J W Bennett Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 About a month ago the owner of the Bridgeton Mill approached me about making an "IRON DOOR" for his mill entrance. He wanted me to incorporate an old steel wheel he had bought at an auction into the design. I finished the door and installed it this morning. He was very happy with it and his wife was even happier. The Door frame and bars are 1 1/2"x 1 1/2" x 1/4" square tubing and the outter frame is 2" x 1 1/2" x 1/4" angle iron. Once the door was welded up the tubing was textured with an airhammer with a pointed bit to make it look pitted and worn. The wheel was wider than the door so it had to be cut down to fit the frame. The wheel hub had to be cut down and the wheel offset in the frame so it will not hit the the inner door ( the inner door now needs redone). The Cattails are forged from 3/4" black pipe and the leaves are forged from 1/4" x 3/4" flat stock. The hinges are hand rolled on the anvil and then drifted to fit 1/2" hinge Pins. All in all the job went well with out any surprises during installation.The ugly guy in the picture is me. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug C Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Great work. I like the cat tails and may have to give that a try.I like the mixing of the manufactured look of the wheel and the organic look of the cattails. I would never have thought of doing that. The more I read here the more I realize I don't think of much. Oh well just means I have more to learn and more excuse to forge. The wife ain't gonna be happy:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 I like it john. I like the balance you struck between the straight geometric spokes and the more fluid lines of the cat tails. Reading your sign off under the pic of you standing there with your hand in your pocket was good for a smile too. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironrosefarms Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Great work John, I should be up in the neighborhood of the mill sometime next month as our scout troop heads for Shades State park for a outing. I don't think the boy's will mind if I stop and admire the new door so long as they get to run accross the bridge! James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip in china Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Very nice work. How much did it weigh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnr Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Excellent design. I like it Finnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayco Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Nice work, John! James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrynjr Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 great work John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chyancarrek Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Nicely done John! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRobb Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 Very nice!! I wish I was that talented! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J W Bennett Posted July 27, 2008 Author Share Posted July 27, 2008 Thanks for the replies and I'm glad you like it. Phil, it weighs approximately 250 lbs. Frosty, hadn't thought about that when my bride took the picture:) As far as the design goes I'm proof that even a blind hog can find an acorn once in awhile. Thanks again for the replies John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammerkid Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 John, I REALLY like the design of it. I like how you had the cat tails coming outta the wheel. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trollhammer Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Wow, those cattails made a big difference! Very nice. Wish I'd been able to stay and watch/help with the cattails and the installation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J W Bennett Posted August 1, 2008 Author Share Posted August 1, 2008 Matt, Next time your down maybe we can get together and swap lies and hammer steel? I enjoyed your visit, Sorry I was so busy but busy is good, your welcome back anytime. Have you got Big Blu fever still? John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironrosefarms Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Hey John, stopped off and looked at the door and it is great. The pictures don't do it justice... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J W Bennett Posted August 2, 2008 Author Share Posted August 2, 2008 Thanks Ironrose, Glad you liked it. Same goes for you. Sometime we will have to get together and swap lies and knowledge. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trollhammer Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 John, I had an absolute blast! I've been trying to figure out a way to get back up there as soon as possible. The next time, I'll be able to devote whole days to following you around the shop and becoming more and more jealous of your shop. And yes, I have a severe case of Big Blu fever! I wonder if I could sell one of my kidneys to get one of those....;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triw Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 Very nice work John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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