Simian

Finally got my flypress mounted!

Hi Everyone. I've just picked this up, A denbigh No. 4 (4" throat, 7.5" daylight, 44mm screw). It's in lovely condition (I have the handle & weight too). Metals and fuel may be expensive in the UK, but flypresses are cheap and plentiful This was a snip at £100. My question is about tooling. It won't be hitting anything too large, I rarely work on stock much bigger than an inch square, and will be mainly used for flatting, fullering and a bit of punching. Also a little drawing out on small damascus billets. I'm going to make a pair of flat dies, and wondered what may be the best size to make them; I'm guessing anything more than 1.5x2.5" may be a little pointless on this size press? Any pointers would be appreciated.

I'm relatively new to this, so I'm sure I'll be corrected... I'd assume that as this is cable and only 1 type of metal, you won't get the contrast you'd get from a typical damascus or similar? It looks like the etch has given you really nice topography though. I'd try making a really REALLY strong pot of instant coffee and dunk it in there while it's still hot - that's given me far better contrast on typical 15n20/1080 pattern welded steel than just ferric or vinegar. FWIW, I really like it as it is.

Thanks for the kind words Gentlemen!

Whoops! Screwed up already! I hope they show now?

Hi All! I've only been forging a year or so, but have learnt loads from here, so thought I'd join up, mainly to say thanks. I did a taster course around 6 years ago, and was itching to get my own forge running. I was lucky to inherit a lovely peter Wright Anvil from a family member which was the catalyst for me to get started. I won't bore you, but will leave a few pics of some bits I've made so far. Mod edit: The links do not work. Cheers! Steve

I'm also from the UK (and also a Noob here; Hi all!). Coincidentally I made these keyrings the other day, both are mild steel, and both with the forge scale still on. I really think it's unlikely yours would be iron - it's hard to get hold of around here. either way, It's a good looking piece. Hope that might help? Also, If you're forging it there is no point buying bright steel. you're just paying for them to remove and polish the steel, and as you're about to add your own scale anyway it's throwing money away. Steve