Pr3ssure Posted January 6, 2019 Share Posted January 6, 2019 So I have a few pieces of steel plate, they are all about 3 foot long, give or take a little. I think the thinnest piece is 1/4" and the rest is 1/2". They range in width from 4" to about 2 foot. No piece is the same as any other, but I could weld some together to make a bigger piece since all but one of the pieces are 1/2". I am probably going to use one or more of the bigger pieces to make tables/mounts for my tools, such as grinder and vice. Although I already have a big steel table that's made of all 1/2" steel and it's pretty tall so I'm thinking about cutting a little height off the legs if I need to. Anyway, I'm wondering if there's anything anyone could suggest I can do with some of it other than making a table, or a forge for that matter. That's already crossed my mind. I've also used a piece to cut some "flat bar" pieces out to forge with. If I can get a straight enough cut with either my torch or grinder I'm going to cut one into 2 inch wide strips to put walls on my forge table so I can keep my coal from falling off. I might just use some thick angle iron my neighbor gave me for that though. I have a Lincoln 225 Stick welder and I'm at the very least competent in my welding, so any suggestions/ideas are appreciated. The steel has just been laying around and I want to do something with it. Thanks, Pr3ssure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted January 6, 2019 Share Posted January 6, 2019 I used a bunch of 1/2" plate to make a water tuyere for a side blast forge, documented HERE. One of the best things I've done in the shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pr3ssure Posted January 6, 2019 Author Share Posted January 6, 2019 I'll have to check it out. I hate how many things there are you can do with steel. Well, I guess I don't hate it but I always draw a blank when it comes time for me to do something with it cause there's so much I want to do. Like every time I go fire up the forge I'm just like, hmm what to do? I've seen so many examples but can't decide on just one. Even just out of the beginner projects, I want to do them all at once. I still need to try my hand at a leaf though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arftist Posted January 6, 2019 Share Posted January 6, 2019 Don't try to use it up just to be rid of it. Having some stock is a good thing. As you grow in skill and equipment you will use it all and be glad to have had it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted January 6, 2019 Share Posted January 6, 2019 14 hours ago, Pr3ssure said: Like every time I go fire up the forge I'm just like, hmm what to do? I have a note taking app on my phone where I keep running lists of projects I’d like to attempt, projects in process, things I need from the hardware store or steel supplier, projects completed, tools I need to make or modify, and — most relevant to your situation — an agenda for the next time I’m in the shop. This is broken down into two sections: Forging and Non-Forging, so that regardless of whether or not I get the fire going, I know what I’ll be working on next. This also helps break down a project into its component stages, so you’re not stuck without the tool you should have made before you got started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pr3ssure Posted January 6, 2019 Author Share Posted January 6, 2019 That's a good idea. I have a notebook in the shop I was planning to use for something like that. I wasn't thinking quite as far into as that though. So I'll have to start doing that. I'm about to go over and try and get about 2 hours in before the sun sets on me. I was thinking of trying a leaf finally and maybe attempt a drawer handle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted January 6, 2019 Share Posted January 6, 2019 Ditto Arftist. There's a common trap we all find ourselves stepping into. Just because you have a thing does NOT mean you HAVE TO use it. That's good stock, set it out of the way, it'll come in handy. I promise. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted January 7, 2019 Share Posted January 7, 2019 I have noticed that I tend to design projects to use what I have on hand in the "possibles pile". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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