Tommytaptap

It is a rather nice patination effect to my eye. I would be happy if one of mine turned out that way-unless i was looking for a different finish of course. Would it have any detrimental effect to the strength of the blade? If not it would be a keeper to be repeated for me.

Yes JHCC. Thank you, I like that idea very much. Tom.

I have 10 of these. They're very old tiles from a wash stand. They are in great condition, no cracks or crazing, about 3/8" thick and 6"sq. I also will buy enough brown (matches the brown in above tiles) matt quarry tiles in a similar size and thickness. Intend to mount five of these either side of my log burner vertically with the centre filled with the brown ones. Burner diagonally across the corner of wooden walled workshop so as to leave an air space behind the tiles/whatever I use for a surround to mount them in/on. I know the 'world is my lobster' for a design and topping to a frame but, I would love some input/observations/design ideas/example photos that members might have.(standing by to be mind boggled!) thanks in anticipation Tom.

Any explanation of what it is made up of please?

Where I live, wood straps like that are normally galvanised mild steel not aluminium- which doesn't have sufficient tensile strength for any sort of structural support. If it is galvanised steel it is inherently dangerous to use it in the way you have. It gives off poisonous vapours when heated and should be avoided at all costs. My suggestion would be, if you're not feeling unwell-see your doctor anyway and tell them what has happened. Also, re visit the store you bought it from and check for certain with possibly the manager/owner as to what exactly the metal is. Do not use it if it is galvanised-its fine left alone as it is. Try to do a bit of research on that subject and you will see the dangers. I'm sure more experienced people on here will give you further advice too. If you have no experience at all in this sort of working with metals you would do well to ask before you do and you will be helped along the right, safe path. Good luck and I hope you are okay with what I have said.

Beautifully thought out examples of the right way to do it. I think both of those with some only slight mods to jaw angles/style would transfer nicely to longer stock in some circumstances perhaps. Or is there an even better way?

And a pair, yes a pair of ready made hardie/pritchel holes. You can't have enough of those. Me, I would leave it as it is apart from a good flapwheel clean up and use it.

Wouldn't know a 'pinned thread' if it hit me hard...where are they Thomas please?

Whats wrong with having a properly constructed A to Z of FAQ's for all us noobs to refer to so we don't have to fill up the 'bandwidth' with our ad nauseum? Or did I miss that/I know there is a search facility. Tom.

What do I know? It all went wrong for me when, reading his first and only post he mentioned the word 'ingot' generally known as a lump of metal which has been cast. Enough said.

Fantastic work mate. Do you think he would look good on a wall, scurrying up there as they do? well done Tom.

Thanks Daswulf those are excellent and most informative. I like the 'eclipse valve' for reducing airflow-consider that tip stolen! I'll be down the car scrappers yard tomorrow for one of those rotors. I also like your counterweighted ash valve too. Cheers. Tom.

No pictures at all here-just a lot of small black squares and white crosses. Pictures have appeared now after I posted. Whats happening here anyone know? Tom.

Can we see any pictures please? thanks- Tom.

Definitely was an old forge. If you're allowed and it is safe, I would be back in there for what else may still be there.( I see the yellow 'caution' tape which indicates the building may be unsafe.) Although the forge is mostly apparently beyond use in its current state(who knows, it may be repairable) there are possibly lots of tools and 'other stuff' in there which are useable. Good luck on your search-who knows what might turn up but- I wouldn't turn it down!

We're gonna need some bigger spikes!

For me, my anvil is my woman. ANN VILL.

Absolute belter you lucky 'smith.

Halleluhah brother!

Or even a forge mounted quench tank/fire putter outer.

OK. Lets see it then.

The fool that I am-even I can see that the length of bar from your 'pinkie' upwards has not been touched at all by a hammer. That is why it is covered in detritus/burnt rust/scale. Wire brush will see it gone-don't forget yer safety specs! Where's the anvil then? Oh, if you've mislaid your brush, its under the anvil in the first picture.

Set into plates beneath the legs of whatever you wish to move; they would make the best sets of roller castors you will ever see.

And nice to see he has a French chalk holder and chalk in his apron pocket. Start as you mean to go on. And is that a logo on the fork handle? A pyramid and crossed hammers perhaps?

Then you must have also seen an elephant fly John!