[TheForge] Shop tools & layount (was -- 2004 Resolution, Intro & Advice Needed)

[Andy Vida]

Kirk & Bettina Wehner wrote:

> Just a couple more questions:
> 
> 1.  I was lucky enough to pick up an anvil, leg vice & some tools
> from a retired farmer in WV.  However, everything is somewhat abused
> & hasn't been used in a while.  My plan is to clean most of them
> with a wire wheel to get the rust off & then protect them with a tool
> oil.  Is that the right approach?

	Sounds OK by me.  Don't go berzerk on the wire wheel.  Just
	remove the flakey surface rust and leave the hard oxide
	finish.  It is a protective layer and it looks nice. :)

	When I find a new post vise, I usually disassemble it and clean
	everything up real purty, oil, and reassemble.  It's worked well
	for me, anyhow.

>  If so, any recommendations on tool oil? 

	Motor oil is even OK.  I would not use any sort of expensive machine
	oil on these tools; it's a waste of money.

> Also, how does one go about getting an anvil resurfaced?

	Do it yourself.  This has been discussed at length here many
	times over the years.  You could do a search of the archives
	and I'm sure you will find some good information.
> 
> 2. If so, what would be a good, solid size for the compressor? 

	I like having too much that too little air.  Somewhere I have a	
	15 HP Ingersol Rand dual stage, single acting compressor.  I look
	at that as the minimum desirable size, but I'm psychotic so don't
	go by my tastes.

> 3.  As for power, is there any benefit to having 3-phase?

	Sure, but the real answer depends on what your real needs are
	and what the story is with your supplier.  In some places, there
	is a "usage" charge that is assessed if you use more than a
	preset amount of power in a given billing period.  My friend
	Marshall has 3ph in his shop but ahs to be very careful not to
	use too much because if at any time during the billing year he
	uses more than a certain amount in a given month, he is assessed
	something like $1100 usage charge.  If the billing year is Jan
	through Dec and on Dec 31 he goes over the threshold, he will
	be charged the fee.  If on the following day he does the same,
	guess what!  Ja, another $1100 fee.  3 phase can be a nightmare
	in terms of costs, but my understanding that it varies between
	utilities and even within a given provider.  I'm sure there are
	others here that can tell you a hwole lot more than I can.

	A rotary phase converter is probably a better way to go if you
	are not a high volume industrial user. 

	Some of the advantages of 3 phase include cheaper equipment
	(because many people/businesses running 1ph only will not be
	able or willing to deal with 3ph machinery), more efficient
	and cooler running machines that last longer, all things being 
	equal.