Brandon Buford

I tried the search feature but could not located this. I know it's been covered before. Seeing that it is Christmas time, If Santa could bring me a new forge, what should I ask for. Must be able to handle knives up to size of Bowie knives, must be able to get to forge welding temps. Other than that, I am open. So shoot. I have looked at the Diamondback (I Like the Price). Love the Chili Forges (Don't like the prices).

I bought a 10in wheel from Grizzly. When I received it, I realized that it did not come with bearings. Basically, it has a 3/4in hole. I am assuming that I really need to have bearings. Can I buy bearings for this wheel or am I out of luck.

I don't know if any of you know him, but he was the bladesmith at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. As a kid, I was captivated watching him make knives. His knives were not the prettiest, but they were so functional. Through the years, I would spend time talking with him and just listening. Then as an adult with my own kids, I finally got a forge and was able to show him one of my knives. I will miss him.

Wayne, Thank you for that info. I do plan on giving you a call and finally purchasing the insulation and refractory maybe as soon as next week. I have a welding store right next to my work and I will go check them out on the tip.

Thank you all. Can this be a blown air design? Can a properly set up venturi forge get to welding heat?

Okay, so after four months of inactivity, I am finally able to get back to swinging a hammer. I am wanting to start my propane furnace build and I have a few questions. I will provide pictures as well to help explain. I have two furnaces that I can build. I have a box type furnace that was given to me that has two burners and is a venturi burner. I don't know if I want to fix it up (needs insulation) because the design seems to be inefficent. I am leaning more towards a freon tank or propane tank build. I was given this burner by one you. I assume that the long black pipe g

Seriously? Who cares? I just like seeing our creations at work. Lets not jump on someone and criticize.

That is true. Come to think of it, I have a neat little go pro camera I got for hunting that I could use for point of view blacksmith videos.

Now, I need a video showing decalesence

I enjoyed watching this process.

Well, I guess that video I was referencing was actually Recalescence. So I still need a visual. But, Alan, you described it well, so I think I can figure it out.

Awesome. Wood I have. Can't wait to try this out. I am glad someone posted a video a few weeks ago on decalescence. Helps me visualize that process.

Can I use a piece of coke in the tube since I don't do charcoal?

Alan, I use coal to forge in. If I use that pipe trick, can I throw a piece of coke in or does it have to be charcoal? What's the ready to buy charcoal I can get at lowes, home depot, etc?

Thank you so much for this.

Can't wait. It is amazing how some things just make the learning curve so much easier. When I got my 2X72 grinder, it was awesome how easily I could shape my knives. Now, this allows me to see what I am grinding via the bubble. Love it and will recommend it to all!

absolutely stunning in every sense of the word! Wes, you can get it fairly easy. It's a bit pricey ($200-400) here is one place - http://www.boonetrading.com/Pg26.html however they do have "scrap" that would make a decent handle as low as $45.

Bill, how exactly does that jig work? Here is my very first try with the bubble jig. I have not finished, but I am impressed. I certainly could not do that before the jig.

Love this relic look. Works very well. I believe you captured the image of driftwood wonderfully!

I like that. I am itching to try my hand at a larger knife such as a camp knife/machete etc. Never seen a guard like that. Interesting design.

Before handle Better shots of knife

Thank you all for your information and help. In the midst of beginning to work on this custom commission, I sold a knife I was working on. So, I have sold my first custom knife and sheath. It sold for $80. P.S. On one of the side images of the knife it looks like there is a large scratch near the spine (that is an element of the light) I was overall happy with my sanded finish. Still learning though.

I hesitate to post this for fear of hijacking a thread, but my question is similar so I did not want to start a new thread. I am wanting to engrave some copper for a knife handle. The pattern will be more of some curved lines and dots. Nothing intricate or fancy. Will these websites mentioned above help me in this challenge?

I would put my money on the electric motor of the drill being the culprit. And I would second the heating up of the vise. Heat it till its just hotter than what you could touch and no more. You could even smack it with a hammer in that heated state. Should work.

Thank you for that info. I look forward to seeing some pages from that book. I pastor a church in St. louis. I too have spent many an hour reading C. Spurgeon's works.