Introduction

[soundmotor]

Hello!

I found the forums via searching out info on DIY CNC machines. I decided to post my intro here as metal work via hand operations is pretty much what I do now. I enjoy amateur (emphasis on amateur) blacksmithing & sheet copper & aluminum work. I also learned how to TIG last year but so far have only really mastered fusing mild steel. Over the years I have put together a decent hobby metal shop with used gear that I have restored. As follows:

Diacro 24" finger brake
Diacro 24" shear
Pexto 36" roller (not a slip roll unfortunately)
Beverly B3 throatless shear
Pexto 622 bead roller & dies
Greyhound spotwelder
Vulcan #180 anvil
Pexto stake set & plate (various from beakhorn to conductor & all in-between)
Hickey set from 1/2" to 1"
Toolbox full of Green-Lee hole punches up to 3.5" as well as conduit set.
Delta 10" bandsaw (1940's) w/ external frame
Craftsman (1940's King-Seeley) drill press

Both the bandsaw & drill press I am slowly converting over to DC motors w/ variable speed motor controllers. Although there is only a wee bit of Scot in me, the cheap gene is strong. All the above was purchased off auction or craigslist. I don't think there is over $2K total in it over a 5 year period.

The only downside to all of the above is that last Fall we had to have our heat plant replaced in the house. This required the transfer of everything downstairs being moved into the garage where the shop resided. It is still blown apart & slowly coming back to life. With the good weather finally here, it is likely Winter before I really dig into it again unfortunately.

Below are some images of something I was able to make in there once, a fireplace poker. All the riveting was done hot w/ an oxy/acet rig to bring the rivets up to yellow heat then smashed with a homemade header. The finish is beeswax fireblue which has held up well. The handle is purpleheart epoxied in place. The other project is a wood-fired hot tub heater out of copper. Sort of like a steam boiler sans the resevoir. I hope to have it done by Fall so we can use it.

I am glad to have found cnczone!

[Verboten]

Hello!
That is a very nice poker. Did you come up with the design? -Very nice job!
-Jason

[soundmotor]

Originally Posted by Verboten Hello! That is a very nice poker. Did you come up with the design? -Very nice job! -Jason

Thank you.

Yes, it is original. It is supposed to be a whaling harpoon. I wanted something traditional to New England yet modern & functional. I am very happy with the overall design.