First forge work

[osage outlaw]

After several years of gathering supplies, making a forge, and acquiring an anvil, I have finally started to do a little forge work.  I took some salvaged bar stock and a double box end wrench and made some bottle openers.  I have no idea if they will actually open a bottle since I've never used one and only drink water.  I need to do some more clean up on them.  I made a quick drift out of a railroad spike to open them up after punching a hole.  I used a small axle to make a larger drift.  That took a lot of hammering.  Moving metal is a lot different than removing wood like I'm used to.  It was a lot of fun.  I drank about a gallon of water while I worked.  I was happy with how well the forge worked.  I kept several pieces in there at a time so I always had something ready to work on.  No waiting for a piece to heat up.  That axle was pretty thick and it had it glowing orange. 

[KHalverson]

clint
your well on your way.
those bottle openers should work just fine.
if you have another piece of the axle it will probably make an awesome tomahawk.

[osage outlaw]

I have more of that axle.  I think that was part of the shorter one.  I have 2 axles.  I have larger round stock that I think might be hardened steel.  One piece is stainless.   They are probably 80 years old or more.  They are hinge pins from huge dam gates on a river bank.

[dylanholderman]

Great work Clint!
I’d say forge the ends of those bottle openers into a little scroll or curlycue to give them a little style.
A wire wheel in a bench grinder or angle grinder works really well to shine up forge work while still looking forged. Maybe soak in vinegar overnight and then wire wheel.

[GlisGlis]

very good start
your enthusiasm is contagious
Hope I can resist to start gathering my supplies

I know I wont resist 

[mullet]

Looking good, Clint. I had to back off forge work for a little bit. I've still got issues with my shoulders and waiting for an MRI.

[Hawkdancer]

Looking good!  I am likely too far up in years to get a forge, but may try to find a blade smith, blacksmith type person who is set up and willing to train me a bit!  Bad shoulders don't help much either!  But first, I got to get everything moved and my shop organized!
Hawkdancer

[osage outlaw]

I did a little more work to them today.  I tapered the handles and curled them around.  I'm letting them soak in tung oil for a couple of days.  When I was finished forging that axle drift I quenched it in water.  I hit it with a file today and it skated across it.  I don't know what that steel is but it will harden.   

[bjrogg]

Nice Clint. I’ve been waiting to see what you pull out of that forge. I’m pretty sure you will learn a lot in short order. I’m hoping to see you at Marshall next year and get you some scrap steel from our farm.
Bjrogg

[DC]

I'm impressed by how consistent the size is on the openers. I would find that difficult.