Forging Carver

19 minutes ago, DSW said:

I really like that look. I'm thinking you used rebar or threaded rod as your base stock to get that look. What did you do to get the dark and silver look to it? Sand the surface lightly?

Same exact thing I was going to say

Lol the whole point was the picture. Here ya are:

So here is the anvil that is at my hardware store. Some of you guys might remember me saying that I could not figure out how I would get the thing out, well I was dumb and didn't release it is on the floor on the upstairs. So anyways, anyone have an idea what kind of anvil this is? I was not sure if it was a farriers anvil becuase of how large the overhang was by the hardy. It is in pretty darn good shape. Sorry I do not have more detailed pictures, but I forgot my phone at my house. The only thing that concerns me is that heel that it would be a weak point. let me know what you guys think about it. Thanks

Those things are really nice! What do you start out with for steel?

Those are some pretty creative openers!

That is pretty cool!

Alright hanks for the help everyone. And thank you Ausfire, I will let you know after I look around a bit.

oh wow you are right! Thank you for pointing this out! I think I will keep this one and use it to show my progress!

Alright thanks. The bend in the handle was intentional by me for ergonomics. The bend in the opener part was what I was concerned about, but it's no biggy now. Sorry that the video says you need permission to view it. You can just send the request email and I will accept it.mi suppose I should put it on YouTube becuase it will be easier. Thanks for the help

Alright thanks. Looking for this stuff still seems complex and I am thinking if it really pays off. I am thinking that old farm equipment can be found in antique shops and we usually go to them often, so I think that will be my best chance. I am going to is thing tommorow with my dad where they sell old antiques, so I will have an eye out. Thanks for the help.

Alright thanks for the help everyone. The grinder isn't too old so I will have to check the warranty. My dad and I barely use it, so it is in fairly good shape. I will see about bringing it to a service repair guy.

Alright that solves it. Thanks and happy new year to you two as well!

Here is a opener I made yesterday. It cam out fairly well and the only two things I do not like about it is when looked at from the back it looks crooked and my wire brushed scratched the steel a bit. No big deal though. I tried to fix the crookedness on that can be scene on the back, but I couldn't get it. I tried using tongs to bend it as well as banging with a hammer and rawhide mallet. I also video tapped myself making this. I forgot that I was blocking the view when I was working on the horn, so most of the horn forging was cut out. I left a few parts from the horn forging just so people I show the video to will know that it was a step I had to take to make it. the video was an hour and a half, but I got it down to like 20 minutes by cutting out the heating, playing around with the steel (aka wasting a few heats) and from the horn work. The horn work took me the longest, but it is important to make sure to get this part right and neat. I am debating whether I should sell or keep this. Tell me what you think. Thanks

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxg5DahKhj4BaTAxWXQ1MGYyejA/view?ts=56884693

ok thanks. Besides old fences and gates, where might I find wrought iron here in NJ that I can go and know that I would have a good chance at getting some? I know that ausfire said he looks in mines for his, but I don't got mines near me. I know what it looks like, but now it is a matter of narrowing down to places where I can search for it. Thanks

Ah man it is gonna be tough to find some wrought iron for me then. It must be difficult to tell which steel is wrought iron if on the go becuase it looks like regular steel, no? You can't bring a grinder with you everywhere to spark test it. I live in NJ so I am trying to think what wrought iron might be here. Thanks for the help

alright thanks

On 12/28/2015 at 11:41 PM, Ethan the blacksmith said:

I remember one on my first post on IFI was about advice for building a striking anvil. I have now put that info to good use. I got me 3!

for Christmas I got a 3" by 5" by 12" block of steel with a 1" hardy hole in it, and so last night we put a base on it. probably the best striking anvil I have ever seen. I am extremely happy and greatful! I got a couple hammer orders I got to get done, so this will make them a lot easier!

at the beginning of December I also got two 2" plates and I drilled a 3/4" hole in them. I will be drifting them soon, and I will post plenty of pics.

here are some pics of the anvil.

Nice work! Did you make that hardy hole or did it come with it? If so, where do I take the thing to get water jetted? Also, very nice stand! Did you weld that yourself? If so what kind of welder? I think I have seen a video on you making a rounding hammer but I am not sure if thats you. Good work!

Oh wow. I knew brass would color, but not that much! I am gonna have to try that one time.

Hi,

  I made an opener today and used a block brush for the first time. However, I have found the block brush left scratches in my piece. Is this becuase it is new or did I brush too hard or long? Thanks

Well I know cracks can be a pain, but I kind of like the way that opener looks. The cracks give a bit of character to the opener. I have a book that tells what DSW and ThomasPowers said that it has to do with the grain. Where do you go about getting wrought iron anyways? Do you have to salvage it from old fences and gates? Thanks

Hi,

  So I was making a bottle opener today and I went to go and cut it off the parent stock with my Hitachi 4-1/2 inch angle grinder. Just when I was about to finish cutting, the thing shot back and there was a faint, dull red flash and it turned off. I then went to go use it again later, but it wouldn't turn on. Is there a way to fix this or is it shot? I was cutting the steel in the grass if that helps at all. Thanks

Wow those are nice. Did you color the ram heads using a brass wire brush? Once I get myself a post vise or mount my other vise, I am going to try and do one of these. Great work!

Alright thanks. I should be good then. That's what I was planning to do as on gas the steel was not too thing, wire wheel all the rust. Maybe I will add some high heat paint or use some ash to make the steel match the rest. Thanks for all the help

Ok sorry for all the questions but would the dirt make the cast rust more? The outside of the forge was black with little rust so I was hoping the inside would be the same. I would have looked bully I do not want to go digging through a guy's flower pot. I will definetly try the screw driver. If I remember correctly, the bottom of the forged looked like it was still pretty black too which might be a good sign. Sorry if I am being a little bit of a pain but I am so excited yet worried about the forge. Thanks so much.

4 minutes ago, DSW said:

Ash dump is probably the "drain".  I've seen plenty of old iron feed troughs used as planters with no major issues, same with iron kettles.

Alright. Do you know how long they have been a plant pot?

I know I am pretty excited about it! I hope that there was a drain and it is not too bad shape. I will go there again with a screwdriver. I think it has been a flower pot for over 50 years which scares me a bit. If it is pretty thin, is it worth getting and then claying? The blower is there but the wooden handle is missing which is probably usual. Doesn't seem so hard to make anyways. The guy said he took it off, so maybe it is somewhere in his house. It is funny because I am going on vacation tommorow for a week and I am afraid that the condition will get worse in a week! Mani hope this thing isn't destroyed! This is all I can think about along with welding and that anvil I found too! As long as the ash dump isn't closed I suppose it still might be good!