Axxe55
Retiretgtshit stirrer
Look at getting one of those adjustable barstools with a back on it. That will probably allow you to sit at the right height for your current set up.
I actually already have one. Great suggestion though.
Look at getting one of those adjustable barstools with a back on it. That will probably allow you to sit at the right height for your current set up.
Axxe is getting straight knifemaker, OG handbuilt equipment, status level 1000.
Nice, Axxe! I'll be easing my way into forging knives soon - right now I'm just learning how to move the steel and make things, so I've started with wall hooks out of mild steel. Once I've bulit up a certain level of skill with that, I'll make the leap to high carbon steel and start learning to heat treat and temper blades.
As it is, though, I'm having a ball with what I'm doing, and I'm making some cool basic pieces. This one started out as a 3/8" round bar.
View attachment 246745
Very cool! My main reason for the forge is going to be heat treating knives starting out. Later on, I do plan on doing some forged knives, and when I do go that direction, I plan building a two burner forge for better heating.
I've just always wanted to forge steel. Ever since I was a kid and watched "Conan the Barbarian" with the (unfortunately ridiculously inaccurate, but still cool as hell) sword forging scene at the beginning. Early last year, my wife surprised me with a drill press, a belt grinder (not a 2x72 like you're building - I'm jealous! But mine will be a start), and a bench grinder...and told me to find an anvil to buy. That got the ball rolling. I spent most of the year getting things ready, setting up my space, waiting out the heat of summer...and now here I am. I started teaching myself to forge in December, and last month I started making things to sell.
Yeah, I don't have any kind of welder...but I do have a son who's taking a welding class in high school. I might hint to him that a 2x72 would be a unique welding project for next year...
I'm learning the same way you are. Getting a lot of good infor from a few blacksmiths on YouTube - epsecially Black Bear Forge, Purgatory Iron Works and Alec Steele.
I have watched quite a few videos by all three of those guys and picked up lots of useful information.
The 2x72 belt grinder would be an awesome welding project. I'd also look into a small 110V MIG welder. I have a MIG and flux core welder that I bought about ten years ago, very similar to this one.
You forgot to order the Chiropractor for your back.The belt grinder wheels and belts were ordered this afternoon. Built a platform to raise the drill press up to a more comfortable level last night. Works much better for my back now!
You forgot to order the Chiropractor for your back.
Anvil, do you have a real antique Texican anvil? Those bastards ain't cheap or plentiful.
I suspect that with the success of the TV series, "Forged In Fire" that the prices of anvils and other blacksmithing tools have probably gone up.
Anvil, do you have a real antique Texican anvil? Those bastards ain't cheap or plentiful.
You suspect correctly...
BTW, I swear I'm not "Mr Expert" here...just passing along stuff I've learned over the past few months. Your mileage may vary.