divermike Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I was fooling around and came up with an idea for a hat or coat hanger, I'm sure someone else has already done it, but it was new to me. And it was fast and easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junksmith Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) I marry them up with old horseshoes to make wall hangers for people who like the "rustic" look (see photo). That's more welding than forging really, but a great use for discarded material. I often use them for shanks when I make my own hardie tools. I made a knife and I'm planning to do some forks & spoons. The second picture is one of examples I found online. Unfortunately, none of this is my work, but it serves as great inspiration. Notice the miniature post-vise in the upper right hand corner. Awesome! If you draw them out and put a "J" bend in them, the head makes a serviceable coat hook with no sharp edges. Before you bend, you can get all kinds of artistic with the drawn-out end. Make divots with a ball peen hammer and punch the centers out for mounting holes. Edited January 30, 2009 by Junksmith Clarification Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbob Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I made a pair of scroll tongs from a couple of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Richards Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Woody, The thing is that they are Federal Property! No scrap yards in my area will buy ANY railroad steel, period. I do however aligin my feelings with yours...get some good steel...much better in all ways. Woodreaux I don't think they are federal property but it is a felony to tamper with ANY railroad. All the Railroads are privately owned and will sell their metals for scrap, at least out here on the west coast. I purchased a whole keg of spike from the local scrap yard last year. Also if you really want to be "legal" you can buy them from Mcmaster Carr McMaster-Carr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
civilwarblacksmith Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Here is a few items that I have made. A steamed crab cracker/knife; door knocker; coat and hat hanger I have in my shop; and a plant hook. I also have 2 ladels made from spikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsilver4 Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Here's a knife,hawk and cobra,used a ton of em-Regards Butch They also make great steak flippers,spoons,etc-- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cool Hand Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Though I don't have a picture, I think one of the neatest pieces of artwork I have seen was when someone carved a train engine from a rr spike. I have seen a few of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hot coal Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 a sooon on one end an a fork on the outher end with a twist in the middle for reatctnent ,(sp) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBrann Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 As they are a mid carbon steel, the can be very useful. I make big meat forks and knives from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rthibeau Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Card holder from rr spike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackell Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 I made this candle holder last night. The basic idea came from Trenton over at purgatoryironworks.YouTube - candleholder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Patrick Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 toothpicks for lions. I also forge weld 136 of them together to make ultra awesome super duper kick butt ninja/saxon/hand and a half dagger/broad swords. Which of course I use to combat Zombies. I live in a rough neighborhood in Ohio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksmith Jim Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Phil, Did you really forge weld 136 of them together? I would be very interested in seeing a picture of that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Patrick Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 LOL no not really. I like to stir the pot around here. It would make a pretty wacky Zombie chopper however!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackell Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Here are some pics of my finished candleholder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Here a couple of snakes I have made over the years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dablacksmith Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 i recently drew 8 of them out to about 16 in in leingth for tent pegs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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