blackfox

I recently got the bug for a post drill, and I caught one today. This thing is cool...And Heavy. A Wiley and Russell no 3. I’d say 150 pounds, maybe more. After some oiling, The mechanism works very smoothly. It has a few issues, most notably, no table, which is a bummer, but l’ll make one. If I get lucky enough I may have one cast from an original if One could be found. Anyway I’d like to share a few pics. Soon I will clean and hopefully drill some holes ... by hand power

Thanks Steve. I'm excited to put it to work.

Thanks everybody ! I can't wait to put her into service and start pounding. I need to sort out a mount next. MCHammer, yours indeed looks very similar. Could very well be a Peter Wright. But I guess there is no way to be sure. Nice Vice and nice stand !

I found this leg vise last Saturday at a flea market. I almost walked away from it, but I’m glad It followed me home. It was caked with 4 layers of paint, all different colors. I don’t have a before picture for comparison, but i cleaned it up exposing its nice design details and the Peter Wright Patent Solid Box markings. A nice surprise ! The jaws are 4 inches. The screw is in good shape, the box is solid, and the spring keeps the clean jaws taught. I’m new here but, I thought I’d share some pics of it cleaned up with you guys.

Nope ... I have zero experience this coal was recommended to me by a hobby blacksmith I spoke with the same day I got the forge. He raved about this coal. But honestly I don’t know what to look for. Just going on his recommendation.

Thanks Thomas ! Turns out I found a place that sells bituminous by the bag 10 minutes from my work ! I called them today but no answer. Try again tomorrow or just go there to get details on quantity and pricing. If this works out it would be so convenient.

I sure thought I did... will go back on and check/redo

Location added...

Thanks Lou, IronDragon, and Frosty ! I will take your collective advice and use it as is, and lube minimally as you described. This forge should get me going and learning just fine. now the search for Bituminous near me, I have a lead.... I’m excited for my first fire !

The forge pan and tuyere are in great shape, no cracks or deformations. The entire unit appears to be original. Clinker breaker, crank, down tube and ash dump gate are there. The blower works. Air flow seemed to be good, but I have no reference. The crank axle is pretty loose from wear. Should probably be bushed. The crank handle turns about 2 times upon release from what feels like a reasonable cranking speed (my no experience estimate). This is before taking it apart to inspect, clean and lube. But I presume this was done by PO prior to sale. It also came with a hood that needs to be reshaped to fit. That was a plus in my book. Now I need some coal ! What do you guys think?

Good to hear... Not sure if it was a good deal but I did pick it up ... I got excited and went for it. I will share pics soon

Wow! Thankyou all for your quick replies and incite. It’s very helpful and gives me more confidence that a crank blower is a good option for a beginner hobbyist like me. Really appreciate all your thoughts guys! The forge I am going to look at soon is a champion 142 forge and my best guess I think champion eureka 140 blower mounted to the forge (not free standing) but I’m not 100 % on the blower model. I don’t think is a large blower like the 400. So that may not be ideal.

Hey guys, noob here. . . looking to get my first forge. I was going to build a propane forge first, and I have started collecting components for it but I found a nice champion forge and hand crank blower setup, so it got me thinking about it. I am curious if you could share your experience with me? Are hand crank blowers a pain? do they have any unique benefits beyond no electric required? good or bad choice for a beginner? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.