Ernesto Brown

i am eleven i thought a piece of I beam was good for an anvil.

I have said it before, you guys are amazing. Frosty, I am going to print out your email and walk through everything with Nesto this weekend. The last line of your email had me both laughing and fearing. We will make darn sure we have everything figured out, but from the little bit that we have already played with it, you are spot on. I think the part that engages either the self feed OR the feed wheel is right on the front of the press when standing in the operators position. There is a picture of it (a piece is actually broken off of it but we do not have the broken piece). It is simply a latch that, when you push up the latch on the right side of the press raises the gearing so that it can disengage one gear and engage another. Thanks so much. We will be back in touch this weekend.

hi am 11 year's old and I have never worked with copper. But isn't there something in copper that burn's?

Hello, R-ice I am 11 year's old about the sander. I think the second one since it is cheaper and for me it would do everything. Tell me if I am wrong.

Hello Again, Attached below are more photos of our "new" Champion Drill Press. As requested in our last posting (by Frosty I think), we attached the piece that was photographed separately. When attached, it prohibits the broken handle or, alternatively, the lever handle (on the same side as the newly attached piece) from operating (which basically makes the press inoperable; probably why it was not attached). Any thoughts as to the purpose of this piece historically? Also attached are various photos showing tiny holes on different components of the press. We wanted to confirm that oil and not grease are supposed to be squirted into these little holes. Assuming oil, is there any oil that is best for this purpose? The gears seemed pretty clean and we were wondering if they needed grease or oil (again, given their relative cleanliness, a light oiling is probably all that is needed, but not sure). Finally, we attached a picture of us looking pretty happy with our new addition. We did give the press an oil massage this morning and she is happy. We will surely have more questions once we hook it up to the juice. Thanks again.

Ok. I will try and figure out a way to take the rest of the handle off and bring it in to someone.

We will coat her with oil tomorrow and I will take more pictures of the piece. You are right, I meant caste and I kept saying forged (Nesto is 11 and I am a complete beginner trying to keep up with a possessed son). So, based on your comments, I got a good deal for $250? I was wondering if it was a good deal or whether I got taken because I fell in love with the beauty of it. It is amazing what charm it adds to his shop. I will post again tomorrow with the right pictures of the attachment. You guys are really great. Much appreciated. Michael

Hello All, Attached are pictures of the much cleaner (but not too clean) drill press. One of the bits is dated 1874. The photos show a bunch of numbers and the press from all angles. There is one picture of a detached piece. We can see where it attaches on the lever side of the press but we are not sure if it has any functionality. Any thoughts? Also attached are photos of the broken handle. We would love to hear our thoughts about how to attach this broken piece of forged steel. Thanks again. Ernesto and His Dad (Michael)

Ok. We have power washed the press and taken pictures. Problem is that we are not savy enough to figure out how to upload the photos from iPhoto.

Good Morning, Thank you all for the advice. We are off to the dump and then Home Depot to get some degreaser. We have a power washer and will hoist the press onto a dolly to get it out of the shop. Pictures will follow (although it looks like rain today so the pictures might have to wait). Thank you again. Michael (Ernesto's dad)

My dad and I thought your posting was very funny. Sorry, but we are novices and have no experience with anything but our 148.5# PW.

Hello All, My father and I just picked up a very heavy Champion drill press. It is in great shape but needs to be cleaned and greased. We have a bunch of questions: 1. The body of the press is fairly evenly covered with grime. We are planning on cleaning all gears and regreasing them but we are worried about cleaning the frame too much and then having rust problems. Any thoughts? 2. When we were hoisting the press into the truck (the electric hoist is awesome), we unfortunately snapped half of one of the handles off. Is there any way to weld this back together (we have not learned how to weld yet and were told that you cannot weld forged steel)? 3. It looks like the main ball bearing gasket is loose and possibly even coming apart. But, the gear shaft spins smoothly. We are planning on just cleaning that lightly and packing it with grease. Any other thoughts? 4. Finally, this press is really old (not sure how old; cannot find a date) and is now powered with a separate motor that drives the belts. The belts are torn. Where can I find new belts that are big enough to run the drill or do I need to make them from belt leather (that is my dad's idea)? Thanks for your thoughts. Ernesto

Hello,my mentor throws it into the scrap pile and says '' We'll find a use it for something''.

Hello Jayco, Ted T, and Ten Hammers, Thank you for you advice and compliments. I will use it. Nesto

Wow. Thank you all for replying to me. This is so cool!!!!!!

Wow. Thank you all for replying to me. This is so cool.

Hello, My name is Ernesto and I am new here (I am ten years old and promised my Papi I would go to bed after this). I assume that blacksmithing with galvanized steel is just as bad as welding with it. Am I right or can I blacksmith with galvanized steel (because I do find it in the dump recycling pile)? Thanks. Nesto

My name is Ernesto Brown. I am ten years old and live in Massachusetts. I have spent several years following my Papi to his friend's blacksmithing shop. I now have my own "shop" in a corner of our barn and I spend part of every weekend practicing (I would spend more time there but my Papi works during the week and cannot supervise me) and taking lessons from my Papi's friend. I am happiest when I am in my shop. I collect steel from the dump and today made a hook with a scrolled end out of an old file. One day, I will travel all over the United States and maybe even the world learning from all of you great blacksmiths. Right now I am looking for some better tongs. Please send me your advice and guidance. Thank you and good night (I was supposed to be in bed an hour ago, but my Papi and I have been looking at cool stuff on the internet and now Mami is angry at both of us). Nesto