Rail spike steak turner.  More work than I thought it would be.  

 

Without a power hammer it takes a while to draw a spike out that far, still worth it though especially the good job you did.

Thanks Irondragon.   I think I have an hour and a half in that thing.  started with a 4 pounder and once broken down a bit switched to my 2.25 rounding hammer.   I suppose it is worth it for the experience, but wondering if people would pay what I need to make it worth the effort.  It was fun though.   Do you know if linseed oil can be used on items that will be in contact with food?  Or should I use something like canola?

 

Looks really good Mike!

Boiled linseed oil is toxic and not food safe. Linseed oil (raw) is safe. Make sure you know which it is before using it on items to be used with food.

Well flaxseed oil from health food stores can be used to season them like you can season a cast iron skillet, (and it's considered one of the best oils for seasoning) I would be wary of anything not marketed for human consumption.

Thanks gents.   IFI is my "go to"

 

 I carry a spray can of "Pam" (spray cooking oil) in my kit to "season" my cooking utensils I make. It is easy, no mess, and seems to last well.                      Dave

Just keep that aerosolized oil away from open flames!

Dave51B - that is a good tip.  Does it take on a dark color? Thanks

JHCC - Noted.  thanks

 

 

1 hour ago, MotoMike said:

Does it take on a dark color?

 Mike, for me it works about like the linseed oil. you can just coat it hot and wipe off, or you can go with a burnt in, black finish by reheating after spraying. Some times I will spray and heat a couple of times to get that seasoned cast iron look. I like it both ways. Oh and the cheep spay works just as well for me as does the name brand.

 

2 hours ago, JHCC said:

Just keep that aerosolized oil away from open flames!

 Thanks JHCC, sometimes I forget to mention the obvious.                    Dave 

It does take alot of effort to draw that far out and maintain a consistant taper!

Frozenforge - I think I got it pretty good.  but as you say, a lot of work.  funny thing about the rail spike.  It must connect with people as I've posted several things on the blacksmithing for beginners site before and got 6-10 replys.  this steak turner is at 155 and counting.  surprised me.  

 

 

Stuff made from rail spikes do seem to connect with alot of people. I’ve done both round and square drawn steak flippers. The round take a little more finese. This is a shorter one for the camper.

11 hours ago, MotoMike said:

More work than I thought it would be.

It is Gorgeous, and a few other "ous's", like Sumptuous. You are not likely to fetch what it is worth, because few, save those above, who know what went into it, can appreciate it.

Bravo.

Robert  Taylor.

 

Frozen forge - That is a beauty, Anachronist58 - Thanks very much.  I envy you your weather.  I bought a motorcycle in Alpine once.  

 

I use walnut oil and also have flaxseed oil. Might have to try the cooking oil spray. 

Oh and agree that you have a very nice taper on that spike. Well done. 

Yes I have strong views on a *few* subjects; just remember we're most likely to meet in person sometime and I do have to keep my "evil Santa" reputation polished, (now to start filling a stocking with clinker)...Will you be at Quad-State this year?

8 minutes ago, ThomasPowers said:

.Will you be at Quad-State this year?

Who is you?

*yes*!   (memo to self: fill lots of stockings with clinker!)

Hmmm.. I see a new tradition of " if you receive a stocking full of clinker, it is only polite to throw the contents at the giver of the stocking" 

May I point out that  Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen all have 4 hooves and  might take offense!

Will you be at Quad-State this year?  I'm going to try.

I will try. All depends on what is going on with the baby. I might get a little time off for good behavior.  

With all those reindeer I might need to bring a bigger camp cooking set.