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Re: Blacksmithing tools
In all seriousness, a comfy spot to take a break and work on drawings or whatever might just be the most important "tool" in a blacksmith's shop. Being able to stop for a minute and rest, to recharge the mental batteries, can save a lot of time in the long run and prevent injuries. Not that I've ever got hurt because I was tired and pushed on. Just what I heard on the street!
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Blacksmithing tools
I have 3 roll around office chairs like whtbaron. One in the office, one in the sheet metal area and one in the wood shop next to the wood stove; and I’m not afraid of using them!!
I also have these scattered throughout the shop...
My “stool samples“
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
My next personal project is going to be making a stool. I have the base in mind, and a tractor seat ready to weld on, so it's just a matter of getting to it. Won't be adjustable for height, but I think it'll still be more comfortable than sitting on a wood chair. Plus, it'll roll so I can go from one end of the shop to the next... if I ever get the floor cleaned enough.
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
Lis2323
I have 3 roll around office chairs like whtbaron. One in the office, one in the sheet metal area and one in the wood shop next to the wood stove; and I’m not afraid of using them!!
I also have these scattered throughout the shop...
My “stool samples“
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You still need a yellow one... and a gray one... and....
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
I picked up another batch of hammers the other day. It was a good deal on a few shapes I did not have so went with it.
Millermatic 252 MIG
Miller Dynasty 200DX TIG
Altas 12x36 Metal Lathe
Bridgeport Milling Machine
Arclight Dynamics 4x8 plasma table
www.psacustomcreations.com
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
psacustomcreations
I picked up another batch of hammers the other day. It was a good deal on a few shapes I did not have so went with it.
Nice, Pat. I especially like that rounding hammer. I very rarely see those for sale used around here.
I like the cross pein too
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Talking about tools, I'm "in talks" with a company that makes some very nice stainless steel French Curves. They don't come in handy often around the blacksmith shop, but they come in handy enough that most every smith will have a cheap plastic set in a drawer somewhere.
It's like anything else, a good tool is a joy to have around. I've always hated those cheap plastic curve sets you can buy just because they feel so flimsy and cheap. Add in a hot environment with lots of iron about, and they generally crack, chip or break right when you need them most.
These curves have a nice heft to them, but are still thin enough to be "right" for what they are. The specs say .06", but I haven't measured that for myself. They're thick enough that you don't worry they'll get a kink in them, that's for sure.
And the best part is that the company can add my logo to them. Not sure if I'll go that route or not, but we're talking about a larger order and I might as well get them custom-branded while I'm there. The big question, though, is how many people would shell out $45 - $55 for a set of three. Yea, they're great for any artist, but 99% of those types are going to opt for the $1 pack of plastic that's made in china, all the while posting on FB how we need to support American workers!
I like the set and I'll use the set. More than that... I'm just not sure yet.
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
VaughnT
Talking about tools, I'm "in talks" with a company that makes some very nice stainless steel French Curves. They don't come in handy often around the blacksmith shop, but they come in handy enough that most every smith will have a cheap plastic set in a drawer somewhere.
It's like anything else, a good tool is a joy to have around. I've always hated those cheap plastic curve sets you can buy just because they feel so flimsy and cheap. Add in a hot environment with lots of iron about, and they generally crack, chip or break right when you need them most.
These curves have a nice heft to them, but are still thin enough to be "right" for what they are. The specs say .06", but I haven't measured that for myself. They're thick enough that you don't worry they'll get a kink in them, that's for sure.
And the best part is that the company can add my logo to them. Not sure if I'll go that route or not, but we're talking about a larger order and I might as well get them custom-branded while I'm there. The big question, though, is how many people would shell out $45 - $55 for a set of three. Yea, they're great for any artist, but 99% of those types are going to opt for the $1 pack of plastic that's made in china, all the while posting on FB how we need to support American workers!
I like the set and I'll use the set. More than that... I'm just not sure yet.
Okay. I've only been looking for NON plastic French curves.....forever.
Well maybe I haven't actually LOOKED for them but stainless would be ideal. Especially for hand cutting with the plasma cutter.
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
I think the metal set would go over well with many metal workers or blacksmiths. Marketing it on Facebook, YouTube, Iforgeiron, Homeshop Machinist, etc would be important to let the audience know about them and how to use them. Be careful some of the bigger names don't also take the idea and run with it.
