softening files in fire

[pimpnugget]

here are some pics i took when i was getting all the fuel for my fire to soften
my files aka my feture knives

i hope you enjoyed the pics

 

[pimpnugget]

here guys i forget one

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

I realize that perhaps the fire-making is part of the fun, but if you wanted to, it isn't hard to get set up a little more professionally.

Here is a pic of my forge, made from an oval basin, some refractory cement, and some iron pipe. It has a blower attached which is electric.

A forge like this allows you to generate more heat, more reliably than annealing in your grill.

A good set up allows you to make knives like these, which I made from files like you have.

Let me know if you want more info about how to get set up.

Andy

 

[PB Wilson]

I'd like to know more. I inherited a bunch of old, dull, rusty files that saw many years of service in my Grandfather's collision shop and they could be doing a lot more than just sitting in my basement.

If you could share some pointers and more pics I'd really appreciate it.

 

[Bushman5]

very cool forge and knives! thanks for sharing !

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

I'd like to know more. I inherited a bunch of old, dull, rusty files that saw many years of service in my Grandfather's collision shop and they could be doing a lot more than just sitting in my basement.

If you could share some pointers and more pics I'd really appreciate it.

OK. This forge is not my design. I got it from here - http://64.176.180.203/washtubforge.htm

I used Tim's design and watched his DVD to get an idea how to use it. I have no commercial or social connection with Mr. Lively, I just learned a lot from his resources.

The only variation to his design I used is an electric blower instead of a hand operated one. The forge is pretty easy to make and the components are available to just about anybody.

Let me know if you need any more info.

Andy

 

[CShepherd]

Here's my forge. Built out of part of a 130mm mortar tube, some inswool lining and coating to keep my lungs safe. I use a Bernzomatic JTH-7 from the side to heat it up. Works great.

And my very first knife, made from a Nicholson file. This little thing cuts like crazy and rusts like mad. LOL

All of this has me itching to get in the shop and make another knife.

Now, I don't forge. I do stock reduction but I do heat treat my knives myself from O1 and of course I annealed the file before working it then heat treated it afterwards.

Charlie

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

Here's my forge. Built out of part of a 130mm mortar tube, some inswool lining and coating to keep my lungs safe. I use a Bernzomatic JTH-7 from the side to heat it up. Works great.

And my very first knife, made from a Nicholson file. This little thing cuts like crazy and rusts like mad. LOL

All of this has me itching to get in the shop and make another knife.

Now, I don't forge. I do stock reduction but I do heat treat my knives myself from O1 and of course I annealed the file before working it then heat treated it afterwards.

Charlie

Nice knife, looks like a real worker! :thumbup:

Andy

 

[RoyalM]

PB check this guy out on the tube, minimal kit needed and you'll have yourself a knife in no time. 4 stages so set aside an hour, get a beer and enjoy.

[youtube]5ysKd1cswlo&feature[/youtube]​

 

[PB Wilson]

Andy- That link is perfect. Thanks. Might be my springtime hobby.

Charlie- Cool rig! Does the single flame heat the blades evenly? Do you have to do lots of moving around?

RoyalM- I've seen that video before and he does a nice job. I really should do the same thing with the first bonfire of the year.

Thanks all!

 

[C Bryant]

OK. This forge is not my design. I got it from here - http://64.176.180.203/washtubforge.htm

I used Tim's design and watched his DVD to get an idea how to use it. I have no commercial or social connection with Mr. Lively, I just learned a lot from his resources.

The only variation to his design I used is an electric blower instead of a hand operated one. The forge is pretty easy to make and the components are available to just about anybody.

Let me know if you need any more info.

Andy

Same here, I bought Tim's DVD and built mine from his design. I found his DVD to be a fantastic resource for knowledge and basic how-to. I used a mixture of sand, wood ash, and clay for the "adobe" lining and it works fantastic. I used a dryer hose as to connect my blower to the forge, I recommend against it. It works well enought, and I had it laying around...but it does not last too long. I anneal my files in it and it works perfect, for smaller pieces of steel I used some of the adobe and made a plug to cut the size of the forge in half when I don't need it. Used less charcoal and makes better use of the air that way.

 

[Loosearrow]

Is it bad to used galvanized tubs for the forge? I have heard that galvanize buckets heated up gave off toxic fumes? Maybe it doesn't get that hot with the mortar lined bucked.

 

[brians]

Any ideas on where to get the blower?

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

Is it bad to used galvanized tubs for the forge? I have heard that galvanize buckets heated up gave off toxic fumes? Maybe it doesn't get that hot with the mortar lined bucked.

I was concerned about that at first. But you're right; the cement keeps direct heat from reaching the surface of the tub. It gets hot, but not hot enough.

Andy

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

Any ideas on where to get the blower?

The blower takes the most work to find. Mine came without an end to its cord. Do some googeling and good luck. Some people use hair dryers as blowers which seems to work ok.

Andy