Started a new hobby

[MosinRob 1]

I recently Started blacksmithing. I have a couple friends in the hobby and decided I wanted to try. Built my own forge out of material that were around. Total cost was about $30. Bought a anvil a little later. I've made a couple things so far. I took a railroad spike and just put a curl on it and then took one and flattened the end. Just to warm up. Next I made a couple lantern holders. Then I made a RR spike knife. Still needs a little work but mostly done. I'm working on a small tomahawk for my son now. Just thought I'd share.

[CMJeepster 2,778]

Cool! I've always wanted to take a class for that.

[MosinRob 1]

you don't need a class. read a couple books, watch some youtube, talk to a guy that has done it and start forging. I didn't really have any training other than watching my friend do it once. You learn quick

[Candyman87 10]

Very cool!

[checko 180]

Sweet looking blade dude

 

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[302w 83]

I'm quite jealous. Your forge looks interesting for sure. I guess that hand crank looking thing is an air pump?

 

Blacksmithing is something I messed around in highschool metal shop and unfortunately didn't continue. We had a small propane or maybe natgas forge that I would block the vents on to try to get it hotter. I would up making a bunch of stuff, screwdriver shafts, punches, and my favorite was a really nice crowbar made from 1" hex stock. The bend on it I cheated on though since I used a bender, an oxy/actelyene torch, and the Canadian girl in class to help me bend it. I loved using the torch because I was able to get it BRIGHT orange quickly. The forge only got it to a low-medium orange. 

 

Try making nails from 1" flatstock if you have a good anvil. Doesn't take long and it is pretty fun.

[pbkid6974 1]

Shovel ak time?

[MosinRob 1]

I'm quite jealous. Your forge looks interesting for sure. I guess that hand crank looking thing is an air pump?

 

Blacksmithing is something I messed around in highschool metal shop and unfortunately didn't continue. We had a small propane or maybe natgas forge that I would block the vents on to try to get it hotter. I would up making a bunch of stuff, screwdriver shafts, punches, and my favorite was a really nice crowbar made from 1" hex stock. The bend on it I cheated on though since I used a bender, an oxy/actelyene torch, and the Canadian girl in class to help me bend it. I loved using the torch because I was able to get it BRIGHT orange quickly. The forge only got it to a low-medium orange. 

 

Try making nails from 1" flatstock if you have a good anvil. Doesn't take long and it is pretty fun.

Yes its a hand crank air blower. Old school. Gas forge's don't get as hot a soft coal forges. I can go from a cold forge light some newsprint, cover with coal and in about 4 min I'm= at forge welding temperature. That's between 1600-2000 degree's Fahrenheit. I've made nails before. I have a cheater tool for it too. I just got a bunch of files and lawn mower blades to I'm going to make some knives and tomahawks

[302w 83]

Have you considered going electric? I mean it is a little redneck but people have had success using hairdryers, shopvacs, and the like.

 

What are you using for fuel? Straight anthracite?

[MosinRob 1]

I have means any time I want I  could hook one to it but I really like the blower on it. Don't get me wrong after a hour or so your arm gets tired but it don't take much cranking to get the steel to critical. I use soft coal

[Smokin .50 1,907]

Nice job Rob!  Can't wait to see it in operation some time!  GREAT pix too!

[MedicYeti 96]

Very cool. Blacksmithing is one of those things I'd like to try but haven't. Your doing a good job from what I can tell. Enjoy.