Between 705 & 1200 SQ/FT Mixed Grill - From London , England - GRIZZMAKES world

[Grizz1963]

You have a very cool place there Andy.Was glad to be able to tag along with Grizz and Craig. One thing i noticed is you not only figured out how to do casting, but you made all the tools to do it with. Really enjoyed the time we got to spend you. I might have even learned a thing or two. Thanks again!

Totally agree with Dennis.

You make so many tools for tasks without even thinking.

I did notice and enjoy that.



Sitting in Philly now, 5 hour layover.

Had pizza, drinks, and actually watched people for a while.

So while we continued to feed the crucible in the furnace, Craig made more foam cutouts.



Andy cut the channels to ensure complete filling of the stars for Alu-Bronze casting, it proves to be less than easy to work with.



Temperature check.



Alu-Bronze pour.

Surface casting.



This was the result of the pour.

Will need to be worked, but remember this metal work hardens, so would prove interesting



I started a new set of stars n steers under Andy’s watchful eye.

Cast iron originals



Placement, talcum powder.



Detail preservation



Sand fill.



Then the back and filling hole and channels get made before casting.

Resulting in this



Happy with a great result, thanks to Andy ensuring it all went smoothly, very smoothly.



With Dennis as part of the production line.





And finally you have all the pieces.

Next job would be to cut them free, then to grind and machine them back to a level where you are happy and polish them up.



VIDEOS OF CASTING.

SAND CASTING.

LOST FOAM CASTING. FOLLOWED BY TWO HAMMER REVEALS.

So now Craig has a set of ally copies of the cast Iron stars and steer head I bought in Arkansas for his place.

I have a few things I would love to make as well, including an old stool hotrodder plaque and another very special trivet for a special lady (not Joy)

.

 

[yates]

Hey Craig, i was actually going to but I wasn't sure what day you were coming.

 

[Grizz1963]

Hey Craig, i was actually going to but I wasn't sure what day you were coming.

That would have been exceptionally cool.

That car is gorgeous.



Of course casting is a hot job.

Andy has that sorted too.

Check out the video.

After casting pieces they need to be trimmed, a hand held electric bandsaw works wonders.



One of the many toys in the barn, shed, garage.



Craig making metal.



Resulting in......







All day the dogs helped as well.

Sweet Calli.



Calli and Hershey together.



As with all fun things, it had to end.

Before we went Andy took us all for a ride in the Show Truck.

For those who missed it the first time.

CLICK LINK.

ANDY MARTIN

THE MAN

THE LEGEND.

ON THE LICENSED, INSURED AND GREAT SHOW TRUCK.




THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FROM ALL THREE OF US FOR THE MOST AWESOME TIME SOENT WITH YOU, YOUR BRIDE AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY.

YOU ROCK ANDY.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Awesome

 

[yates]

Maybe next trip to Iowa, lol.

 

[Coolabah]

fantastic stuff, well done boys.

and good work rian for not dropping slag on your foot

GB

Yep. "Lost foot " casting technique - you'll only do it twice....
Ahhh... I just break myself up sometimes.

 

[Grizz1963]

Awesome

For sure.

Maybe next trip to Iowa, lol.

You should not speak to hastily.

Craig is already planning his next trip, but much more concentrated.

He was telling me that part of this trip he could happily have spent a week on.

Yep. "Lost foot " casting technique - you'll only do it twice....
Ahhh... I just break myself up sometimes.

Not aimed at your posting at all Coolabah.


I think one thing to just highlight, as it has come up on the original trip thread that I posted, is that Andy relies on 1% common sense from his guests and looks after the rest of their safety himself.

So safety glasses at all times when working, feeding furnaces using grinders, drills, and heavy duty leather gauntlets are available on all benches etc, should you then screw up, it is not his fault is it?

Also, more importantly......

When he casts, it is outside under the roof, and all guests need to be inside the shop on the concrete. Once again, the 1%Common sense also comes into play. We possibly transgressed many times and he did shout at us a few times. Ultimately, synthetic trainers won’t make a blind bit of difference.

I hope that makes it clear for many of the readers, stalkers, watchers.


Few more pics from Andy’s for the tractor fetishists.

Ford truck engine, was driven to where it is now awaiting TLC.





Tractors, loads of them and some more around.

 

[Finallygotit]

THE MAN

THE LEGEND.

ON THE LICENSED, INSURED AND GREAT SHOW TRUCK.




THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FROM ALL THREE OF US FOR THE MOST AWESOME TIME SOENT WITH YOU, YOUR BRIDE AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY.

YOU ROCK ANDY.

So cool!

 

[sawduststeve]

So cool!

