a round bottom swage. I've slit and drifted lots of square but never tried round before. I don't think my stitter will pop out a slug if I drill a through hole. I'm probable making this harder than it is, but like I said mental block has set in. Thanks

Ian, when do you start chain saw carving lessions? I'm sure everyone would like to see pictures of the instructor. :D

Good looking fork there Scott. I take my steak medium rare Semper Fi!

Stan is an excellent host and them ladies sure put on a good feed. I really enjoyed meeting every one. A special thanks to RT for the block of 4340 and all his help and instruction on my new hammer. I'll post pics when I get it finished.

Yep Curly, you got the deal of the day! Your gonna bring it to Stan's next year, right? :)

Thanks for the kind words. I made her one about 3 years ago and was compairing them today. Wow-- what a difference. Thanks again.