iron woodrow Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 Hi again everysmith! I just re stumbled across this thread.... How youse all going!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackdawg Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 Doesn't look like there are too many of us here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graynomad Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 I'm still around up near Bundy but have not progressed much on my smithy construction (see pic), due mainly to all the other things I have to build first. For some reason the missus wants a house before I get a smithy As you can see no forge yet, but I have done a little work using my oxy to heat the metal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackdawg Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 awesome size quench tank in the corner there My setup is just under the gum tree outside. Much cooler than in the shed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 3 hours ago, Jackdawg said: Doesn't look like there are too many of us here. It doesn't take many of youse guys, you're a potent bunch. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc1 Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 1 hour ago, Jackdawg said: My setup is just under the gum tree outside. Much cooler than in the shed I like it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graynomad Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 At least you seem to be actually using your kit :), more than I can say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackdawg Posted March 5, 2017 Share Posted March 5, 2017 hasn't seen much heat since christmas - been to hot to pound metal. Now the cooler months are almost upon us, might see some more use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted April 11, 2017 Share Posted April 11, 2017 Cool change up this way. First demo for a while yesterday without sweat dripping on the anvil. Winter is approaching! It does actually get quite cold (sub-zero) here, even though we are in the tropics. 3000 feet has something to do with it. So, how's it going with you blokes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graynomad Posted April 11, 2017 Share Posted April 11, 2017 No change with me, but I did just manage to get 36 sheets of corro for free a few days ago, most of it is the old-style zinc coating which I like the look of more than modern corro. That got me thinking that I will build a dedicated shed for the blacksmithing gear, so the above pic of my smithing area is no longer valid and that area will be turned over to more modern tools. The new "shed" will actually be an extension of the existing workshop but it will just be for smithing and only house old tools, so my leg vice and post drill will move there as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted April 12, 2017 Share Posted April 12, 2017 Well that's only right. Australia was built on corro. We like to use the old stuff as well, as it's got a lot more character than the new zincalume and colorbond. Sometimes you get the sheets that are stamped with Lysaght or other brands and that adds interest. And the old iron was a lot thicker than the new stuff. You'll have to find a few old lead-head nails to fix it, and maybe some old time shutters for your windows. Please send a pic when the shed is done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackdawg Posted April 12, 2017 Share Posted April 12, 2017 yeah I fired up the forge on the weekend, first time cool enough to really get going since christmas. Actually got down to 15 degrees (Celsius) last night. Didn't kick the dog off the bed when it snuck on at 3am Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graynomad Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 My gear has been moved to the new workshop extension, the leg vice will go on that black stump which is embedded in the ground, post drill on the steel pillar at the right, roof and shutters pending. Still no actual forge but I did get two large plow discs which might do until I build something better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Ah, graynomad, that picture does my heart good. A smithy in the bush with a view! I can smell the gum leaves and feel the rough texture of that ironbark. We are so lucky to live in this country. Nice swage block too. They are very rare up this way. You have an extra stump there - I assume that's to rest your Bundy rum on. Please show us more pics as you proceed beyond the black stump! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave51B Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 39 minutes ago, graynomad said: the leg vice will go on that black stump which is embedded in the ground Graynomad nice set up....Only thing I see that might be a problem for the work " I " do, is how close your vice will be to the back wall. If you clamp a scrolling jig in the vice, how long of stock will you be able to swing around? May not be an issue for "your" work though. Not knowing how deep that black stump is buried, but maybe think about moving to where the swage block is located....Just a thought. Enjoy your new workspace....... Life is Good Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graynomad Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 On 7/3/2017 at 7:16 AM, ausfire said: Ah, graynomad, that picture does my heart good. A smithy in the bush with a view! Yeah we live in one of the best places eh? (I was going to say THE best but we have many non-Queenslanders here so I thought I'd be kind ) On 7/3/2017 at 7:34 AM, Dave51B said: Only thing I see that might be a problem for the work " I " do, is how close your vice will be to the back wall. Good observation Dave and I did think of that. Truth is I'm just starting and don't have a "your work" as yet so don't know if it will be an issue or not, time will tell if it's a problem but that sucker is well buried into concrete so it ain't moving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave51B Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 22 minutes ago, graynomad said: Yeah we live in one of the best places eh? I have got to get back over there ! I have a brother-in-law that lives in Canberra (sp?). Just outside the ACT. We visited several years ago. I had a blast, great people, great country, But some of that grog we drank had to be chewed before it could be swallowed.....lol I think some of the stubbies were Carlton and Tooies red, blue or something like that.....I don't know... Life is Good Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graynomad Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I lived in Canberra for many years, loved it at the time but left to live on the road for 14 years and finally dropped anchor in the bush in central (warm) Queensland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graynomad Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Just for a laugh here's a video I did a while back, metal fab not blacksmithing but there is a small amount of hammer work on the swage block at the start. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_L4Z-Lm4GE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 19 hours ago, graynomad said: I lived in Canberra for many years, loved it at the time but left to live on the road for 14 years and finally dropped anchor in the bush in central (warm) Queensland. Heh heh. Canberra had -7 degrees C yesterday. Coldest day in 20 years or so. I'm glad we live in sunny Qld. And Canberra is in ACT, Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave51B Posted July 4, 2017 Share Posted July 4, 2017 3 hours ago, ausfire said: And Canberra is in ACT, Dave. aus..Thanks for the info. Can I blame it on jetlag? I was lost most of the time anyway...lol Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratel10mm Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 Hello Dale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farmweld Posted April 1, 2018 Share Posted April 1, 2018 (edited) Ironfest 2018 I might be able to get there from SA si I'm wondering if there will be anyone from here - there? Trying to sort out my itinery as it will take me about 13.5 hrs drive time and being in a light truck I need some weight in the back to even out the ride. I didn't particularly want to bring all of my forge gear because I want to go see my sister in Melbourne afterwards and leaving a lot of gear in the back of a truck is asking for it to be nicked. I can bring bags of coke if anyone wants them and that will help pay some of the costs. Otherwise I just hope to see some people there! Andrew PS: I emailed Craig but haven't got a reply yet, probably due to easter. Can you camp on the grounds as well? Edited April 1, 2018 by Farmweld Add PS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 Do any of you blokes know where we can buy refractory stuff in Australia? After daily work for a couple of years my work forge is starting to eat away at the tuyere and it is recessed so far now that it's awkward getting longer stock into the core heat. I need to fit a new tuyere and reline the stone on the edge of the forge. Previously I have used just concrete which turns glassy and breaks out under heat, or antbed which works reasonably well. I might try some of that heat resistant mortar with firebrick like they use in pizza ovens. There may be a better idea. Any suggestions?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodlonq Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 Try these fellas ausfire, they have refractory plaster. https://www.artisansupplies.com.au/product-category/knife-making-supplies/heat-treating-supplies/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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