Jbradshaw Posted October 14, 2018 Share Posted October 14, 2018 I had to replace my push mower this summer since the old one was leaking out all the oil in between mowings. It was free and I used it for 11 years so I feel like I got my money's worth. But before I let it go to the scrappers I was wondering if anyone here had good ideas on repurposing some of the materials. I've seen mower blades turned into various cutting objects. I've already reused the wheels to put on my grill since it's wheels were broken. There has to be some forging related use for some of the other parts. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 14, 2018 Share Posted October 14, 2018 I've seen forge built using a flipped over and stripped lawn mower deck as the forge table. Weygers mentions forge the valves into decorative clavos. (NOT sodium filled ones and they are generally a hard alloy to forge!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dickb Posted October 15, 2018 Share Posted October 15, 2018 I don't think sodium filled valves are used in such low level engines as lawn mowers. Unless you know exactly what you are doing, sodium is much too dangerous/explosive to fool around with. Of course with the proper investment, about $29,000, you can increase your chances of survival , see https://carefordescientific.com/united-shield-olympiaexcel-eod-large-45dk24-excel-bomb-suit-l-black-each/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIirvjyZ-I3gIVj4izCh2wBwWXEAQYAiABEgLsnPD_BwE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbradshaw Posted October 15, 2018 Author Share Posted October 15, 2018 17 hours ago, ThomasPowers said: I've seen forge built using a flipped over and stripped lawn mower deck as the forge table. Weygers mentions forge the valves into decorative clavos. (NOT sodium filled ones and they are generally a hard alloy to forge!) Thanks for the suggestions. I've been thinking about making a solid fuel forge. I currently use propane but there are limits to what will fit back in the forge. Any one else have thoughts/suggestions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AR. Hillbilly Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 I make twist tong blanks out of our old mower blades. Each blade =2 pair of tongs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Olson Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 You might be able to forge the aluminum connecting rod into a bottle opener. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbradshaw Posted October 22, 2018 Author Share Posted October 22, 2018 8 hours ago, AR. Hillbilly said: I make twist tong blanks out of our old mower blades. Each blade =2 pair of tongs. I didn't think the blade be thick enough for twist tongs. I'll have to give it another look and measure it. Probably a better use than trying to make a cutting tool with it, not knowing what alloy it is. 3 hours ago, Kevin Olson said: You might be able to forge the aluminum connecting rod into a bottle opener. I'm not sure what part you are referring to here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AR. Hillbilly Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 Not thinking but ours is a commercial mower and has heavy blades. I believe 30” long and maybe 5/16” thick. I cut in half at center hole and torch length wise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Olson Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 The rod is inside the engine. It connects the crankshaft to the piston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbradshaw Posted October 22, 2018 Author Share Posted October 22, 2018 37 minutes ago, AR. Hillbilly said: Not thinking but ours is a commercial mower and has heavy blades. I believe 30” long and maybe 5/16” thick. I cut in half at center hole and torch length wise. Yeah this is a homeowner model. Definitely not 5/16" thick. But the point of think of it as (probably medium carbon) stock, not a blade, could certainly open up opportunities. 26 minutes ago, Kevin Olson said: The rod is inside the engine. It connects the crankshaft to the piston. Got it. I knew what a rod is but had never heard it referred to as a connecting rod. Maybe I should take the whole thing apart and look at each piece individually to see if any of it inspires me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted October 23, 2018 Share Posted October 23, 2018 The push handles are round stock tubing, just about everything can be repurposed in one form or the other. Take it all apart and save it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry Irving Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Tom Koluch of the Jerusalem Mill forge made this courting candle from a lawn mower blade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbradshaw Posted October 26, 2018 Author Share Posted October 26, 2018 That's a neat project but I don't think my wife would approve of me "courting" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.