Senft

What kind of herd did it bring?? I have a shop in PA which is operated only on a serious hobby level @the moment, If I turn business and apply for license what will happen?

I think I know what you mean. I've done various kinds of metalwork for around 20 yrs, day job of also doing all kinds of metal/mechanical work always remains necessary to keep going, and time's limited to do creative stuff that I can't figger how to make enough money on. However am getting enough interest in my products that I've decided to form an LLC. Turning my side work into a separate business entity is new to me and although I'm reading some about it, I'm interested in trying to learn something from others here who have done it successfully. Where and what kind of insurance do most people get in this business, what sort of stuff do most people put in contracts, etc., etc.

Now I don't feel so bad. I too decided I'd make a bunch of little things with leaves and cover a bunch of Christmas gifts, how hard could that be? Had previously done some good big leaves that came out well..... tooling no good for small ones, little giant having moods and hard to adjust fits, leaf die tooling bouncing all over the place from outta control hits creating double-vision leaves, decided I actually needed to build tons of new tools including a hydraulic press and air hammer. After day and a half of messing with ended up roughing out with little giant and detailing by hand. Everything I build makes me have to build more stuff.

I think it's great! Also love the things others posted.

Great stuff! I really like the rebar piece also.

Thanks Thomas, that's a good idea! will look into it.

As I need to plan for hose and disconnects (portable equipment), maybe I'll plan for 3/4" ones. Need to be able to adjust interior volume pretty large account of heating sheets and plates for forming, then be able to get it back into forge after it's partially shaped. Using big oxy-propane rosebud torch works but lotsa hassle with gas bottles and expensive.

Am considering construction of variable size gas forge using natural gas with blower. Suppose interior volume could go from roughly 1-3 cubic feet. What I'm wondering is size of natural gas supply line needed considering forge volume. I have easy access to 1/2" supply lines or not easy access to a 1" line, wondering if the 1/2" line would do the trick with this? as far as I know, gas pressure as supplied is in the less than 1psi range. I do not need welding heat, just enough for normal forging and shaping operations. Anyone have experience with this?

I agree on manifolding the tanks- it seems to make a big difference when it comes to freezing up. I've had OK luck with two 3/4" burners on one 40 pound tank, but do not usually go over 10 psi. Have run five 3/4" burners on two 40 pound tanks manifolded with good results, no freezing. Seems the 20's are a little small unless you only have very light demand.

Thanks!! As to the local code... All I could find was 36" height and cannot pass a 4" ball which it pretty much meets, stairs are a little uneven, old house. I became extremely frustrated in looking for the code requirements. it's Baltimore city and after many phone calls and emails to various departments I got no answers or real people for that matter. After that I contacted a few local guys that had done them and got the above info. If inspector complains about anything I'll be bolting wood to it till he goes away. As this is the first railing I've ever done, I'm learning stuff all the way- Any input or advice from others out there that have experience with this sort of stuff would be much welcome! I figured since a (good) friend ask me to do it, this would be a less-pressure way to start. He got it really, really cheap.

Here's a few more of recent progress, the other picture is part of a railing I've been doing for a friend's house.

Thanks Frosty, I really didn't start out with any clear plan- just made up as I went along. First time I've tried anything like this (the pedestal/ wall bracket part). Am learning a few things in the process that I hope I remember next time.

Thanks Nelson, will do. Also enjoyed seeing the sculpture you posted!

Pattern on the bars is just power hammer texturing- started as round, forged to square, then put facets on the edges. After going through that I think next time it should be more random and aggressive texture like natural vines.

Thanks! It's mostly 1/8" sheet, some 3/16", some forged 1-1/4 round etc. Brick layup forge and burners get reconfigured as needed. burners are installed on sliding rail, add as many as needed. It will actually be a light over a townhouse entry door- a floodlight will go inside the mouth, this being the reason for pitbull size head. It will sit on a sort of art nouveau looking forged pedestal. This is already mostly done, picture attached.

Attached (Hopefully) are some pics of a steel gargoyle I'm building.

Does anyone know if or how the pneumatic controls on a Big Blue differ from the standard kinyon?

And I'm in Baltimore, but would need to know what else applies if near the ocean.

Grade would be mostly unknown scraps, guess 304 but could be other. welded yes with 309L or 316, or mystery stainless problem solver alloy. Finish most likely sanded or polished. Maybe some forging with 4140 tools.

Yes, no like hazmats! Briefly owned a plating shop. Vinegar sounds better for metal finishing, and eating. That clears things up some-thanks.

How necessary is it (outdoor sculpture)? how do you do it? Is there a good home brewed way? I see it mentioned here and there, need to know more.