RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jul 15, 2022 13:19:56 GMT -7
Anyway… a fella CAN get set up to give himself a start fairly inexpensivly. And quickly. No need to get overwhelmed with all the stuff that can come along later. Heat your work, hold your work, shape your work. Ground forge, tongs, hammer and anvil. Our friend is already set up with the post-forge implements of bladesmithing.
When My ankle is well, a small coal forge smithy is on my agenda. Box of dirt with a hand-crank blower, big pliers, vintage hammers, cheap bench vise, and my great grandfather’s anvil that needs cleaned up and dressed. First project - real tongs. Then add tools as needed. For what I envision myself doing, an outside, simple, solid fuel forge should do me well.
Actually… with our friend’s skill in leatherwork, he could make colonial bellows. How cool would that be?!
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jul 15, 2022 13:22:02 GMT -7
Oh I know. Two years ago I did a refractory job on the ash bottoms of two 850MW boilers. 1000cy of refractory. I don't know what all that means, but I think I know who I want to build my forge...😁 I’m in. Pick a weekend in September and a place at the homestead. I can build it here. It’ll be portable so if you want to take it to an event. Look for an anvil. And… a stump. 😎
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Post by paranger on Jul 15, 2022 13:22:31 GMT -7
Anyway… a fella CAN get set up to give himself a start fairly inexpensivly. And quickly. No need to get overwhelmed with all the stuff that can come along later. Heat your work, hold your work, shape your work. Ground forge, tongs, hammer and anvil. Our friend is already set up with the post-forge implements of bladesmithing. When My ankle is well, a small coal forge smithy is on my agenda. Box of dirt with a hand-crank blower, big pliers, vintage hammers, cheap bench vise, and my great grandfather’s anvil that needs cleaned up and dressed. First project - real tongs. Then add tools as needed. For what I envision myself doing, an outside, simple, solid fuel forge should do me well. Actually… with our friend’s skill in leatherwork, he could make colonial bellows. How cool would that be?! You dream big...but I admire it!
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jul 15, 2022 13:26:36 GMT -7
Oh I know. Two years ago I did a refractory job on the ash bottoms of two 850MW boilers. 1000cy of refractory. I don't know what all that means, but I think I know who I want to build my forge...😁 This is Martins Creek Steam Electric Station on the Delaware River. North of Bethlehem, south of the Walking Purchase. Two 850 megawatt steam generators (boilers) that are 250’ high. Lots of refractory in a furnace that size! See how I tied that into colonial history there?? 🤓
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Post by paranger on Jul 15, 2022 13:32:51 GMT -7
Well played...
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jul 15, 2022 14:01:21 GMT -7
… to…
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Post by hawkeyes on Jul 15, 2022 18:16:47 GMT -7
I've made more stuff on a small charcoal forge than I can shake a stick at. As you mentioned no need to get crazy like I have, but my setups are not just for recreational smithing but serious work minus a power hammer. I sell allot of decorative ironwork locally. Only thing I feel is a must is a good set of tongs. Not hard to make and IMO they are a must first project. If I was teaching someone smithing, they'd be making themselves tongs first.
Concerning bellows, I have a double lung setup awaiting to be finished, 4'x3'.
Funny you brought up steam boilers and turbines. Just finished a power unit for a generation station down in Cincinnati.
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Post by paranger on Jul 17, 2022 17:14:38 GMT -7
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jul 17, 2022 19:27:43 GMT -7
I don’t know why, but I find relics like that to be damn romantic.
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Post by paranger on Jul 18, 2022 3:23:16 GMT -7
I don’t know why, but I find relics like that to be damn romantic. I hear ya. If only it could talk...
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