Forging Carver

I am not sure if I ever posted the finished horse, but I guess I will post it here. This thing was a pain in the neck. All those little fine hairs are from going over the entire horse with a woodburner for three months. It was totally worth it though. And of course they are upside down. Lol I jinksed it again! Maybe next time I will say I am going to loose the powerball lotto!

I saw those, but they were from wrought iron which can be pretty difficult to forge with. Personally, I think you make some fantastic openers too!

Alright my teacher is back, so the shop carving continues. Here's an update.

Thank you so much. So my forge supplies are going to cost me about $50, good pair of ir glasses about $15, then the burner, hosing, and other supplies will prob only bring me up to $100 total for the forge. I suppose this isn't a bad price, after all your forge makes you your money.

Ok thanks. the radiation is infrared radiation I believe. So I assume that as long as I am not getting sun burn, I should be alright. Maybe I should wear long sleeves though.

Thanks Wayne. I think I am going to go with your plans, but am still very fearful of an explosion. I am sure I should be just as fearful using a bbq grill then too. I would continue using coal, but something about it I do not like. Something about gas seems much more appealing. Any tips on how to use the forge in the safest way would be very appreciated. Thanks

Those are some nice openers! The leaves were brushed with a brass brush?

So what do you recommend doing to limit contact of the radiation to out body?

Hi, So I am finally going to get to a gas forge. I do use coal, but at the moment gas would be much easier so that I can forge during the weekdays. So I think I am going to make a freon bottle forge based upon the plans from Wayne Coe and on ABANA (let me know if you need links). But my main question is, well should I even build it. I hear all this dangerous stuff about using a gas forge and all the plans say build at your own risk, which kind of scares me. I know the dangers include your eyes, ventilation, and explosions. I am going to be using this outside so ventelation is no big deal. As far as eyes go, what's a good pair of ir protectant glasses for a forge this size? For the explosions, I know that they are causes by faulty welds and too much pressure in the tank. The welds I shouldn't have to worry about since I'm not going to be welding much, only the intake valve for the torch. I will be going to a welder to get this done, but I am also afraid if he does a faulty weld. Also, I know that having a psi attachment on your forge is good to have to watch the pressure. What do you guys recommend to have that goes from your propane tank to your burner as far as valves and what not? This brings me to another thing. I read that you should not keep your propane close to your forge or else you will get a explosion. So my plan of a cart that has the forge on a table and the propane under probobly won't work. How far away do you recommend the propane from the forge? Anything else I should be concerned about? Sorry for the long list of questions but I want to make sure I wont cause any damage to myself in any shape or form. Thank you so much. Which plans do you recommend? https://www.abana.org/ronreil/minifor1.shtml http://www.waynecoeartistblacksmith.com/uploads/Build_a_Gas_Forge.pdf

Ok thanks

Oh that's pretty interesting

Alright thanks.

Thanks frosty! I am going to use this for my freon bottle forge I am going to make with Wayne coes plans.

Nice work! How much did the entire grinder cost you? I wanna make my own grinder but I have to figure out a general amount that it will cost me. I am thinking that the steel can be free, and I would just need the motor and wheels. I know the wheels cost about $150 on eBay and the motor is $100, at least from harbor freight that is. Thanks

Yeah I was going to post the same picture as coldiron. Frosty I know that you said you don't forge much anymore, but if if anyone is gonna make a replica of these time period openers, I think it should be you. You have helped us all out so much, but I have never seen anything you have forged. I hope you try it out!

Any store online and cable in particular you recommend? Also, I know that you also need to buy those metal things that have the loop to go on the end of the wire. I forgot the name of them. Thanks

If you look at the candle holders, the stands have three legs. This tripod type design ensures no wobble and is very stable. You will know if the stand you made is not suitable for a candle. Nice stuff! YYF that horseshoe one is pretty darn nice! I have an old horseshoe that I might try this with. Any tips?

I was looking over the grinder again today and this time I found that I did cut through the wire. At first I was freaked out that I was going to have to trash the tool, but then I saw how easy it is to replace the power cord. I need to find the right cord for my hitachi though. Hopefully it will be an easy fix.

A dollar bill! I need to try that out one time when I "accidentally" forget to bring a bottle opener for my dad when we go out to eat. As far as the open loop, I would thing that what you need to do is half on half off near side of the anvil and then make the bend and lever. Then you can dress it to your liking. At least that is what it looks like in your pictures.

I tend to like to mix the best of both worlds. I use a hacksaw now which can cut Through steel pretty fast. I use files a lot, but sometimes the HF belt sander. I pretty much take advantage of what's best for the job. Just becuase there is modern technology, that doesn't always make it better than some of the "old school" tools.

Oh wow thank you! You didn't have to go out and spend your time forging a new pair of tongs! Thank you so much!

I gotta try this type of opener one of these days, after I master the classic type

I am glad that you guys have posted such nice holders. I thought this thread was finished, but luckily it is still goin!

ok thank you for the help. I looked for any names but couldnt find it. I couldnt get a good look though becuase we were in a hurry. Maybe today I can go get some more details. Also, are the German Trentons or American Trentons bettter as far as quality and performance goes? Or are they equally good? Thanks

Oh ok, I thought cast was just what most guys use for cast iron. I will look and see if there is a line where there is a separation from a color.