magikk

Hi again and thanks for all the response.I got the blower all back together,I had to adjust the bearings a few times on the fan shaft before I got them right.I kept over tightening them and it was hard to turn.So after loosening them up some It will coast about one turn.The crank arm does work fine and I think i'm leaving it as it is the red kind of grew on me. Thanks Mike

Hi Everyone ,I picked this champion blower up over the weekend. I got it for a good price I think $90 the worm gear need adjusted. The fellow I bought it off of got it in a deal with two others that he kept for himself.He was told by the man who sold it to him someone tried adjusting the worm gear and didn't get it right do it wouldn't turn. So i figured I'd take a chance and see if I could get it running.I found so directions online as how to adjust things so I'll be working on that once I get the inside degreased and cleaned.The gears all look to be in good shape but the bronze gear seems to have a wobble to it Will the adjusting screws on the shaft help that at all? Now for my question believe it to be a model 400 but there is no 400 stamped on the outer fan cover.That and the handle isn't the same as a 400. Do I have the wrong handle on it..Thanks Mike

Hi Everyone.I was out at the flea market last weekend and found my first leg vise it is a small one missing the mounting plate and spring and not sure if it had a lead screw washer.The mounting plate goes threw a mortise in the post and I think the screw box is brazed.From what I could find in my research this would be an older one? I got it for $10 and it been soaking in vinegar since Monday. I found my second vise a few rows over its a bigger one but the leg is broken or cut off.Its in good condition.I got it for $28.I'll weld a post on once I'm set up in a permanent location.Right now I'm working outside. I'm thinking the bigger black one might be a trenton but no markings. Any info on either would be appreciated.I think I'm going to enjoy hunting and fixing the old tools as much as working the iron.Thanks Mike

Hi again ,Charles your horse barn looks really great.I had thought about getting some rough cut hemlock from one of the small local saw mills but then I'd have to cut each board to get a straight edge so they would butt up tight.A lot more work but would look a lot better.The carport I'm getting is built on 4 foot centers so that will be good.The insulation for steel buildings how does it stay in place? I like the sliding doors too never thought of that.Thanks Mike

Hi again and thanks for all the advice.I decided on going with a steel constructed carport .I can get a building 18' x 20' delivered and installed for $1050 I'll finish the side walls with steel siding for another $200 .I'll probably close the ends with Plywood.I'm more comfortable with wood construction so it'll be easier for me to frame in doors and windows.I'm thinking of just running porcelain light fixtures with LED bulbs since I most likely wont be heating the building over the winter.Thanks again Mike

Hi everyone,I'm a newbie to blacksmith work and I'm making plans to build a small building 16ft x 20ft or maybe 20ft x 20ft to work in. I've been working outside but want to get everything under roof so I can work over the winter( really need a hobby for late winter) Right now I'm thinking about putting up a steel building so I don't have to worry about fire.I can probably build with wood for cheaper then I have more fire risk. I figure I'll just put crushed limestone down for a floor.Right now I only have my coal forge and anvil but once I have a dedicated area for metal working want a belt grinder work table and want to move my welders from my garage & maybe even a homemade power hammer.Is condensation more of a problem in the steel buildings.Is the noise more of a problem in a steel building?.Thanks Mike

Thanks for the replies. I passed on the anvil he wanted $175 which seemed like a good price.I had asked around at work and one of my coworkers said he had a anvil thats been sitting in his way for the last 11 years so he brought it in and gave it to me.I wire brushed it last night and turns out is a peter wright 175lb .I had to use flour to be able to read where it was marked.Its amazing the amount of knowladge on this site& the net. a month ago I knew nothing about any of this stuff I.So I got lucky.It paid off to ask around.Thanks again Mike

Hi everyone I'm new to the site but I've been reading the forums for a few weeks now.I'm just starting out with blacksmithing. I built a coal forge out of a brake drum and have been using a block of steel the weighs about 30lbs for an anvil . I've made a few coat hooks and my first pair of tongs.I watched a lot of you tube videos to get a idea of what to do. I've been looking for an anvil that I can afford and I found this one its 85lbs ( i ultimately plan on making some knifes ,tomahawks and axes) would 85lbs be big enough? I'm not sure if its in good condition so thought I'd post a pic and get the advice of experts.I cant see it in person until the weekend.Thanks Mike