Emphasizing and demonstrating using them with hot metal is key. I am almost of the opinion that sets made out of thin stainless are great for layout, but slightly thicker (1/8"or so) mild steel for hot work are needed. I am not sure how the stainless would hold up and keep shape if held next to very hot steel. i would not be happy if I put the stainless next to hot metal and it then warped into a potato chip.
I really like the idea, I am just know that someone like me, who is not always careful with my tools might inadvertently warp them by letting them get too hot.
Millermatic 252 MIG
Miller Dynasty 200DX TIG
Altas 12x36 Metal Lathe
Bridgeport Milling Machine
Arclight Dynamics 4x8 plasma table
www.psacustomcreations.com
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
You make some good points, Pat. I wasn't even thinking about how to use them past using them for what they are - drawing tools. Now you've got me pondering on other ways to apply them in the shop. I was thinking more that you could use them to draw a nice curve on some rusty plate, and then match your hot steel to that curve. If there's a chance they might warp.... well, that's something I'll have to check out before I order more.
Not being one of those big and famous youtube types, I wonder how long it would take to make back my initial investment. The t-shirts have been great just because I need shirts like anyone else and it costs me nothing to have them online and available to everyone else. Not so with the curves, and that's the crux. As parsimonious as tradesmen can be, I wonder if there'd be enough meat on the bone to make it worth the effort. I might do it just on a lark, though. I've spent more on worse, that's for sure, and now that the bars are shut down I seem to have a little extra cash in my pocket.
If nothing else, it'd be fun to know that long after I'm gone, someone somewhere is going to see those curves with my shop name on it and wonder what the story is.
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Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
VaughnT
If nothing else, it'd be fun to know that long after I'm gone, someone somewhere is going to see those curves with my shop name on it and wonder what the story is.
If you do it I will buy a set with your logo V !
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Last edited by Lis2323; 11-22-2020 at 09:46 AM.
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
First time one of my shirts has ever seen a hanger!
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
You say there are limitations since you are not a big and famous U tube type. Maybe part of the solution is to become a big and famous U tube type. A neighbor of mine is into honey and bees (lol... for some strange reason my computer just typed "beer" when I said that instead of bees... bad typo!) . Everything he has done for the last 3 yrs is fully documented on Utube and now he "is" a big and famous Utube type. I heard he's pulling in an extra $20k/yr doing that. Blacksmithing is hot right now, and a lot of so-called "experts" have less then 3 yrs experience themselves. Maybe you need to start filming your processes and passing on some of that knowledge and cashing in on it. Right now is a great time, with everyone holed up because of the black plague, they are online and in their shops. You keep telling us the hammer is getting heavy on your arm... filming would be relaxing in relation to non-stop forging, and it would give you a chance to re-examine your techniques and what is making you money, and filming just might turn into a lucrative sideline. And I do like the SS curves... I just don't do enough of the artistic stuff to know if I'd actually use them much.
250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC Stick
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Les
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
People have said that I should step into the video arena and see if I could make something happen with it. Unfortunately, I'm just not one of those types of people. Aside from being too ugly to be on that side of the lens, the shop is a pig sty and I sure wouldn't want it documented. Yea, I could focus in tight on the anvil and do other workarounds, but.... I just have a real problem with being in the limelight, so to speak. Call me a diehard and unapologetic introvert, I guess.
Originally Posted by
whtbaron
And I do like the SS curves... I just don't do enough of the artistic stuff to know if I'd actually use them much.
That's the response I've been getting the most, and I think it just might be one of those 'hint from heaven' kinda things.
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Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
whtbaron
And I do like the SS curves... I just don't do enough of the artistic stuff to know if I'd actually use them much.
And who doesn’t like curves
I would wager you’d use them if you had them...
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
VaughnT
People have said that I should step into the video arena and see if I could make something happen with it. Unfortunately, I'm just not one of those types of people. Aside from being too ugly to be on
that side of the lens, the shop is a pig sty and I sure wouldn't want it documented. Yea, I could focus in tight on the anvil and do other workarounds, but.... I just have a real problem with being in the limelight, so to speak. Call me a diehard and unapologetic introvert, I guess.
That's the response I've been getting the most, and I think it just might be one of those 'hint from heaven' kinda things.
