MotoMike

Thanks Everyone. @DavidF check out the articles here. the EZ tong write up is what I used for my first set. basically flat tongs. I made mine to hold 1/4 round stock too. the plans call for 1/4 x3/4. I used 5/16 x 3/4 and they are robust. I still use them when I need flat tongs even though I've a few sets of store bought around.

Thanks Shawn. That Bull pin is quite handy and much appreciated, thanks. Not as shiny as it one was.

I made my first set of box jaw tongs. I can say this, they work well.

Get well soon.

John my forge is built from a portable air tank 10 inches x 16 I think, so the same dimenesions. I used to one inch layers of 8 pound blanket. and I used hard split brick for the floor. once installed the floor was even with the openings in my door and back wall. I calculate my volume between 315 and 325 cu inches and use a 3/4 inch Reil type burner. works for me. everything inside includeing the brick is coated with satinite and plistix If kiln shelf was more available in the area, I'd have use it for the floor.

how did you upset it? Looks like a boat load of hammering. what are you using it for?

I have no information, but just wanted to say it is a neat vise. some interesting design differences.

made a couple small skulls and a twisted cross with my second grandson Brody.

couldn't you face the soft fire brick with a hard flame face refractory like Satinite or similar?

Hi Ryan I'm a new aspiring smith myself. I've spent my time making twisted crosses, hooks, bottle openers, and tools. I've learned a lot about how hard it is to move some metal and a lot about Personal Protective equipment, while grinding, eye protection, respirator and ear protection. I too plan to make knives but I've a long way to go before I'll be ready for that challenge. Good luck.

quite enjoyed the videos. Technicus Joe, I am not sure I get what you are saying. If the ball dropped onto the yellow heat bar just stayed there, does it not mean that all it's energy went to moving metal? admittedly not much. if on an iron anvil would the result be the same? are you saying the only reason to have a hard anvil is for it's ability to survive long use? I am perhaps slow on the uptake, or maybe I'm missing some nuance. It is academic for me, just nerdy curiosity. I've been fortunate enough to acquire a family anvil which does have good rebound, has a hard face and is here for the duration no matter.

@Michael Cochran Don't know what you want to use your motor for, but if you get a static converter they only provide 3 phase for start up and switch to single once running, since you are using only two sets of windings instead of 3 as designed your hp will drop somewhere between half and 2/3 rated hp. rotory converters are expensive usually but will provide 3 phase while running. there are Chinese inverters on ebay that can provide 3 phase continuous and variable, but those inverters are typically dirty in the signal output. that is to say that they produce squared and spiked output waves that approximate a sine wave but not great. so the spikes and flat tops of the stepped square wave tend to tax the winding insulation so it is best to have motors rated for inverter use if you go that way. also, the vfd are best for speeding up a motor as running them slower than designed can cause heat issues. good luck.

there was a broken treadmill going in the trash at work, so I took it home and cannibalized it. put adjustable porches front and back. easy to move with my hand truck.

That looks like a brute. I'm new to this and if mine didn't say Columbian on it, I'd not know what it was. Looks like a great score. good luck.

@sfeile, I need a lot of things. collecting parts for my grinder build

I used a Milwaukee when I worked electric at a corn plant 20 years ago. I always said I was going to get one.

Michael, you talked me out of it. for now

I have started to wonder about that but only have a couple inches in my paint can. wondered if it was ever the impetus build a foundry

oh, I missed the regulator part. I've got a 0 to 20 I got from Ebay with hose for $13. you get the pressure up and I bet that bad boy will come alive.

Copesy what pressure are you running that burner at? If I run mine below about 3 psi, the flame will come up to the jet. it needs the velocity of the exiting gas to bring in the air. Mine burns somewhere near the end of the flare. I don't know how critical it is, but the flare is not too hard to make and is said to help with stability. I never tried mine without. And though I have claimed to follow the plans exactly, I have recently discovered that I mistakenly had a 3/4 to 1 inch reducer and though a bit rich, it still works like a champ with a size 59 jet.

My next burner will surely be a frosty t. my first and current burner is a Reil design with Bourdeax modification. budgetary concerns at the forefront, I can't imagine a cheaper proven burner to build than a Ron Reil.

Thomas Powers - as suggested the beer did not come out until the hammering was done. and it was much appreciated when it did. I know it is crude, but I think it will work well and I've a feeling of accomplishment. It's probably still 500 degrees her so It is not dressed. It sits tight in the hardy across the face but a bit loose with the edge parallel to the face edge. I probably have too much taper in the shank too. I can see a press in my future.

Charcold - Thanks for the shared story. I did a big drift that was about 1.25". I welded a handle on it of 3/8 square stock. I worked on that thing with a 4 pound sledge for a very long time. I was actually happy when the handle broke because I was toast. I'd have like to taper it more, but in that session, I didn't have it in me. turns out it is ok as is.

@Hans Richter Thanks very much for the kind word. I know I am blessed with the gandkids. Two of the boys are 8 year old and full of beans. I know the rail anvil may not be optimal, but I think it will do what I need. Your's are works of art. I'd not thought of beveling the heal as you dd. Now about that smithy. Do you have a cleaning person? Man, I don't think I've ever had my shop that clean. It looks great. I'm envious. can you tell me is that power hammer? or is it a press? Air powered? Thanks again