Andy Mac
11th Aug 2008, 02:59 PM
Hi there,
Just thought I'd introduce you to a new bit of gear for my shed!:D Picked it up last Friday, pre-auction for $250. Its an old hand cranked shop forge, Rapid brand, made in Sydney (who knows when- 30's-40's!?). According to the seller, it was part of a blacksmithing set complete with anvil (which he still has), basic tools, charcoal and steel...all supplied to farmers etc direct from a catalogue. He knocked back my first offer, saying he expected at least $300 at auction. As I haven't seen one for sale locally for a long time, I snapped it up, thanks to Mr Rudd:p
Its very similar, maybe a bit bigger, to one I showed a while back that I had from a mate, and forged a chisel (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=28772&highlight=forging+chisel) with.
Some fairly serious repairs/mods to this one: the whole firebox has been constructed by the 'smith I bought it off, using some mild steel and a plough disc- which has since cracked at the weld. It runs OK, but I haven't fired it up yet. Young Loki is getting pretty keen about cranking the handle, so I hope that enthusiasm continues when there's heat and hammering going on!
Cheers,
Just thought I'd introduce you to a new bit of gear for my shed!:D Picked it up last Friday, pre-auction for $250. Its an old hand cranked shop forge, Rapid brand, made in Sydney (who knows when- 30's-40's!?). According to the seller, it was part of a blacksmithing set complete with anvil (which he still has), basic tools, charcoal and steel...all supplied to farmers etc direct from a catalogue. He knocked back my first offer, saying he expected at least $300 at auction. As I haven't seen one for sale locally for a long time, I snapped it up, thanks to Mr Rudd:p
Its very similar, maybe a bit bigger, to one I showed a while back that I had from a mate, and forged a chisel (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=28772&highlight=forging+chisel) with.
Some fairly serious repairs/mods to this one: the whole firebox has been constructed by the 'smith I bought it off, using some mild steel and a plough disc- which has since cracked at the weld. It runs OK, but I haven't fired it up yet. Young Loki is getting pretty keen about cranking the handle, so I hope that enthusiasm continues when there's heat and hammering going on!
Cheers,