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So, I recently got an old buffalo forge as a gift, all still in working condition, well the blower lasted maybe a week before it started to get harder to crank, I let it sit for a little while and now it will not crank at all, I don't know how to disassemble it, but I feel like that's the best place to start, it's a buffalo 200 silent blower, I'm not sure if it's rust or some bolts I'm not seeing, but I can't even get the gear case off Any and all help is appreciated, and I'm sorry if there is a more relevant thread for this question, I looked but couldn't find one

I'm new to blacksmithing and I'm learning as I go. I was wondering if there are any blacksmiths in the Buffalo, NY area that would be interested in meeting up. I see a lot of people interested in obtaining anvils on craigslist, but I don't know if that means they are into it, or if they are just into "antiques" and flipping craigslist items. I have a small, charcoal forge that I made in my backyard and a nice little anvil I've been using. What I need now is some like-minded people to talk to about this wonderful new hobby and get some tips for being a better blacksmith. Joe

Hello, I wanted to post this on the forums because I have a lot of questions and I'm sure someone will know the answers. I tried to look up some information up online with no luck. So here you guys go: 1: Is this piece rare and desired by the blacksmithing community? 2: How much would this piece be sold for? 3: What is the history behind this piece if any? Thank you so much for your time and if you want I'd be more than happy to reply to anything said. Mitch

I acquired this Buffalo Forge, but it's missing the firebox, and I can't figure out how to properly supply it with air. I plan on putting in a new firebox....probably from Centaur Forge. But it would appear that there should be two air inputs...one under the firebox and one under the rear of the forge that helps vent the smoke. It came with the pictured pipe, which has three openings. One of the openings seems to fit the rear of the forge, but that doesn't seem to make sense to me. A close look at 'Vent Pipe 2' indicates that the center opening might be for dumping ashes/debris, as there is a screw with what appears to be the remnants of a pivoting door attached. I can't find any photos of the forge online in it's original setup. If I could find one, that might tell me all I need to know. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Background: A couple of years ago I purchased a solid fuel forge with a brand new fire pot and a old working Champion blower. I've finally moved to a (temporary) location where I can use it. Unfortunately, the fire pot is almost 5" deep which seems to be impractical for a coal fire and I'm not really keen on going to charcoal. For some reason, I have a real hard time controlling/maintaining a good coal fire in this. [i got all this for $150 so I don't have a lot invested.] I've decided to track down a smaller forge that I can use for small to moderate size stuff like bottle openers, animal heads, sundial parts, etc. etc. I ran across what I think is a Buffalo treadle forge. (Let me add that I have lusted over this style forge for a long time. Some childhood memory of catching my fingers in my grandma's sewing machine no doubt) I ran across this forge at a flea market where the owner indicated that it had been in her living room as a plant holder for a dozen years. The forge seems to be in relatively good condition (new belt, a new tuyere, and some minor cleanup). However, as you can see from the pictures there are two cracks on the table. The first is in the tuyere area and another crack is on the side. I don't know much about forges in general and even less about these 'rivet' size forges. Any advice on the impact of these two flaws on the usability of this forge would be greatly appreciated. [FWIW - I know it doesn't mean much but the price is likely in the area of $150 with some room for negotiation.] Thanks in advance, Dave https://flic.kr/p/p47Px4

I got my coal forge from a neighbor farm that was long sense non operational. I've use it a hand full of times the way it sits, burning only coal. The forge does have the word "CLAY" cast into it, but I have never thought much of it. My questions are.... -Should I have the forge lined with refractory clay of some type? -Am I safe to burn coke in this forge without clay? -Where can I get refractory clay/ how can I make it? Thank you!