You weld steel cable do you prefer to do it on a flat face(anvil) or in a half round swage? Ive heard a lot of people say it both ways...

In the swage.
Finnr

I'd say swage if you've got one, but start by twisting it up! ;)

You can make a v-block to fit in the hardie hole, but without one you can use the step of the anvil. You have to get the cable hot enough to tighten first to remove all the air space.( I tighten by continuously turning and hitting on the step using light blows) this is done so you can get a nice even heat when welding. Remember to only put the part you want tightened or welded on the anvils step. The first objective is simply to get the tip welded together. There is no telling how much cable I ruined before I got it welded (the first time). Good Luck.

the way I learned it and have done since, is to twist the wire tight first, then just hammer and turn it clockwise between hits on the flat face of the anvil. Works well for me.

I weld it on the anvil face and just continually turn it as I hammer.

The cable that I have welded has been worked both flat on the face and on the edge of the step. I'd say the edge of the step worked best, of those two methods.

I weld it initially ... in a vise, twisting it down on itself with a pipe wrench at a welding heat, this does most of the initial weld. Then i use the flat of my anvil and jsut follow the strands, turning continually.

I still need to get cable. Lol, were are some places that I can look or call for GOOD cable that doesn't have a synthetic or rope core??

I still need to get cable. Lol, were are some places that I can look or call for GOOD cable that doesn't have a synthetic or rope core??

Or a rdiulously large minimum order..Or a foolish ammount for shipping :confused: Im looking too..

Check with some of the construction companies that use construction cranes. It may be a little dirty down in, though. That was the problem that I had. I have to heat, UNtwist slightly and use LOTS of flux to clean it. Then twist tight and forge weld.

Or a rdiulously large minimum order..Or a foolish ammount for shipping :confused: Im looking too..

As CurlyGeorge mentioned, try the crane companies, but ask for the wire chockers. This will not have the grease on it or if it does it won't be as bad. I have seen this wire rope/cable chockers anywhere from 3/8" to 2" in dia. . They will usually discard them if any wires are broken or if they are kinked too badly. Tell them what you plan to do with it too. No tellin' what all you could go home with! :)

Check out the local overhead hoist or crane companies, they just through it away after a bad wire rope is changed.

Good advice guys but there isnt a crane or hoist company within a 100 miles of here.Im in a very rural part Eastern,Ky.Theres only two places that Ive found within three counties of here that sell it and they all have large minimum orders..Logging outfits and the mines use it but they all get theres from the two previously mentioned places..Im sure sooner or later Ill plug around sometime and find some...

Tow trucks use it.
Man, you're in coal country. Ask around a bit. Yrs ago, when they changed off draglines, it was just throwed over the hill and forgotten.
Darren Ellis sells it also.
If I get my cut-off saw to work, I'll have some for sale also.

Thomas, I didn't think about the chokers. But you are right. They would definetly have less grease and crud. Good idea.

I've been using 1" cable that has normal rope down the middle. I pull it apart & put 5/16" solid spring steel in the middle then put it back together.
Making a throwing axe out of it at the moment & it gives a great affect when the solid bit comes through the rope! Will post some pics of it when it's done :)

Please do post some pix. That sounds interesting. I sell quite a few Hawks. Might try one like that.:)

Here's the hawk so far. Haven't found a piece of wood for the handle yet but I'm looking! Pretty happy with the way it came out :D

That is an attractive hawk, I might have to give that a try.

Something else I've wanted to try is open the cable and sprinkle with nickle dust or filings.

High strength cable is used everywhere you just have to know who to ask. As said crane and wrecker outfits use it and the crane outfits HAVE to change it out when worn or kinked. Also, there are surly well drillers in your area, most use cable. Dirt moving companies use high strength cable on the dozer winch drums. Logging outfits use miles and MILES of high strength cable as do mines.

I'll post more as I think of them.

Frosty

That's a real beauty!! I know that I'm going to have to try one, now. Thanks for the pix.