[TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't

Ron Childers ron at munlaw.net
Tue Jan 3 09:53:45 EST 2012 

Well, my ancient Makita has worn out a wash tub full of disks, and still
works fine, but if you know a better way, I'm amenable to suggestion.  

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richardson,
Grover
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 9:42 AM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't

You have to allow the saw to do the work<G>.  My next anvil likely will
be one of the Russian ones.  With the portable demos that I do; a 55
pound anvil is one that the wife can tote on a hand truck, if she needs
to do so<G>.  Yes, I normally tote it, but I like to have a Plan B, if
only for a threat<G>.  Good wife, I'm just teasing about her.
All the Best

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron Childers
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 9:33 AM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't

Grover, Ryan Johnson and I wrecked a new HF chop saw at Madison several
years ago trying to cut Damascus billets. Another friend had one that
didn't last a whole blade. Maybe they  are better now, but I would have
to see evidence that they have changed...FABA has the 110# HF Russian
anvils for students to pound on. They are not going to ding up my Hey
Budden or Peter Wright but these ASO's seem to hold up well enough, just
not as pretty as the 100# USA anvils made in Birmingham Ala. These were
also pretty cheap ($75) and AFC furnished them to me for classes several
years ago and they are used in green coal classes so they get a good
workout .  

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Richardson,
Grover
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 5:55 PM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't

Bench grinder about 10 years old, gone through 6-7 wire wheels and a
like number of stones.  Inexpensive 6" one.  I had to take the covers
off and locktight them.  Other than that runs great.

Chop saw, 14", gone through about 5 blades.  About $100 model.  Still
running.  Dropped it and broke the chain that keeps the saw from going
up too far (that was a fluke!), other than that, runs fine.

As I understand it (chime in if this is incorrect).  Our machines are
rated at working horsepower.  China machines are locked to the work
bench, the motor shaft is gripped with a vise grip, and power applied.
The maximum power that flows in is called "locked rotor power."  Locked
rotor is NOT useful horsepower.  So, a 2 HP China motor is likely a 3/4
American rated.  I push down until I see sparks and hear the motor load
up.  Then keep the same amount of pressure on it to keep the motor
slowed down a bit as it cuts through.

Yes, if it is your livelihood, get the best you can afford.  

Yes, I have a HF anvil.  The one with the hardy hole, not the one that
still shows sign of the casting relief.  It is for visitors to hammer
upon.  55 pounds and $29.99 (I got it on sale), it works for me.    

Happy New Year.
Keep the Anvil on the stand and not on your feet.
Keep the hammer head on the handle and not on your head.
Keep the sparks stuck to the outside of your safety glasses. 


-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron Childers
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2011 9:27 AM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't

A while ago someone mentioned Harbor freight tools: deals vs junk. Let's
conduct a poll as to which products are worth having. A friend bought a
set of long reach needle nose and I broke them both with very little
pressure. The air compressors are like Kleenex and the battery powered
drills another friend bought were junk. Their bench grinders seem to
work pretty well and the portable band saw he is now using seems ok but
the first one gave up the ghost after a week. The Vice Grip type pliers
are junk and he had problems with an oxy-acetylene outfit. The magnets
are good but there are no moving parts. 



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