natenaaron

This is Murray Carter's forge.  It looks to me like to me like it the fuel depth is only a couple inches based on the brick in the front that he uses as a shelf in his videos?  Is this a correct assumption?

I assume CS means computer science.

I am a teacher so most of my physical labor occurs in the summer.  I find that my muscles get sore for a few days when I start moving or dealing with heavy items.  After using a power grinder and slide hammer for extended periods my hand would lock up.  My hand doctor (carpel Tunnel, and wrist injuries) said to do the following:

Work for a while, stop flex hand and do some hand stretches before your hand gets tired, switch up activities.  As your hand strengthens you may be able to work longer.  Start getting into this habit while working at a computer.  It will deter, or at least stop repetitive stress injuries.

If I had known this and applied it I would not have developed RS injuries in both hands. 

We need a reason to buy a plasma cutter? 

I know hand problems.  You say you have not done a lot of physical work.  What do you do for a living, and how much time do you spend on the computer?

Thanks.  Needed the visual on and explanation for step 4.

This came tumbling out of a welding glove.  After this I shake everything fabric before I pick it up or stick my hand or foot in.

I hope hunter does not mind if I piggy back on his thread. 

Would a person put rigidizer on the insulation before the ITC 100 or is it fine to just use the ITC 100?  I am about to order one or both but if it is not necessary have the rigidizer then I will just order the itc-100.

This info is probably here somewhere but for the life of me I can't find it.

Some forges have the burner directly above the metal.  Some have them directly to the side of the metal.  Others have them at around 20-30 degrees off center on the top.  Why?  Does it really matter?

Interesting.  Except for the ABS, which did not exist until 1973, was there even a master blade smith designation, or did that fall under the umbrella of a blacksmith organization?

Thanks

Thanks for the direction to the Backyard sight.  Once my hardener gets here I will be asking more blacksmithing questions but as of now It is off to find info to build the foundry.

Thanks for the point to backyard metal casting. 

After a lot of thinking and soul searching and whatnot I have decided that I want to pursue a dream I have had since I was a younger man. Casting metal sculptures.  There is no way I am going to be able to take a class, attend a workshop, or find a mentor.  I live in the middle of nowhere and have two jobs.so leaving town is not an option.  I know of several welder/artist types here, but no casters. So, i am on the road of self discovery.  I am looking for good books, hopefully with quality illustrations.  Manuals, PDFs, or videos would be cool, but I don't know of any good ones.  There is nothing at our public library, and only two books at the nearest university library that are checked out.  Since I am not a student I cannot put a hold on them.  Interlibrary loan here only allows 5 days with a book, so that is not really an option.

 I have no real desire to cast iron right now, but copper, brass, bronze and aluminum, are what I am aiming for.  Gas, or charcoal, and I even have quite a bit of coal hanging out, but people don't like coal burned in town, so fuel choice is varied.  I would prefer to use LP though. 

Where do you folks suggest I start?

Thanks.  Frosty.  I just saw the casting/foundry forum and this should have been posted there.

I've been reading for a couple days and cannot find the answer to this question.

Always wanted to melt and cast metal.  Figured I might as well give it a go, since I am awaiting hardener, and have a garbage can filler with copper.  I have been reading a lot about it.  I keep reading reference to putting flux, or charcoal, or other stuff on top of the molten metal.  Why are they doing this?

Thanks.  Pardon my ignorance but what is FPT?

Something I cannot find the explanation for:

Why is the mig tip cut short?

Frosty,

I am not to lazy to read the directions, and I did not ask you to explain how to build one.  I just can't find the directions to read.  I will use the suggestion Xavier gave.  Maybe that will pull up something.

EDIT:  I am going to assume this is what folks were talking about, thanks Xavier.

http://anvilsandinkstudios.com/burner.html

The only part or my first forge I am missing is the burner.  While I like the T-rex and just might order one, I am also looking at different DIY burners.  I actually have all the parts for the Reil (sp) burner but am not convinced this is the way to go.  So I am keeping an open mind. 

I read a reference to a burner that Frosty either designed or described, or sells but I can't find it anywhere.  Maybe I am completely blind but I don't see it.

Can someone please tell me where this burner is?

Thanks a bunch

Not the White mountains.  North of there.  Good ol' middle of no where Page Arizona.  Lake Powell is just up the road.

Put my location in, Page AZ to be exact.

Thanks for the link.  I will mosey over there.

Several years ago I stumbled onto gas forges on Youtube.  I have always thought it would be fun to take out my frustrations on a red hot piece of steel but decided I needed another hobby like I needed a hole in my head.  Flash forward to a couple weeks ago.  I stumbled onto 2 empty propane tanks with damaged valves.  A friend asked if I wanted some one inch ceramic wool rated at 2300 degrees, and I said yes.  So, Armed with this free stuff, I figured it was a sign that I was supposed to make a forge and that is what I started this weekend.

Removed the valves, filled them with water several time then one time with dish soap. 

Got a propane torch and tested if the gas was gone.  It was.

Watched a few videos and read a lot of stuff

Cut the wool to shape, wearing proper protective gear, so I would have two inches

Now I am stuck, because a couple places on the net and one video said to use something called hardener.  I can't find that.  I am also not sure if I should create a floor out of a fire brick.  It seems like it would be a good idea.

So, here I am.  completely and totally new to this blacksmith thing and really excited.

In the real world I teach middle school reading to struggling readers, and I manage the family business.  The forge will be at the business.  Can't burn anything down there.

Now I am off to read a lot.