jacob's hammer

being a carpenter and being around a lot of old carpenters swinging a hammer all day, every day definately takes its toll. ergonomic stretching and learning to switch hands is the best counter i know. good luck.

may seem balanced until the bearings give. lol. good luck.

make an area for one 'outdoors' like bars build for their patrons who smoke. they are basically indoors except there is 6"-12" gap between walls and ceiling and not 'physically' connected to the main structure.

I'm doing the same thing. Made my square horizontal duct with the sheetmetal from an old furnace. I now wonder how to protect the metal from rusting since it is not galvanized. I can paint the outside. but was wondering about the inside. Could paint that too but will it stick after a while? would i need high temperature paint? Not trying to hijack thread butmaybe sebastian will have similar situation with his new box.

ugh, all these good, old pics seem to be forever lost here.

Here is my 1st set of tongs made from 1/4"  x 3/4" mild stock cut from piece shown above the tongs. They work good, a little long but my question is why does sides of reins show mushrooming where fullered. was steel not hot enough or should more effort been made to dress the sides? thanks for answers or advice.

lots of temporary structures don't meet building codes. carports, woodsheds, chicken coops, cellars, deer blinds, pumphouses, etc. if you have kids around just put a fence around it and not worry about it.

if it works for you...good for you.

lot of people build high dollar shops then later you see the work they do in there and it's like what the heck?

thanks for replies. the stabilized sounds real good. i was originally thinking polyurethane. i'm still thinking it through but going to give something a shot starting sunday when i get extended shop time. i will get pics here if something works out.

I got nearly complete knife i forged from old nicholson file.  it is full tang and was wondering if anybody here has made stacked leather handle seperate then cut in half to make a set of scales? would appreciate any knowledge that may help. thanks

i should have done valve like that to control air flow. i went with dimmer switch to control my air mattress pump. it's quieter but not wise i'm told.

Is anybody fond of these old bandsaws? I just got one gifted to me and seems ok but not had time to try it out yet. thanks for any info.

they make flanges for 2" pipe that fit hole on fairly well. i put bolts with big washers in flange to 'clamp' drum to the flange.

15 minutes ago, JPVT said:

What's a good way to secure it in a vertical position that would still allow it to be turned on its side?

when i 1st started i just used 2 ratchet straps and strapped it to a stump. still got it and still use it even though i got 2 other anvils.

My LP forge works good but I still gave up on it unless heat treating. Too costly,noisy & temperamental for newb such as myself.

I love my charcoal/coal brakedrum forge. I make my own charcoal or use coal from tractor supply for little cost with more consistent results and more versatility aswell.

thanks for that link. good info, easy to find and no file not found.

stand it on end and rachetstrap it to a stump.

this is mine.

You could do t-burner,regulator and firebrick for around $50

also, start collecting tools for all imaginable hobbies. someday you will be glad you did.

good luck.

I wired a dimmer switch to an extension cord so i just plug my blower into that to turn down speed.

my retort never does better than 50% unless I use very dry(gray) wood. If it holds its bark it is still too moist.

way I read it, he saying he would use a sledge to make a 3pound hammer which would be to much for that anvil

thanks Frosty, i will probably just keep using normal turkey fryer. It slow but still does what I need.

I was thinking and collecting parts for using t-burner with a large metal funnel like a flare/flame containment w/hles drilled around top edge. then put little grill on top to hold my boiling kettle. I can't help but wonder how fast my 7gallon kettle would reach boiling point. oh well, i'll just keep it as a thought, I've probably overlooked something critical anyhow.

that's good idea.

I am working now to get t-burner to work similar to banjo burner on a turkey fryer for boiling wort...making beer. Will post up pics when completed.

my retort works best when wood is so dry and cured that it has turned gray and shed it's bark. If I try wood that still holds its bark, i never get better than 50% conversion.