Curly Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Have a show coming up based around vintage cars, steam engines and tractors. So looking for some ideas and inspiration for items to make up and sell? Going to make some bottle openers from spanners along with my other usual stuff but would be great to hear some other suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Candle holders from tire irons? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothBore Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 All the usual items made from RR spikes should do well. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the iron dwarf Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 those spikes are not common here, our rails are held down differently Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Your a blacksmith, make your own rr spikes (grin) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Have a show coming up based around vintage cars, steam engines and tractors. So looking for some ideas and inspiration for items to make up and sell? Going to make some bottle openers from spanners along with my other usual stuff but would be great to hear some other suggestions! From the larger spanners, candle holders, bootscrapers, hangers and hooks, figures (like the nut and bolt men) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave51B Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Hitch pins.....log dogs.....parade flag holders...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1forgeur Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Screw drivers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McPherson Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I suggest taking a page from Black Frog, and make some high finish, high value cap lifters with the logos of vintage machinery, as well as the basic model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I think the issues is that the RR spike items don't have the same cachet over there as they do over here as their biggest "selling point" is that they were made from a RR spike. I don't know if the panadol clips have the same visual impact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McPherson Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Like trying to sell coffee mugs in a land of tea drinkers....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSW Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Not really blacksmithing, but it might give you a few ideas. I know a guy who makes up all sorts of alum tread plate items that sell really well to car guys. Things like napkin holders, tissue box covers and so on. For steam guys something made of plate and rivets would probably interest them. I'm thinking a mail box built similar to how they did the old steam boilers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LawnJockey Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Tractor steering wheel knobs and shifter knobs. Beer can holder is always good for the tractor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfDuck Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Minature steam whistle key fob. Doesn't have to work just look like one. A lump of coal inside a clear plastic dip, for a key chain fob Minature rad caps that showed the engine temp inside a set of wings. Critter heads that fit over rad caps. Branding iron initals or logos,as real branding irons. Chevy or ford branding irons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curly Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share Posted June 5, 2014 Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Some great ideas there! Partially like the the steam whistle key fob as well as more recycling of spanners and tools. Making some items from rivets and plate is also a great idea DSW and im sure would go down well. Will be dropping by my favourite local market this week to dive in one of the tool sellers bargain 50p bucket! There is always some old tools in there that could be put to a different use. Was also thinking of getting some old saws or shovels and using the plasma cutter to cut out some silhouettes of vintage vehicles. With regards to the RR spikes, its not something that is used here. Which is a shame as I always see such good ideas for using them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Curly, buy a whole bunch of railroad spikes off ebay or the like. I know the import duties would probably be very high, but you'll be the only smith in the land that has stuff made from that "fancy foreign metal". Imagine the wow factor when folks see items crafted from spikes you had to import for some mystical far off land! It'd be like getting a knife with a damascus blade, only not so much. Just a thought. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 Large spanners should make fine door knockers, pulls and hinge sets for the shop guys. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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