D Ravizza

I thought for sure you found a dead mouse in it! I know I would have if it was my vise. I found a mouse when I first brought home my big old drill press. I opened up the switch housing and there was this dead dried up mouse peering out at me. It actually startled me a bit until I realized what it was! I like these old post vises with the tenon mount. I have two of them. I have not seen many intact ones. Here is a very good article about post vises. It gives a few guidelines for determining the age of vises. Restoration of Leg Vises Part 1 By James R. Melchor and Peter M. Ross [07/01;S;107f2] Dan

I recently made a set of 45 degree cut off dies for my guillotine. I thought mild steel would hold up fine for hot work. But no, they only lasted though a few cuts before dulling. I then quenched them in icy water. They have been holding up fine since. If I had to make another set I think I would use medium or high carbon steel and heat treat properly. Fullering dies made of mild steel will probably hold up fine especially if they were ice water/brine quenched. I do like the idea of TIG welding on a layer of stainless. It might be worth a try. Dan

Thats a nice looking vise! You can't beat the price. My guess is that it was made by the Warren tool co. I can almost read Warren in a few places in the one picture. I have a few hardies made by Warren. I doubt its a Peter Wright. British vises are generally more refined looking. This one is most likely American made. Good luck with it. Dan

I just picked up this pedestal grinder. Its a rather large one. 38" long 12"x2" wheels. It runs very smoothly. I think its a good upgrade from my 6" grinder:) Dan

Thats an old Peter Wright. 1852-1860

That hood sure draws well. Nice job! How is the chimney set up? Does it rise vertically after going out the window? Dan

I have a recent Fisher that has no name on it. It has a 10 on the foot for 100 lbs. I think it may have been made for the army due to the color. The paint seems to be original. It also has P D F W stamped on the side. Any idea what this could mean? Thanks Dan

I live in Honesdale. No, its not my tank. Good find! Dan

Alexander Weygers shows this technique in his book The Complete Modern Blacksmith. He shows how to make the triangular drill and a hardend steel guide. It is a facinating process. I am going to have to try it one of these days. Dan