WoodnMetalGuy

I think you heard the original poster backwards -- didn't he say "looks easier than it is"? -- Dave

Years ago I made a fireplace poker with octagonal (I think; maybe it was hex) rod, and pressed that into a slightly undersized hole in a turned walnut handle, and it has remained secure for years.  -- Dave

Or maybe make an additional, bigger base plate that would go under the existing base plate and the post as well?  -- Dave

35 minutes ago, Emhooper33 said:

I'm using coke that I bought at the farriers supply for the fire... Perhaps that's contributing to the scale? I also didn't take the time to really brush off the scale well after I pulled it from the fire.  I'm not sure what's next... I've kinda been looking around for good "rookie"projects

EmHooper33 -

You may want to check out this book for a good beginning blacksmith education, and some nice starter projects: https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Blacksmith-Lorelei-Sims/dp/0785825673

-- Dave

I believe the rule of thumb is 7 times burner area needed for exhaust due to expansion of gases.  So pi * r^2 * 7 = pi * 3/8^2 * 7 =  3 sq inches.  A 2 inch square hole would be 4 square inches, and would be enough by that reckoning...  -- Dave

17 minutes ago, Marc1 said:

Melting aluminium wire that goes through a nozzle like a mig welder I understand, the electromagnetic field to press the metal and produce a droplet ... ? ... I thought aluminium is not affected by magnetism. 

Probably the magnetic field induces a current in the molten aluminum that in turn creates a magnetic field in opposition, and that squirts the metal out?

Copper is also non-ferrous but if you do the experiment where you drop a strong rare-earth magnet down a copper tube, it doesn't fall normally, but sort of floats downward, and I think it's the same principle.  The moving magnet causes a current in the copper pipe, which causes a magnetic field in opposition to the falling magnet.  It's neat to see...

-- Dave

Very nice!  Everything comes together on that one for a believable dog.  I think it's the tongue and the nose that make it.

A little project resulting in a nice take away is a tiny spoon keychain ornament forged from a horseshoe nail.  Form the head end into a spoon, curl the other end into a loop. Quench and put a tiny keychain loop in there and you're done.

One of the blacksmiths at this show in MN does that throughout the day, and it was a hit with my kids when they were a little younger: http://www.littleloghouseshow.com/general-information/  He was able to turn them out pretty quick.

-- Dave

I like that tray idea a lot - I may have to borrow that!  Thanks - Dave