If I'm searching video's to learn how to do something as a blacksmith, I really don't care what the "model" looks like... although I do like Terry's suggestion. Adding her might be a little distracting however. Same goes for the shop. Focus on the lesson at hand and basic skills. I remember going to Xmas pageants years ago and that guy that's making money on Youtube now was too shy to say his lines. You and your shop won't be in the limelight, your skills will be.
250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC Stick
F-225 amp Forney AC Stick
230 amp Sears AC Stick
Lincoln 180C MIG
Vevor MIG 200A
Victor Medalist 350 O/A
Vevor Cut 50 Plasma
Les
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
I received and installed the KMG-TX 2x72 belt grinder today. I repurposed an old tool stand I was not using and threw it on that.
I will use it a bit see how I like that height on the stand. It is at a great height when vertical but a tiny bit high jn the horizontal position. I can always move the leg height so that is an easy fix.
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Millermatic 252 MIG
Miller Dynasty 200DX TIG
Altas 12x36 Metal Lathe
Bridgeport Milling Machine
Arclight Dynamics 4x8 plasma table
www.psacustomcreations.com
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Oooh! That's a beauty, Pat! And I love how the stand color-matches the grinder!
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Yep, that black and white with red stripes would look right at home in my shop if you get tired of it. Nice looking unit. Wouldn't you tend to use it more in the vertical position anyway?
Last edited by whtbaron; 11-22-2020 at 01:51 PM.
250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC Stick
F-225 amp Forney AC Stick
230 amp Sears AC Stick
Lincoln 180C MIG
Vevor MIG 200A
Victor Medalist 350 O/A
Vevor Cut 50 Plasma
Les
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
psacustomcreations
I received and installed the KMG-TX 2x72 belt grinder today. I repurposed an old tool stand I was not using and threw it on that.
I will use it a bit see how I like that height on the stand. It is at a great height when vertical but a tiny bit high jn the horizontal position. I can always move the leg height so that is an easy fix.
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Nice Pat!
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
whtbaron
Yep, that black and white with red stripes would look right at home in my shop if you get tired of it. Nice looking unit. Wouldn't you tend to use it more in the vertical position anyway?
I expect I will use it in the vertical position most of the time. Right now the table is at a little above waist height in that position. That puts the table just below chest level. . If I lower the whole thing one more notch, it might be more comfortable.
Since the platen has about 8 to 10 inches of surface, I have room to work with.
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Millermatic 252 MIG
Miller Dynasty 200DX TIG
Altas 12x36 Metal Lathe
Bridgeport Milling Machine
Arclight Dynamics 4x8 plasma table
www.psacustomcreations.com
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
I found this VLCHECK made in USA ball peen hammer today. Pretty nice shape for 50 plus years old and a really well balanced handle. I think it is most likely a 14 ounce.
Pretty interesting history also. I edited some info I found about the company.
VLCHECK USA.
"This company was started in 1859 by BLACKSMITH Frank Vlcheck and grew to become the largest maker of automobile tool kits.
In 1959 they were bought out by Pendleton Tool Company, a Proto subsidiary and in 1969 after Ingersoll Rand bought Proto that seems to be the end of the Vlcheck name. "
They would appear to be one of the MANY tool companies Proto bought out.
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Re: Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
Lis2323
I found this VLCHECK made in USA ball peen hammer today. Pretty nice shape for 50 plus years old and a really well balanced handle. I think it is most likely a 14 ounce.
Pretty interesting history also. I edited some info I found about the company.
VLCHECK USA.
"This company was started in 1859 by BLACKSMITH Frank Vlcheck and grew to become the largest maker of automobile tool kits.
In 1959 they were bought out by Pendleton Tool Company, a Proto subsidiary and in 1969 after Ingersoll Rand bought Proto that seems to be the end of the Vlcheck name. "
They would appear to be one of the MANY tool companies Proto bought out.
Nice hammer and really nice color ..... but..... uhhmmmm..... you misspelled the name a couple times
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Blacksmithing tools
Originally Posted by
ronsii
Nice hammer
and really nice color
..... but..... uhhmmmm..... you misspelled the name a couple times
And there you have it. Stay in school kids.
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Last edited by Lis2323; 11-22-2020 at 07:27 PM.
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