[TheForge] Suggestions needed for scroungeable steel

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

I built a small power hammer some years ago from a piece of rail and a 
linear slide that I had.  Unfortuneatley the slide was not up to the 
task.    The only caveat that I have for rail, is that it is not easy to 
scrounge, at least around here.  I spent a lot of time looking when I 
first started years ago, trying to make the rail anvil everyone 
inevitably gets steered to somehow.    Most scrap yards said they would 
not deal with rail, claiming federal regulations or some such.  The 
theory being that they couldn't accept or sell it since it would 
encourage people to pull it up for the money.    There was one yard that 
did deal in it that everyone pointed me to.  They were willing to sell 
it in 40 foot lengths only.   So it may not be the best item if you are 
looking to  provide plans to the world.   My experiences may be 
unique.   I know in the dozen or so years since then I have come upon 
many short lengths at estate sales and such and keep bringing them home, 
so it is out there.

Charles

Bruce Freeman wrote:

>Dave,
>Damned good idea.  Thanks.  That's exactly the kind of inspiration I
>was looking for.  Don't know why I didn't think of it myself!  (Probably
>because I was thinking "round or square or MAYBE octagonal"!)
>Bruce
>
>  
>
>>>>davesmucker@hotmail.com 11/18/2003 11:58:11 AM >>>
>>>>        
>>>>
>
>Bruce,
>
>Don't know how you are thinking of guiding the ram but how about
>cutting
>(burning) the rail head from the required length of railroad rail. 
>  
>