thecelticforge

The tapered end is what I usually do, but I was doing something new for giggles. The area where the tenon meets the mortise will be flared before I set it. I think it gives a prettier and stronger union.

My dad's barn was much like that and he put sprinklers on the roof and that cooled things off quickly!

I had a bit of free material and wanted to make a show piece. Fireplace cranes are things that people buy if they know that you can make them. I usually used flat stock, forge welded the arm to the post and then a curved brace to both. I think almost everyone I have seen has been like this. Today I took a section of 7/8ths round bar and split a mortise in it. Then I took a piece of 1 X 3/8s bar and made the arm. it holds my weight and does not budge. I am thinking on upsetting the bite flush with the bar and not using the curved brace at all. Since I have not seen one like this afore, I am going to be a bit cautious before I finish it. Any reason why this won't work?

Okay, I am driving home and the check gauges light on my dash keeps flashing on and off. It finally stayed on and I saw my voltage dropping. I thought, over 200K miles, alternator. NOT! The control box for my winch in the bed of the truck caught fire (fuse did not blow) and it caught the coal in the back of the truck on fire. I raised the hood and disconnected the battery; I grab the fire extinguisher (fully charged last week's check) and ffft, nothing! So I doused it with a bucket of water. No damage to the truck I called the fire department and asked them why a "fully charged fire extinguisher would fail. I was told that they needed to be replaced every 3 to five years and a good habit is to give each one a good shake every week. So check your fire safety equipment.

Thanks bigundr! I posted mine afore your post showed up!

I think I shall stick with eggs, crosses, and nails for Easter, chalices and anthamas for Beltane, jack-o-lanterns for Samhain, and Christmas trees.

Since the price of scrap went up last summer to 11.80USD per hundred, there is not a single leaf spring let in the entire state :~(

Okay, generally every year I turn out "holiday items" for the holiday season. They are generally quick, easy, and in expensive. The trouble is that they are not generally related to any specific holiday, religious, secular, or those that ain't too sure. I am open for ideas, actually, humbly asking for Christmas/Yule ideas so I can get started next month.

I have a two foot bar with an oval profile of tool steel. I have no memory of how I got it or what is was used for. I am thinking on making a froe out of it. Any idea what its original purpose was or anything else better to do with it?

You are not talking about a setter are you? Small pocket anvil that could be driven into the end grain and used to set teeth on a saw?

Get as much money out of every one that you can. That is my advice.

Brilliant! I would love to know the process you used to get the ring shape. It has to be better than what I do.

How do you spell rhinoceros?

Trust me, photodegradation will not be a problem for me!

I came home with a truck load of coal. It is as clean as water and nigh on as hot as coke~! At this price, I may not go back to WV until the elderberry wine is ready! THANK YOU!

I would try the axle hub off of a track vehicle. I am very well acquainted with the AARV M551 and it would have been perfect. There should be some old T-62's or T-70's around somewhere.

Progressive!

Ten years ago I could get Pocco #3 for 20 bucks a ton.

I have been doing some research and the supply of coal should start back up again in a few weeks. The explosion caused a huge slowdown and most companies are only selling to previous contracts.

***Throws clinkers at Grant's head***

I called Keystone today and they have stopped too. :(

Okay, I had some very good coal and ran out, and now have not so good coal and am soon to run out. Now I am having a horrid time trying to find good coal at a reasonable price between Atlanta and Charleston WV. There are several coal companies but they no longer sell to the public Anyone know where I can get Pocco #3? I know Penncoal sells it but with shipping it is about 52 USD for a 50# bag.

That is the nicest one I have ever seen!