New Project; Next Champion Forge Rebuild

[SReynolds]

Hi folks,

Wanted to share with all my next forge rebuild. This is a Champion model 145-18 inch forge with the Eureka N0.140 blower

I do not know the years these were made. I'd have to guess and say 1930's and 1940's vintage. These are not listed in the popular 1920 Champion Catalog.

I also wanted to report that these were originally painted red as can be seen from the remaining paint.

[ThomasPowers]

I'd phrase that as "This one was originally painted red" If a big reseller asked for a run painted black it's quite possible they manufacturer would do so.

[SReynolds]

.....yeah, sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect to them who paint their Champions black.

For what it's worth, I have also seen the 400 blower in what could only be assumed to be original red...

[ThomasPowers]

I'll have to check what version my backup blower is but it was in DOD green now faded a bit.

Red and black were the cheap colours way back and so always a good bet...

[SReynolds]

I completed the Champion Forge. This is as good as it will get. It was clean and straight and only required a gear box cleaning and leveling the legs. This will be used in the Ohio Historical Society's blacksmith shop as demonstrator.

I made a new grate and installed a sun shield as they would have originally had. It's a tad short, but that was the largest section of sheet steel I had at the time.........

I sourced the old style hardware from the Hardware store. That old style stuff is costly, when purchased in small quantities, but looks so much better than modern hex-head bolts/nuts when displayed in an old blacksmith shop.

[VaughnT]

Nice job! I have a blower that's frozen solid and I'll have to cut the nuts free in order to dismantle it. Hate to go with new-looking nuts and bolts, but the older square-style aren't available around here.

Might have to fab them on my own....