Choosing a method

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kolhoznik

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Ok, after reading the helpful responses to my last question and doing some reading on my own, I think the best method for me to start with is stock-removal (as I live in a subdivision a forge would probably not be welcomed). My next question is what tools do I need to get started, can it be done by hand tools or are power tools needed? Thanks.
 
power tools make it faster, but open up the possibility of going too far too fast. it's hard to regrow that steel. a vice and some files, drill and bits, sandpaper and a block will make a nice knife. start with known steel. 5160 is my starter steel. got it at a local leaf spring maker. you can also order it from Jantz, admiral, crucible, ebay, etc...
check hossom.com/tutorial/jonesy/ for cheap techniques.
heath
 
kolhoznik said:
Ok, after reading the helpful responses to my last question and doing some reading on my own, I think the best method for me to start with is stock-removal (as I live in a subdivision a forge would probably not be welcomed). My next question is what tools do I need to get started, can it be done by hand tools or are power tools needed? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I live in a subdivision and forge all of the time. A gas forge isn't any more invasive to your neighbors than a gas grill is. I can't forge inside, so I move my small NC Whisper 3-burner forge out onto my patio. It's on a small tool box with all my hammers, tongs, etc. stored inside the tool box. I have a heavy stump with an inset lag bolted to it for my anvil. I also roll a second "heavy duty" kennedy tool box out that has a vice mounted on it for any tack welding, and laying of materials and pieces out on. My lincoln welder fits under the forge in the open door area of the small tool box that my forge sits on.

I actually have neighbors that come over to watch. My neighbors are fascinated by the way the metal changes shape and is transformed into knife shaped objects. My forge has become the start of many informal parties, where neighbors bring over a beer or three, especially when it's hot out and they want to help me cool down.

I even used to forge outside the sliding glass door of my apartment building when I lived in Iowa. I've never had a complaint. The only thing about living close to others is the noise of the anvil. Just be courteous about the time of day that you choose to indulge yourself at your forge and you shouldn't have any problems whatsoever.

Now, if you choose to go the coal forging route, then the smell of the smoke as you make coke might lead to some complaints. But, I've never had a problem with my propane forge. By the way, my neighbors yards are only 10 feet in the back yard from my forge and 30 feet on the other side.

Ickie
 
definitely read the links and browse the web, buy a copy of the $50 knife shop to browse at coffee shops, and start with hand tools :)

I'm slowly adding power tools, but what I started with was a bunch of files, sandpaper, one $30 grinder, a hacksaw, and a mapp torch.

Not that I'm *good* yet, but learning by hand teaches a lot.
 
koyote said:
definitely read the links and browse the web, buy a copy of the $50 knife shop to browse at coffee shops, and start with hand tools :)

I'm slowly adding power tools, but what I started with was a bunsh of files, sandpaper, one $30 grinder, a hacksaw, and a mapp torch.

Not that I'm *good* yet, but learning by hand teaches a lot.
Click to expand...


What kind of grinder, files, and torch did you use? What other options for cutting are out there besides the torch or is that by far the easiest?
 
Just a garage sale bench grinder- in this case a Buffalo 1/2 horsepower model that came with 3 assorted 6 inch wheels and a cutofff wheel.

I don't use the torch for cutting, but for annealing, normalizing, and doing final heat. (I did make a small forge body for that).

Nicholson files, just, I dunno. I think I had only a 12 inch flat mill the first day or two and then went out and got rounds, taper triangles, smaller flat mills. I've got a pile of them now.

If you have sandpaper and make sanding sticks, you can probably get by for a while with just a 12 inch flat mill, but decent round is going to help a LOT with inside curves and spanish notches and such.
 
Scottickes???

Any chance we could see some pics of your various setups?

That would be very cool

Syn
 
kolhoznik said:
.... as I live in a subdivision a forge would probably not be welcomed
Click to expand...

I ran a forge with powerhammer, compressor, you name it, in the 2-car garage of a condo for years.

I had to have everything on casters so I could park move thing around and park both cars in there every night (according to the rules).

Beyond that, I didn't make noise before 11.00 am or so or after about 5:00 pm (give or take), and no one ever complained.

If you show some consideration, people usually leave you alone.
 
synthesist said:
Scottickes???

Any chance we could see some pics of your various setups?

That would be very cool

Syn
Click to expand...

My set up is very simple and compact.

I keep my anvil on a small 2 wheeled dolly in the corner of my shop. I keep my forge on a very inexpensive roll away tool chest. When I want to forge, I just roll both out and put my anvil on a cut off tree stump that I roll into the garden when I'm not forging. The tree stump is garden decoration most of the time, and a tool when I forge. My anvil weighs 110 lbs. and I just lift it up off the 2 wheeled cart and onto the stump when I want to forge. I can set up or tear down my set up in less than five minutes.

As Mr. Caswell stated, if you're considerate of your neighbors you won't have any problems. I use the following rule to guide me on when to forge and when not to forge. If it would be acceptable to run your lawnmower (much louder than forging) then it is acceptable to forge. My usual forging hours are between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and I've never had a complaint.

I hope this helps.

Ickie
 
I live in a residential area myself. My forge only got the cops/fire dept. called on me once. Once they saw what it was they laughed and hung out for awhile. They told the lady who called me in it was no different than a gas grill. That lady might not like it, but the rest of the neighbors love to watch. One guy always asks me what I'll be making next.

Jesus Hernandez has a really cool garage setup.
-Mike Sheffield
 
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