Steampunk-Redneck Compressor

I picked up a couple of old propane tanks during the neighborhood bulky-item trash pickup a few weeks ago, and decided to expand the capacity of my compressor.  It's ugly, but it works!

10 gallons total

Brass fittings are not cheap!

Goes up to 100 PSI

Forge Projects

These aren't technically "forged" projects, but they are projects to improve the forge...

First was a badly needed tong rack.

Next was a stand (the red part on the left) to hold my portable bandsaw vertically for easier bench-top use.

This bandsaw is great...it cut through this 1.5" very hard truck axle without missing a beat.

New Forge

Here's the new forge I just built out of an old propane tank.  After ensuring it was truly empty, I removed the valve (NOT easy) and filled it with water to displace any remaining fumes.  I then cut the opening in the top, and cut off the bottom:

I used a hole saw to cut a hole in the top, for the access tube of the burner (made from a piece of black iron pipe nipple).  I also attached toggle hasps to the sides and back (formerly the bottom of the propane tank); This allows me to remove the back for long stock, or to replace the liner:

I then lined the forge with a 2" layer of ceramic wool, which was then painted with 2 coats of Plistix, an IR-reflective refractory coating:

Here's the finished product, with some soft firebricks as the floor and porch:

It works well!  I re-used the burner from my smaller forge, and the new forge appears to be more efficient; it seems to heat up faster, and requires less gas to maintain heat:

Lawnmower Knife

My first knife, made from an old lawnmower blade and the top I cut off of my anvil stump.  Lots of room for improvement, but I'm still pleased with my first effort!

Trash Into Treasure

Step 1: Old coil springs from the junkyard.

Step 2: Cut into roughly 12-18 inch sections.

Step 3: Heat and straighten.  Now you have nice carbon-steel bar stock!

Draw Knife

The first stage of a draw knife, including the old lawnmower blade it came from.

Initial bevel ground, and wooden blanks for the handles.

The finished product.

Hook #2

Slightly less ugly, still functional.

My First Hook

Before

After (ugly, but functional!)

Introducing Ironcutter Forge!

My first "project"...really just practicing some basic skills; namely, adding a scrolled end to a piece of square stock.