Donk

One way to get a welder for a good price is to try publicsurplus.com this website is used by cities and school districts and colleges all over the country to get rid of surplus stuff. I bought 2 miller 300 power units and 2 wire feeders for $800 a pair. it was a risk because they were in unknown condition but all I had to do was buy a few parts and they were up and running. There are lots of tools that come up for good prices that are a great way to get tools if your willing to do a little work on them.

Has anyone ever looked into using an gasoline/oxygen torch? I have used them quiet a bit for my full time job as a Firefighter, but I haven't seen them at all in the welding/fabrication industry or blacksmithing industry. They are expensive to buy, but very cheap to run. It is amazing how fast one of them can cut thick steel. I'm asking because with my limited experience in the smithing world it seems like there would definitely be a use for this type of torch, but it seems like no one has one. Basically I'm just curious. Thanks for your input.

Does anyone have experience with the tables from weldtables.com i found their site recently and am curious how they would compare to the heavy plate tables talked about in this thread.

Slag, I had thought about doing that but I don't have access to a band saw. I defininitly don't have the time to heat it and cut it with a chisel. I'm kinda at a loss for an efficient way to cut it. Any ideas would be appreciated

I'm just getting into blacksmithing and need to make some tools, punches, drifts etc. i have access to about 10 or 20 ft of 1" hex drill rod that was for a rock drill. I know that it is a hard tool steel that would most likely make good tools. However it has a 1/4" hole in the center of the rod for air to get to the drill bit. I think it is rusted enough and dirty inside that I can't just get it hot fill it with flux and then forge weld it solid, which was my first idea. If someone has some insite on how to use this metal I would appreciate it. Thanks