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I Forge Iron

Gronk

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Everything posted by Gronk

  1. Christopher: Sounds like a geat first day (even after a 25 year vacation), and you even got a usable tool out of the deal. I'm not even upset that you stole my decorative handle design. Charcoal will give a much better heat than those briquettes for sure. The downside, with an open-air setup, is charcoal throws lots and lots of "fleas". A windbreak might be in order, especially if it's windy. If you have trouble finding it locally, you can Google Cowboy or Royal Oak brand and have it shipped to you. Lots of places catering to BBQ and smoker enthusiasts are carrying it these days. Jmercier: I'm not far from you. Give a jingle if you want to forge with coal or charcoal.
  2. Those restaurant "fatigue" mats are great for a non-slip floor covering. They have 3/4" holes in them to let water, etc.. go through. They can be had for free from the restaurants when they get a bit beat up. (Talk to the chef) I usually have to cut them to size anyway, so the missing chunks are not a problem. They have thinner (3/8") hard as a rock, cheap knock-offs at the big box stores. They look similar, but are not near the quality of even a used good mat. I know a smith that has one leg that gives him trouble. He has his anvil mounted to a stump with a crotch of a large limb left on. He rests his knee in it and still is as close to the anvil as can be. Takes the weight off the lower leg and ankle while still putting his own weight on the knee.
  3. I work in a shop that's half stone. The lower six feet of the walls are stone with wood above that and a wooden roof. The walls do "sweat" especially when the days are warmer and the nights cooler. (spring and fall). Gotta keep things wiped down and oiled. Hanging things on the walls was a problem until we attached posts to the upper studs on the wooden portion and then anchored them to the floor. There was nothing to attach any shelving to. Thomas points out the cooler temp... sure is ... nice in the summer, not so good on days like this. Takes forever to warm up. The noise damping is great for folks outside the building. Gets a little loud inside though. I suggest you fill the shop to the eaves with tools to combat this. :-) Maybe, while still in the planning stage, you could make some shelving brackets (lag bolts, etc...) to be incorporated into the mortar.
  4. From your reviews I decided to give the Blacksmiths Primer a shot. I tried Centaur, Blacksmiths Depot and Blacksmith Supply, but they don't seem to carry it. Where did you guys get your copies?
  5. Thanks irnsrgn, I'll try to see if sheet will clear this bad boy (the frame). The throat may be too wide, but i'll try it. The 0ther has blades marked "Symonds, Fitchburg Mass" I'll keep looking for info.
  6. I'm looking for info on these two shears(?) I've been trying to get working. One is marked "Federal #2 Boston Mass... I got this one working and cut a piece of 1/2x 1/4" mild with no problem. (That was with me just holding it on the bench.) the other has only a patent date of 1897 and two copper stamps riveted to it. One copper stamp has a number "5", the other "A2". the later is interesting in that it has a double ramp type lever system to multiply the force at the blades. I got it to 'move' at least. Many more hours needed on these two. Any info would be most helpful. p.s. You may get a better view of them with slightly better description (maybe) in the folder marked "Gronk" in the Gallery. Thanks.
  7. Any chance that is a mooring cleat, Fred? You can use it to tie up your battleship. :)
  8. A couple of books with lots of pics are The Contemporary Blacksmith, by Dona Meilach, ISBN 0-7643-1106-9, Gates, furniture, lighting, etc... And Decorative Antique Ironwork, by Henry D'Allemagne, 0-486-22082-6. Scissors, locks, sign brackets, lots more. Many items from centuries gone by. Though the later may be out of print, it is often available used. Try ABE bookseller or Alibris. I got it for 8 bucks.
  9. Gronk

    Advice

    Saw this sign in a metalshop. New employee incentive plan: Do your job or be fired!
  10. Im told that skeeter eggs float on top of the water and need air to breathe. That's why standing water is good for them, not running or moving water. Stir the tub (use it) every three days or so. No time for that? Cheap mouthwash seems to work ok for me. Don't know what that may do for quenching properties of anything other than mild steel though. Doesn't smell too bad either.
  11. We don't actually use this one anymore. It's "retired".
  12. Gronk

    Early 1800's

    Well, it's got character.
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