Irondragon Forge ClayWorks

Before we knew about Kast-O-Lite 30, we built our forge using Satanite over the blanket for the hard face then a coating of Bubble Alumina for the re-radiating coating. It has worked well for us. Satanite is a powder mixed with water designed for forges and is much better than fire clay, which we had on hand due to the pottery side of the business. Here is a link to the build. Sadly the early pictures were lost but the thread is still relevant. 20 pound propane tank forge in progress - Gas Forges - I Forge Iron

On a smaller scale, put a couple of handful's in the fire pot and light them off to see if they will coke up.

I think it's interesting that this is the second Trenton with a T as the second digit in the serial number string I have seen. The anvil just prior to this one also has a T there.

We won't remember that once leaving this post, hence the suggestion to edit your profile to show your general location because so many answers require knowing it. We named our business Iron Dragon Forge & Clay Works because we like dragons and my wife is a potter. Iron & Clay pretty much describes the business.

I know the picture is for demonstration purposes. But for those folks who don't know, a leaf spring that long does not require tongs. They look well made for shorter stock and the spring in the reigns will let you use tong clips to hold the stock.

The snail is a cute little critter.

Don't feel bad, I can't figure out how to answer.

Every year of my adult life, I have said a prayer for those lost and the survivors of that day. Then I check for stories about Pearl Harbor in every news outlet I can find. Sadly there has been less and less to be found. Today I checked every outlet I could think of and there has been zero...nada...nothing, it's a sad day for sure when the country forgets our hero's. December 7th, 1941...A day that will live in infamy. ~FDR

One of our members made the tube with marks, but I can't remember who or find the video they posted. A pretty neat tool.

I used to collect shocks, struts and the like for future use. I decided it was best to pitch them in the steel bin at the trash compactor. No sense in going to all that work for so little return and danger.

I think the mouth looks fine, a childish grin comes to mind.

For the school a 1000 gal propane tank is not over kill. At ESSA they have a 1000 gal underground tank feeding 5 forges. Depending upon classes they have to order propane a couple of times a year and having that large of a tank they take advantage of special price deals and when propane is the cheapest. I think the lowest it got to was 35% in the tank.

I would order from another supplier, like Hudson Tool Steel. Might check their site for quenching & tempering specs.

That's a great anvil and only cost $.30 U.S. per pound. I hope folk's who say they can't find an anvil see this post.

I kept thinking that but because the only experience I have with hydraulics is with my tractor & log splitter, I wasn't sure. The more I thought about it the more my head hurt and I'm glad the experienced folks confirmed that.

Excellent find, it will serve you well. Tag says $240, not bad for a six inch Columbian vise.

I like it, nice clean lines and the upsetting on the legs is a great feature. I'll bet your friend will be pleased.

Das I don't know how I missed this monster. All I can say is WOW.

When using, if the stock is too large for the tongs to hold it securely, Heat up the jaws and adjust them to fit snugly. Same if the stock is too loose.

The way you responded in that post is perfect, we all will see your response, and that way there is not a lot of band width usage. We have members world wide and many have to rely on dial up internet or pay extra for data, so the forum tries to be frugal for them. Being frugal is in a Blacksmith's DNA.

I think my favorite is the Kukri style, after that the Seax. "A good blade you would win you must forge thick and grind thin".

Those are some good looking knives & choppers.

If you are using a computer with windows, you can r-click the picture and select edit. That will open Paint and check resize, that gives you the option to reduce it. Then in Paint select save as and add a number to the name on the picture so if the picture is say 000-100 make it 000-1001 and you will have both saved.

Welcome from the Ozark mountains. The thread JHCC directed you to will help in getting the best out of the forum. It is full of tips some of which may keep the moderators happy.

No matter which tongs you have, the most important thing to learn is how to adjust the jaws for the type/size of stock you are using.