Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => At the Forge => Topic started by: osage outlaw on July 03, 2020, 07:46:21 am
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After several years of gathering supplies, making a forge, and acquiring an anvil, I have finally started to do a little forge work. I took some salvaged bar stock and a double box end wrench and made some bottle openers. I have no idea if they will actually open a bottle since I've never used one and only drink water. I need to do some more clean up on them. I made a quick drift out of a railroad spike to open them up after punching a hole. I used a small axle to make a larger drift. That took a lot of hammering. Moving metal is a lot different than removing wood like I'm used to. It was a lot of fun. I drank about a gallon of water while I worked. I was happy with how well the forge worked. I kept several pieces in there at a time so I always had something ready to work on. No waiting for a piece to heat up. That axle was pretty thick and it had it glowing orange.
(https://i.imgur.com/dukvttO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZbXKMHr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5rmCe6o.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CEyeXCJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SJeqLW9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vcOICP9.jpg)
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clint
your well on your way.
those bottle openers should work just fine.
if you have another piece of the axle it will probably make an awesome tomahawk.
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I have more of that axle. I think that was part of the shorter one. I have 2 axles. I have larger round stock that I think might be hardened steel. One piece is stainless. They are probably 80 years old or more. They are hinge pins from huge dam gates on a river bank.
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Great work Clint!
I’d say forge the ends of those bottle openers into a little scroll or curlycue to give them a little style.
A wire wheel in a bench grinder or angle grinder works really well to shine up forge work while still looking forged. Maybe soak in vinegar overnight and then wire wheel.
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very good start
your enthusiasm is contagious
Hope I can resist to start gathering my supplies
I know I wont resist (lol)
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Looking good, Clint. I had to back off forge work for a little bit. I've still got issues with my shoulders and waiting for an MRI.
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Looking good! I am likely too far up in years to get a forge, but may try to find a blade smith, blacksmith type person who is set up and willing to train me a bit! Bad shoulders don't help much either! But first, I got to get everything moved and my shop organized!
Hawkdancer
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I did a little more work to them today. I tapered the handles and curled them around. I'm letting them soak in tung oil for a couple of days. When I was finished forging that axle drift I quenched it in water. I hit it with a file today and it skated across it. I don't know what that steel is but it will harden.
(https://i.imgur.com/ytfUERM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cgrjbML.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aUewB8K.jpg)
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Nice Clint. I’ve been waiting to see what you pull out of that forge. I’m pretty sure you will learn a lot in short order. I’m hoping to see you at Marshall next year and get you some scrap steel from our farm.
Bjrogg
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I'm impressed by how consistent the size is on the openers. I would find that difficult.