Category Archives: Crafts

Blacksmiths Slate

Posted on March 16, 2019 by

When making something to a specific size, you often have to follow a pattern. But a normal paper pattern will catch on fire. So you need a slate. Any piece of rusty sheet metal 10-12″ a side will work for … Continue reading →

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Coppersmithing a Coaster Part 2

Posted on May 26, 2018 by

Same 3 1/2″ starting disk. This time I used a 3″ steel round, 3″ high, as the form. I trued it up in a lathe and then used a file to put a radius on the corner. The radius is … Continue reading →

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Coppersmithing a Coaster Part 1

Posted on May 26, 2018 by

Started with a 3.5″ disk. Started the bend with a bending tool (think metal bar with a slot), then cold forged it over a wood form to 2 7/8″ inside diameter. In theory the edges are thicker than the base … Continue reading →

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Super Quench Formula for Mild Steel

Posted on July 14, 2017 by

This is used to harden mild steel (up to 45-50 points of carbon) by rapidly quenching it. We use it for ad hoc tools. This will not work for hot cuts, as the thin edge will temper quickly and lose … Continue reading →

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Finger (Clamping) Plate

Posted on July 2, 2017 by

The next project in the book is a “finger plate”, which looks like it would be really useful for drilling holes in round stock. If you want the plans hit me up. Base Plate First I would like to say … Continue reading →

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Building a Micrometer Stand Part 2

Posted on June 26, 2017 by

Here’s the completed project. Holding Screw The instructions call for the holding screw to be machined from a piece of brass or plastic so as to not mar the micrometer. What I ended up doing as making it a steel … Continue reading →

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Building a Micrometer Stand Part 1

Posted on June 23, 2017 by

These plans were inspired by Useful Machine Shop Tools to Make for Home Shop Machinists by Stan Bray. Unfortunately the plans and instructions in that book are woefully incomplete, often missing key steps and measurements. Furthermore, they use British screw … Continue reading →

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