jwallweyfoundry Posted December 19, 2006 Share Posted December 19, 2006 Well i just stumbled onto this sight today and have been reading a couple other sights on blacksmithing. I have always wanted to try blacksmithing. I currently have a foundry that i have been casting with for about two years. I think i might build a small gas forge soon since my foundry needs to be rebuilt and I will have some time this winter. I am up for learning so will be reading more than posting for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted December 19, 2006 Share Posted December 19, 2006 Great JW! Can you post pictures of your foundry equipment?! PLEASE!??!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted T Posted December 19, 2006 Share Posted December 19, 2006 jwallweyfoundry, I know you are experienced in foundry work, and you most likely have other skills. I believe a person often carries over good, as well poor practices onto the new skill they are learning. I write this note as just a reminder to you. You most likely know most every thing I will say, but I feel it is important enough to say again, and again, and again. From what I have observe about the people writing in on the web site, I don’t think they would allow bad advice from someone that may be dangerous, or lean toward bad practices to go un-checked. I feel this is a place where the watchdog of accurate information is on guard. As you start into blacksmithing, please take the time to make sure what you learn from other people on the street is within the realm of good blacksmithing practices. Over the years I have had a lot of “good”/ bad information given to me by people who meant well, but they “didn’t know that they didn’t know”. . You said “I think i might build a small gas forge soon since my foundry needs to be rebuilt and I will have some time this winter”. It sounds like you may be inside welding etc., and then trying out your new gas forge. Based on over 30 years of experience as an accident reconstructionist and a sometime consultant to OSHA, I would suggest a few things to keep in mind. I have either seen or know about people who have been killed, injured, or screwed up in some way because they did not learn or apply concepts of safety along with the welding and blacksmithing work processes. YOU OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU to do it right! For some examples: I know of more than one blacksmith who did not secure their anvil properly relative to the work they were doing (bending cooled off steel). When the anvil would start to tip over, they would try to catch it. The operative word is “try”. Other words used is “leg and foot injury” Others have forgot and left a hot cut in the hardie hole and have seriously cut them selves. 1. Safe practices need to coincide with technique. Always think of the possibilities. 2. I suggest you read about propane safety, and actually comply with the guidelines. 3. Become familiar with proper ventilation and fume extraction concepts. 4. Avoid cutting or welding GALVINIZE unless you use extreme safety measures. I know this is lengthy, but I would rather be looked on as an old man ragging on you about being safe, and possibly placing a subconscious thought in your mind that may help you, as opposed to saying nothing. Be Safe, Be Safe! Ted Throckmorton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwallweyfoundry Posted December 20, 2006 Author Share Posted December 20, 2006 Ted I hear where you are comming from. I started foundry work to build a metal lathe. Told my wife if she wouldnt let me buy one I would build one the Gingery way. Well i now own a 13" Southbend and a torn apart Gingerylathe. The lathe I built worked but left alot to be desired in the strenght department. I have made some mistakes that I am sure not to repeat but I also know that I will probably make more. I look at this as a learning experince. Granted I dont plan on grabbing anything hot with a bare hand and try to be as safe as I can. I know there are some people in the area and would be interested in learning hands on from them. For now I am a sponge taking in all the information here and everywhere I can find. I will give a couple links to for Aprenticeman. first my Gingery lathe I cast My SB I have since done more work to it but it is covered up to keep saw dust out while I do some wood working projects so ou get an old picture. Lastly my foundry nothing fancy but it has searved me well. I am curious if one could heat metal in the foundry and get a chance to try out my hammer skills. I know it gets to 1300 deg so that should be enought to get a RR spike red hot but I have been without tongs so I am searching for some or plans to make some. I just saw a set from rebar and might have to research that to see what i can come up with. Any way this is way longer than I had planned. I am open to learning and have to admit I am slow I like to think things over at least 2-3 times before i jump in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted T Posted December 20, 2006 Share Posted December 20, 2006 jwallweyfoundry, Thank you for your response. I also take every thing slow nowdays. The doctor told me to hop up on the table the other day. I told him he had to be kidding. I said I would struggle up-on the table, but not hop up on the table! I believe your approach has wisdom written all over it. Let the other guy make the mistakes for you. Be safe, Be safe! Ted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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