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  1. #1
    Razorsmith JoshEarl's Avatar
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    Default Good source for beginner-level tools

    Guys,

    I haven't dealt with this guy yet, but he seems to be offering some decent stuff of interest to aspiring bladesmiths: eBay Store - Poor Boy Blacksmith Tools: Category 1

    His freon tank forges seem like a good buy at $200. Getting all the supplies to make something like that would probably run you $50 to $100, and then would come the hours of tinkering and wondering if you were going to blow yourself up... For bladesmithing work that looks like an excellent choice.

    Josh

  2. #2
    Senior Member jwoods's Avatar
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    really nice find josh, the blowing yourself up stuff is a reality when trying to rig up something with flammable gas, not that i know 1st hand or anything lol

  3. #3
    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
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    I found this guy on ebay and know nothing about forges, but I am interested, I asked Josh Earl to check this out for me(not tech savvy, couldnt even post the link for him). He did and told me more than I had asked for. I publicly wish to thank him for taking the time to chase my wild goose! Sir, my hat is off to you! Thank you.
    It is easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled. Twain

  4. #4
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    I bought some Kaowool from him last year, transaction went smoothly.

    I almost bought a whole bunch more from him but decided to go with Darren Ellis because he had other items I needed as well.

  5. #5
    Hones & Honing randydance062449's Avatar
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    Building one of those forges looks like it is simple. But after I made 3 of them I can assure you it is not! A bunch of different tools are required and a whole lot of running around getting the various supplies.
    $200 is a bargain. The gas regulator, pressure gauge, shut off valve, needle valve, connectors and hoses are not cheap.
    Randolph Tuttle, a SRP Mentor for residents of Minnesota & western Wisconsin

  6. #6
    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
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    The one thing I have noticed missing(unless I missed it)is a temperature gauge, did I miss that? Wouldnt it be of some importance, and how would I install one and what kind?
    It is easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled. Twain

  7. #7
    Razorsmith JoshEarl's Avatar
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    You can get computer-controlled regulators to control the amount of gas the forge gets (and as a result, the temperature). However, a good forge should be able to hold a steady temperature within a range. You can control the gas with the valve.

    To measure temperature, you need a pyrometer and a thermocouple, which is a probe that can withstand the 2,000 degree-F temps you'll get in a forge like this.

    You don't technically "need" a thermocouple and pyrometer, but if you plan to do heat-treatments in your forge, they are extremely helpful. Just ask Russel.

    For forging, you can judge the temperature by the color of the steel. During the heat treatment, a difference of 50 or 100 degrees one way or another can sometimes have a big impact on the result, so being able to measure the temperature is a major asset.

    Most guys just wing it, using a magnet to judge when the steel is hot enough to quench. This works pretty well most of the time, but if you want consistent results, a thermocouple really helps. With practice, you can get great results using the "human computer," as Mike likes to say. I see a thermocouple and pyrometer as analagous to getting a pre-honed straight for your first razor. You can figure things out on your own, or you can greatly shorten the process with the right equipment.

    Josh

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by JoshEarl View Post

    ... if you plan to do heat-treatments in your forge, they are extremely helpful. Just ask Russel.

    Josh


    Yeah, the pyrometer helped sort out some issues I ran into, but now that that's done, I tend to use it sparingly.

    I can't say that you absolutely need one, but yeah, it helps.

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