Seconded

On the Cool Wall in the Sub-Zero section.

Steve

 

[yates]

You should not speak to hastily.

Craig is already planning his next trip, but much more concentrated.

He was telling me that part of this trip he could happily have spent a week on.

I am glad your liked our little fly over state. I have friends that have never been here and ask why they should but i can never give a good answer. It's not the most exciting state but I am not sure i would live anywhere else.

If you and /or Craig come back around this area definitely let me know so we can carve out some more time. I will find some things of interest to show you guys. I was telling my wife that while I was to be giving you a tour and teaching you things that you were teaching me just as much. Genuinely enjoyed the visit.

 

[Grizz1963]

So cool!

Agreed.

Seconded

On the Cool Wall in the Sub-Zero section.

Steve

Once again, agreed.

I am glad your liked our little fly over state. I have friends that have never been here and ask why they should but i can never give a good answer. It's not the most exciting state but I am not sure i would live anywhere else.

If you and /or Craig come back around this area definitely let me know so we can carve out some more time. I will find some things of interest to show you guys. I was telling my wife that while I was to be giving you a tour and teaching you things that you were teaching me just as much. Genuinely enjoyed the visit.

There is a lot in your state and the people once again agreed with our own values.


Thank you for your input and time.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Thanks for all the posts, Rian!

What fun it was to have you guys around for a day. Only a day?

A side note on safety: Slowly feeding fry metal into the furnace is very unlikely to create a splatter. Taking a crucible out, with molten metal in it, there's always the chance for a muscle cramp, heart attack, wasp sting, etc. so proper clothing is a must.

Thanks for all the kind words. Rian's photography does make things look nicer.

 

[Grizz1963]

Thanks for all the posts, Rian!

What fun it was to have you guys around for a day. Only a day?

A side note on safety: Slowly feeding fry metal into the furnace is very unlikely to create a splatter. Taking a crucible out, with molten metal in it, there's always the chance for a muscle cramp, heart attack, wasp sting, etc. so proper clothing is a must.

Thanks for all the kind words. Rian's photography does make things look nicer.

A pleasure that is all mine Andy.

Taking up to 20 photos of the same thing means you get to select something half decent.

 

[Grizz1963]

So from Andy’s place we headed South again, splitting the trip to St Louis as the rental car, which had performed faultlessly needed to be returned before 5pm on Friday.

Motorway rest areas are rather nice, and clean.

License plate art did it for me.





Remember Celeb, my house/cat sitter?

We decided to stop over in his home town of Republic, which is two miles down the road from where Adam, Dennis’ son grew up.

This,turned out to be another good and fortuitous decision.





We got there late, found an Americinn Motel, clean, efficient, and a third bed bought in for $10.00 extra charge as Craig and Imwere certainly not sharing a bed.

N e booked in, Dennis and I had a car park celebratory beer while Craig who was IT helpdesk the whole trip, found us a decent place to eat.



Selection made, we went off to find our feeding spot.

S10 conversion outside predicted a good time.





Three Amigos.



One of the nicest, most confident and balzy waitresses ever to cross my path was working, unfortunately not our table, we think she may be a senior or manager type.
I asked he a question about the old truck outside and she was straight onto the accents wanting to know everything.
She actually sat down with us for 10 minutes, delegating a new table to one of the other girls from her seat. And we had fun, a lot of fun as she kicked my proverbial **** all over the place.
I liked her a lot

Anyway.....

Meet Meghan, certainly one of my highlights of the trip, just because she gave as good as she got.

I actually tipped her $10.00 just for company after we tipped and paid little Holly, our server. Which surprised her, but fortunately the money went to her study fund.

Meghan.




I cannot recall what Dennis ordered, bit he was very pleased with it.

Craig ordered a steak type burger, cannot recall what it was.....

Huge certainly.



Holly, our very nervous waitress suggested I go for wings, half and half Teryaki and Hot Cajun.

What a perfect suggestion, even if she was not game for the selfie thing.



Before the food got eaten though.......

They agreed to a photo for the Guys on the forums.....



21 Wings were almost a challenge.

I won, that time.



After dinner we headed back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.

Friday would be a long one on the road.

Friday Dennis drove via Adams old school.



Seems even the short bus is out of work there.




So we wrapped it all up and headed South as we had some distance to cover and some shopping to try get in at Antique malls along the way.



Loads to see along the way.



We also stopped by at one of Dennis and Adams old Sprint car racing friends’ shop where I got this cow poop covered vanity plate that had come of the back of a Dodge Dually that had its 5th wheel hitch break off during an emergency stopping procedure, just to have the trailer keep going and smashing through the rear of the Dually.



