colafran

You gave me a good idea, I could get a really large plastic trash can, run some steel plates on both sides of the vise, that would work using electrolysis.

Thanks man!

Hi all. I picked up a very old leg vise, in great condition, the screw is perfect just needs cleaned up and a spring put in.

I need to get the rust off, it’s very very rusted. I already ran a wire wheel over the whole thing, still deep rust.  I could use advice on rust removal, I have two ideas but am open to others.

1. Sand blasting

2. Electrolysis

Sand blasting seems the easier, but not sure if it could damage things though. Electrolysis could work, but I’d have to find a big xxx plastic tub to fit the entire vise.

Also any thoughts on painting or sealing after it’s cleaned would be great.

Thanks!

Tony

Thank you all!  Exactly the right information I needed.  You guys are great.

I'm making a coal forge for blade smithing, one of the simple galvanized tub ones (credit to Tim Lively).  

I am also making a kiln out of an old helium tank, and plan on lining it with the same materials.

I have some H.C. Muddox Fire Clay Mortar from Home Depot.

So, my question is, I don't think that this mortar was intended for lining forges, more like for lining fire place bricks and such.  Do you think that the original recipe that it suggests for this mortar will work given the high temperatures for a coal forge and a coal kiln?

The directions say: 1 part fire clay mortar, 2 parts cement, 6 parts masons sand

Questions:

1.  Would the directions mix above still work for forge lining?

2.  What cement type should be used?

3.  Do you think there would be much shrinkage? (there was a ton of shrinkage when I tried a 1:1 mortar/sand mix, I'm guessing that the fire clay shrinks a ton by itself as it dries)

Thanks!

-T

Would this one work for blade smithing?

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I don't have an air compressor nor the extra funds to buy one right now, so I figure that I should get at least a 20 ton press that can be used with air for later on, but just hand pump for the moment. It is going to be used for fairly light work, I have a friend who can help me create the right plates.