[TheForge] Fanning the flames (Blower)

[Paul N]

Thanks Mark,
The logic of "knowing more than the conventional wisdom" is what 
prompted me to ask about this project in the first place. While it 
sounds like your expert was right about the glue, he didn't account for 
the stress on the wood grain.

I realize that I'm essentially doing an experiment. I think I understand 
a lot of the trade-offs. I'll see if I can engineer a functional 
solution. If not, there will be one of those educational experiences, 
and I'll share without embarrassment.

Question though: is the naugahyde subjected to temperature extremes? 
(i.e., unheated shop)  How's it holding up?

**paul

On 12/22/10 6:00 AM, williamsiron at comcast.net wrote:
>
>
> Paul,
>
>
>
> We (at Furnace Town Heritage Center, Snow Hill) built and installed a large bellows about 8 years ago. On our third or fourth try, we suceeded using the design from Heath's book. We used Naugahyde rather than leather. We hung two cannon balls, these are cast iron balls used to keep feed/grain moving smoothly as it moves from tank to auger, (so probably 10 lbs or so total ) on the lower board.
>
>
>
> This would have been our first try but we had some experts who knew better than the old builders of bellows. The first expert, a teacher of industrial arts, said modern glues were stronger than the old and glued up boards where the seams ran across the bellows rather than down the length of the bellows. These looked very nice until pressure was put on them and the wood snapped next to the glue line. The second expert decided that we did not need to use the steamed wood to hold the leather to the bellows. He used many staples. The leather wouldn't take that and tore badly.
>
>
>
> We installed the bellows above the forge and piped the air using pvc pipe to the forge. We painted the pipe black to fit in better. We did put in an air gate so, if needed, we could hook up a hand-cranked blower.  We've used the bellows for at least 8 years with soft coal/coke fires. It works very well for all manner of forging including forge welding. If you're out this way, stop by for a look.
>
>
>
> Mark Williams
>
> Snow Hill, Maryland
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul N"<crosspein at sbcglobal.net>
> To: "Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA"<theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2010 9:00:36 AM
> Subject: [TheForge] Fanning the flames
>
> I'm thinking about building a double-lung bellows as a winter project.
> (Actually 2 of them, one for myself, and a second to use as a working
> facsimile at a historic site nearby)
>
> I have two references ("The Blacksmith, Ironworker and Farrier" by
> Aldrean A. Watson, and "How to Make a Blacksmith's Bellow" by Robert M.
> Heath) The designs are very similar, but not identical. These are big
> boys, about 38" across, and probably 5' long.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone on the list has any advice to offer. I was going
> to make the paddles and ribs out of 3/4" plywood instead of the 1"
> planks described in the books. I'm also wondering if I can get by with a
> naugahyde or similar sides to avoid the expense and maintenance of leather.
>
> I'm thinking that if the plywood isn't heavy enough to draw air, I can
> hang some weight on the bottom paddle as needed. Similarly for the top
> paddle. I can pile weight on top of it as necessary.
>
> This sounds workable, but I'm wondering if anyone tried this and found
> it disappointing, or perhaps had a suggestion to offer.
>
> **Paul
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> TheForge mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
>
> TheForge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.photoworks.com
> Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> Password: anvil
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> TheForge mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:TheForge at mailman.qth.net
>
> TheForge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.photoworks.com
> Login: blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> Password: anvil
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html