Chimaera

It won't let me edit my post right now, but I finally found out that quarters, at least, are copper plated with cupronickel. Therefore, I assume dimes and half dollars are, as well. But, I'm looking at nickels at the moment. That would suggest that they are a copper core. Does anyone know if you can do it in a solid fuel forge? It seems like it needs to be closely monitored, which would be difficult in solid fuel. And finally, can you run a mig weld line down the side? That would make it much easier to hold together in the forge... Thank you

Ok, I'm not sure if I understand the composition of these coins... are they solid cupronickel, or are they copper plated with nickel, or are they copper plated with cupronickel? Because if they're straight cupronickel, you need some copper to accent it, no? Sorry for my confusion...

A bit. However, you would then need some nickel, right? Or are you proposing sticking a bit of the pipe in with the nickels?

Ooh, beautiful! That was with the half dollars? So, the nickels do work but you suggest adding some pieces of straight copper? Did you weld the stack or just copper wrap it? I have a bunch of copper wire, but I imagine that welding works better... While I'm sure straight sheets work better, I'm on a budget and am only looking to do it to mess around, not to sell or make big pieces...

Hey all! I've been taking a quick look at mokume. I see some people making it from US quarters, which are made of cupranickel, as are US nickels. I was wondering if anyone had ever tried using US nickels, as those are around the same weight though much cheaper. One thing to note is that nickels are 25% Ni, while quarters are only 8.33%. Thank you! Chimaera

What is the optimal speed? The ones I was looking at were 1185 fpm for the 4*36 and 3260 on the 1*30. That's a pretty big difference XD.

Ok, I wasn't sure which belt size would be more practical for knives. Well... While it's my choice, I have no experience in this. It's like me asking someone whether they'd like an African Butterflyfish or an arowana. They look fairly similar when you get them, but keep them for a month and you will certainly notice a difference. While it's their choice, I know that the arowana will grow to 4' long, while it's unlikely that they will. You think the Griz price increase would be worth it? Seems like a lot for a 1X30, but I'll take a look. Thanks for your help!

Unfortunately, it would seem they are in the $200-$300 range, which is more than I can justify... As far as hand filing, I also find it rather soothing at times, especially since the blade's I'm making at the moment are kiridashis, so straight, ~2" blades. When I get into more complex blade shapes, and longer ones too, it seems like a belt grinder would be quite helpful... I will look for one used, but if I'm forced to get one new, which would you guys suggest? 1X30, 1/4-1/3HP (calculated) for $50 or a 4X36 + 6"disc, 1/2-2/3HP for $65?

You suggest skipping the belt grinder all together? I have a set of files and an angle grinder, but they aren't playing nice...

Ah, that makes sense. Mine is a Fancy box of fancy dirt... weber style grill, kaowool lining, refractory clay lining.

So, I should go for a 1X30? That seems to be the only other thing in my price range.

Sorry. It would be light use, no forge welding. Probably knives, spearheads, leaves, stuff like that. May I ask what JABOD means? He’s kinda pressed for space, and would be doing really light work, so I thought a small propane might be a better choice for him, but that’s what I’m asking about it. Thanks

Ok, lots of great replies here. My plan is not to sell my blades, at least not for a long time. I’m just looking to mess around, make some for myself and maybe a couple friends. Due to this just being fun, and probably light use, I think I’m going to stick with something cheap. I see some people suggesting used ones. I’ll look into those. Some are saying that they’d suggest a 1 or 2”. Is this just a price thing, or do those work better? Thanks

Hi! I have been making a few knives, and I'm hooked! However, I've decided that it's not super effective (or safe!) to do my grinding on the edge of a bench grinder wheel. I've already had it jump a few times, and that's scary. Also, you can't exactly shape scales on a bench grinder. So, I'm looking at belt grinders, possibly for Christmas. I'm on a pretty tight budget, so am looking for something under $150, preferably under $100. This seemed to be the most bang for my buck, but I'd like input on a 4 x 38 HF $65, so well within my pricing, sanding wheel, 2/3 HP, adjustable belt... What are your thoughts? I really can't go more than $150. Also, what are ways to preserve belts? I've heard of using a cleaner stick? Thanks for the input. Chimaera

Hi! I've got a solid fuel forge that I built, which takes about $1 to light, then $1 an hour to run. I've got a friend who wants a forge, but is on a tight budget, and isn't very good on space. How much does it cost to run a single burner mini propane forge? I assume off of a 20lb tank. Propane isn't super cheap, but I imagine it doesn't use too much? Thank you. Chimaera (If this is in the wrong thread, my apologies. Wasn't sure where to ask this)

I'm not a huge fruit tea fan, but I liked the Peach Rooibos and sweet nectar, and other people have loved my strawberry fields. Good choices ;). Both the CEG and the Irish Breakfast really do profit from a little cream, or at least milk. I encourage you to try it. Also, watch out for oversteeping the CEG. It gets NASTY if oversteeped.

Frosty, you got nothin' to worry about. I've spent YEARS staring at plants. I know exactly which ones to use. Sounds like I'm being arrogant? Nope. Look at all this sasafrass I got yesterday! I'll have tea for years! Yes, my hope was to Blackwash, probably with Ferric Chloride. I will take a look at cerakote, though. That shotgun was gorgeous! I thought the beadblasted matte finish would be pretty nice, but as you said, would have to coat. May I ask which ones?

I grew up on getting up at 4:00 a.m. to sit on my dad's lap drinking a mixture of 1/4 coffee, 1/4 sugar, 1/2 milk while he started work... I miss those days... I eventually moved to tea, as I would be able to get more flavor:bitterness compared to coffee That is one of the biggest compliments I've ever received! Glad to make your wallet cry! In all seriousness, from my tea tour, my three biggest recommendations are the cream earl gray, calming blend, and irish breakfast. There was also a coconut rooibos that isn't my favorite, but lots of other people like it.

For me, it's just an occasional thing. Been out doing yardwork? Nice cool, chewy boba is good. For the most part, though, it's not right. Very interesting how this went from being a discussion on bead blasting and blackwashing a knife to people talking about their favorite teas. I kinda like it.

Oh... It's soooo good. Especially in Cream earl gray and irish breakfast. Oh, and boba

They have a few different tours (looks like they're sold out on all of them... guess people like it, and for good reason!). I got the flavor in the mix for Christmas, got 3 1oz bags a month. Mostly black, some green, a little herbal, rooibos, and white. Good stuff. After my 6 months, same friends got me 1lb of the cream earl gray. That stuff is freakin' delicious, especially with a drop of heavy cream and a tiny bit of sugar. My dad goes over to Taiwan every so often for work, and he often has coworkers hand him a lb of tea for me... A little too floral for me, but a kind gesture and still yummy. I also "ruin" it with sugar and cream... I just like it more that way...

Ah, come on! There's good bagged tea! Most of it is loose, but maybe they got sacrificed because they're bagged! Tried this a while ago, found some of my new favorite teas (cream earl gray, calming blend). https://www.onsullivan.com/products/tea-tour Touche... I've had some visitors who were all too happy to take my best...

Can't bring myself to go buy some trash that I'll never drink... I found a lipton and then used my least favorite black teas to make up the rest...

So... I have a unique situation in which I have probably 10+ lbs of tea, all of which is pretty nice... XD I just boiled a cup of water and 4 tea bags, will let it cool and reboil. Got a piece of scrap that I'll try it on. Thanks!

That's how I drink my tea ;). So, steep up a pot of the darkest tea I can and leave it in there for a few days? I assume black tea, for a stronger pot?