Blacksmithing tools

[Shootr]

I'll run with the "turn the damn thing down a bit" suggestion lol.

I get along with pretty much everything except scorpions - they're just always pissed it seems... Rattlers - pretty much have to kick one to get it to bite you, same with Gila monsters. Black widows have to be agitated to get a reaction from them - daddy long legs - I let them be and give them names.

[VaughnT]

Sorry if I came across a bit strong regarding the murderous nightmares that inhabit some parts of the nation. I'm reminded of the old saying that god works in mysterious ways as I'm often left wondering, "what in the world was this guy thinking when he designed that!"

I'm equally flabbergasted when I see welders cobbling together some scraps to make a metal spider. It seems rather a common practice and I can't wrap my brain around the idea of wasting my time and resources to make what is arguably the ugliest thing to ever walk the land. If you're looking for something in terms of welding practice, I can think of a thousand other animals to try your hand at first. Or just give up welding altogether.



On the subject of mitigating dragon's breath, I remembered hearing about a gentleman who installed a small squirrel cage blower on the underside of his forge. The outfeed piping was designed so that it created a wide-but-thin flare that blew upwards across the front of the forge. It worked a lot like those air curtains they use on restaurant doors to keep flies out. He reported quite good results from the idea and I recall a few others on the forum taking him up on the notion.

[Lis2323]

Hey Vaughn how about a dragons breath curtain surrounding your smithy to keep the spiders out.


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[Shootr]

Sorry if I came across a bit strong regarding the murderous nightmares that inhabit some parts of the nation. I'm reminded of the old saying that god works in mysterious ways as I'm often left wondering, "what in the world was this guy thinking when he designed that!"

Dude, you're the last one (by FAR) that I'd ever worry about being blunt. You provide numerous guffaws along with your wisdom.

That said, the grandkids are flying in from Spain next week (Navy break for Mom and Dad before deploying to Japan) and I'm hell bent on introducing them to welding (8 and 6 yrs old). Spiders might be on the menu lol.

[Lis2323]

That said, the grandkids are flying in from Spain next week (Navy break for Mom and Dad before deploying to Japan) and I'm hell bent on introducing them to welding (8 and 6 yrs old). Spiders might be on the menu lol.

Too cool!

Dude, you're the last one (by FAR) that I'd ever worry about being blunt. You provide numerous guffaws along with your wisdom.

As far as BLUNT people go, Emily would be my favorite....




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[N2 Welding]

I’d smoke that ^ blunt any day and I don’t smoke blunts.

[Lis2323]

My daughter just turned twenty so by the time she has kids 8 or 9 years old they'll probably have to take turns pushing my wheelchair to the park.


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[Shootr]

Can regular steel punches be used as drifts to make holes - like for axe handles?

[shortfuse]

They probably can, but axes have heads that are elongated, so you would have to reshape the punch. Drifts don't have to be heat treated since the act of drifting would remove any tempering. Most drifts are made from heat resistant steel or tough steels like H-13 or S-7.

[SlowBlues]

Would anyone know what effect using a cold chisel or metal punch for a drift would have on the chisel/punch?

I've always wondered this,

thanks!

[shortfuse]

If you are drifting, punching hot (red, yellow) steel, you'll remove the tempering..

[VaughnT]

Can regular steel punches be used as drifts to make holes - like for axe handles?

Yes. Remember, axes and the like have been made long before there was any kind of crazy alloys like we have today. Mild steel, A36 or 1018, is relatively soft and will wear faster than S7, A33, or H13, but it's still perfectly serviceable.

Would anyone know what effect using a cold chisel or metal punch for a drift would have on the chisel/punch?

The heat will destroy the OEM heat-treatment in the tool, but other than that there's nothing to worry about. Modern tools are made from various alloys that're pretty tough, certainly better than mild steel will function. I often repurpose store-bought "flea market" chisels and punches just because it's a quick-n-easy source for some decent tool steel. I can't give them the "proper" heat treatment since I don't know the alloy, but even in their annealed state they are stronger and more durable than the mild steel equivalent.

[Lis2323]

I picked up this little pair of duckbill tongs and nice homemade compass today from my Toolguy who does the estate and garage sale circuit.









$5 Cdn. (Under $4usd)


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[whtbaron]

You find stuff on that island I never ever see in the middle of the prairies... I would have thought it should be the other way around...

[Lis2323]

You find stuff on that island I never ever see in the middle of the prairies... I would have thought it should be the other way around...

This stuff probably came West with the owners when they retired. Only explanation I can think of.

I'm so fortunate my retired friend buys entire lots cheap. He isn't concerned about needing to google each item to maximize a profit. As long as he makes money he is happy.


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[Lis2323]

Here's a restored newer model 100# Little Giant power hammer for sale near me.




Asking Cdn $11k


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[whtbaron]

I guess I'll be sticking with my ugly home made monstrosities...

[VaughnT]

That's a gorgeous hammer. I especially like the anvil saddle with that big ol' handle to crank on!

One of my pet projects is to try and find some modern equivalent to the LG clutch and flywheel system so folks don't have to use that nasty inefficient tire hammer design. I had a video on how to make an LG clutch and flywheel system from scratch, but I don't have the tools and know-how to pull it off. I keep hoping to find something already on the market that would work so I can build a DP120-style hammer without the tire.

[Lis2323]

Here’s another pic of the hammer..





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[Lis2323]

I picked up this big ball peen hammer today.

Made in Canada by Gray Tools.

It weights 3 pounds 4 ounces with the handle.



Suitable for a big guy like Vaughn T.


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[whtbaron]

Nice find... those old Gray tools are good quality.

[N2 Welding]

Looks to be in pretty good shape too.

[VaughnT]

Love the lines! I've heard of 3# ball peen hammers, but I've never actually seen one in person. It's on the bucket list.....

[Lis2323]

My $5 midweek Marketplace purchase ...







I only needed to straighten out the handle, add a spring and wire brush.

Pretty useless but kinda cool none the less.


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[whtbaron]

I wouldn't call it useless... maybe light duty. I'm trying to arrange tools according to the job I expect them to do. Heavy vises on the welding bench, but I have a light 3 inch vice that will end up on the soldering bench (when it gets built) for light work. That could be an application for yours as well.