Junksmith Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Last week I took about a 1/2 ton of scrap steel to the local yard & traded it for about 40 pounds of usable steel. I couldn't bear to part with this piece though. It is the gear housing from an old tractor-mounted auger. Initially I was thinking of a firepot for a new forge down the road. I could cut out that piece of internal structure. Still, that bowl shape doesn't have much of an internal taper and I'm just not sure if it would work - plus that hole in the side would need to be covered. Could air be pushed in from the side? I'm beginning to think that this may be more trouble than it's worth. Still, I hate to just give it up without a fight. Does anybody have any ideas on what it could be used for? Dimensions are about 10 inches in diameter, 5 inches high and the walls are maybe 3/8 inches thick. Cast iron/steel. Thanks, Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 You could try sinking hot metal into it as a bowl swage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Bolt holes with a couple of bolts could be used for a bending jig. Be a lot of work to make it into a firepot though if you did want to and use the side hole for air---chunk charcoal would be the fuel I would think would work best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blafen Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I have seen large deep coal forges with a side draft but Im not sure how something that small would work, although it is always worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Browne Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Some nice shapes on it for a swage. Just keep it in the corner and you will probably be surprised how often it gets used. As for a firepot, a bit of adobe to put in a gentle taper and cover the side hole and use the bottom hole for the air supply. Easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avadon Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I would totally turn that into a bottom blast or side blast brake drum style forge. Why not. It's begging to be a forge. Just cut out whatever is in your way and weld up anything that creates a problem. You could even weld some legs onto that. This part you have is way better then my coal brake drum forge. I'd weld some legs onto it make it look like a spider. Call it the spider forge. hehe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beth Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 im with avadon - it would make a brill little side blast forge - and if it doesnt no probs - leave it lying about as suggested till something else strikes you. wouldnt throw it out tho! maybe some outdoor cooking use?? brazier? camping oven? fire bowl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junksmith Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 Thanks everybody! This gives me something to think about. Whether a forge or a swage or a bender I'm definitely not getting rid of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisfrick Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Mix up some clay/refractory cement/whatever and make the inside the shape you want it. Looks like you could make it both a side and bottom blast at the same time--just add some valves/doors/etc.?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfb343 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Thats some piece Joe, what yard let you trade scrap? Maryland Metals? BTW the I got the shop, bout 75% put together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecelticforge Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 The first thing that popped into my mind was a basin for a fountain. Little Zen for the forge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junksmith Posted July 22, 2009 Author Share Posted July 22, 2009 Thats some piece Joe, what yard let you trade scrap? Maryland Metals? BTW the I got the shop, bout 75% put together. Actually it was a 2 part trade. I was just trying not to be too wordy (I generally fail). The metal was sold at Conservit (they won't sell to you) and then I bought more at MD metals. They sell new steel at the facility just off Burhans blvd and let you buy scrap from the yard there for 25 cents a pound. Their yard has a lot less scrap than Conservit these days but is still worth a gander. Their prices for square stock are competetive. One exception though. If you want quarter inch square bar they charge $12 or so for a 10 ft. piece. Foltz Manufacturing downtown charges just over $9. That stuff is handy especially for demos as it is just the right size for small hooks & keychains etc. Glad to hear the shop is about finished. I'm in the neighborhood more ofthen than you think because my mother-in-law lives over your way so maybe I'll stop by soon and take a gander. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfb343 Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 (edited) I suspected so, I've tried like the dickens to get Conservit to let me pick through their yard without success. I've been eyeing up that scrapyard on eastern blvd up too, I just havent gotten over there to check it out yet. And yeah, I dig MD Metals and Foltz, they used to have incredible prices on thier w1 drill rod. you're welcome any time, the old truck is in the driveway. Edited July 23, 2009 by rfb343 fergot sumthan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junksmith Posted July 23, 2009 Author Share Posted July 23, 2009 The scrapyard on Eastern blvd. is one of Maryland Metals. That's where you go to sell scrap to them, but I'm pretty sure they won't let you pick through that one either. It must be a liability thing with all the heavy machinery running. Still, it pains me to see so much usable steel that could be had for 25 cents a pound! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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