Next update when I get a chance to upload.

Later.

 

[oldironfarmer]

I forgot to mention, thanks for talking about tool making. I blacksmith primarily to make tools, and we didn't talk about it, so I'm very pleased you noticed.

You guys sure know how to travel in style!


That rest stop on I-40 just west of Joplin is a regular for us. They keep improving the wall of tags.

 

[Grizz1963]

I forgot to mention, thanks for talking about tool making. I blacksmith primarily to make tools, and we didn't talk about it, so I'm very pleased you noticed.

You guys sure know how to travel in style!


That rest stop on I-40 just west of Joplin is a regular for us. They keep improving the wall of tags.

I am in awe of all your tools, shortcuts you made for the various jobs you do, from woodwork, to casting and metalwork, as well as the farm.

Your shortcut tools are great.

 

[rixtrix1]

Loved the pic of the white 1953 Buick Skylark in Post#4610, as my first car was the same in blue! You guys share so much good stuff!

 

[Vieux]

That's awesome! Good for you!!!

 

[Grizz1963]

Loved the pic of the white 1953 Buick Skylark in Post#4610, as my first car was the same in blue! You guys share so much good stuff!

That's awesome! Good for you!!!

Thanks Guys.

Yes, privileged for sure.

Never forget that.



So after a good nights sleep we headed out of Republic the next morning via Clever.

Back onto the motorways and headed South toward St Louis, via some Antique stores to hand the rental back in, and unpack it before we did that, and to pick up Dennis’ daily banger Lumina he uses for work commuting up and down I-70

Of course because all three of us are always early, we hit the antiques stores just after 09.00 only to find every one opens at 10.00
But one had two vehicles parked in front of it, and a Coca Cola vending machine and a load of other goods.
Craig jumped out and went to try the front door......
Eureka!!!
Opened at 09.00

So we parked up and went if for a quick browse, that turned into 2 hours of only covering half the concession stands and shop, before heading out again.

I love these stores and bargains are to be had, but buyer beware as prices vary greatly, even between vendors.

Some random pics for your pleasure. (Well, those still on board and enjoying the ride)





Bought myself a street sign for $5.00 to put in my back yard as my house is no 9, bit of a tenacious link, but hey.... it’s my place.



I have a single 50p stirrup already, but this was interesting.







Spent $24.00 plus Sales Tax on this single wood and leather stirrup......

My money, my home and all that.

Beautiful detail to leather, and must have cost the original land owner a lot of money. So happy to have it on my American wall of weirdness.



Inside, less but equally lovely detail.



From there we headed down the motorway again, Dennis and Craig also bought some stuff, hopefully Craig will post up his HUMDINGER of a purchase that came back in his bag.......

Some great place names.



And product placement.



Picking up birds.



We did a mini detour to the Case knife outlet in Lebanon Missouri too.

Turns out it was Kim, the managers bithday, so she posed for us.

Also tried real hard to get us to stay over and come to the open day on Saturday.



Craig and I both went a little mad, leaving with a few knives and multi tools.

I love John Deere, so this cabinet had a real attraction for me.





Got myself this, depending on the angle it is salmon pink or orange.

Crocker and Boone Limited Edition.





Craig’s



One I got at a Flea market shop for $5.00

Mechanical assist.



Same shop.



Many bridge crossings.

I love these old bridges across the States.



Loads of this going on.





Read the label.

Yes, really.






Eventually made it back to St Louis, to unload and return the car.

3300 miles on that leg of the Three Amigos Road Trip.

Then a well deserved beer or two and headed out to see Roger



Great times.

 

[Grizz1963]

Some of you may have realised that Dennis is an incredibly talented and funny guy.

Friday night we chilled at home, beers, Jack and many stories were told.

At one point the tears were running down my face from his stories.

Maybe they should be in a book one day.



Saturday morning Craig and Hanna were discussing the plans and progress of the house/shop

No idea what he said to make her respond like the teenager she is.



We did various small jobs around the house and shop.

I got to do some welding too, creating a bullet proof rake that Craig and I made up from scrap.



Followed later on by some earth moving and compacting in the new house, till Adam broke the compactor.




By 1.30 Dennis pulled Craig and I aside and we got in the truck, headed for Ethyls for a snack.

Going via the race car shop to make Roger a prezzie for the burn out strip.

I love the weight saving in these cars.



Car on the left, converted two seater with 350 crate motor for demos.







Done.



Ethyls













Wings again.



And introducing Cortney.



She puts the short into shorts.



From there we headed to Rogers burnout party.

 

[wasfast]

You're not starving or lacking hydration on your trip! Looks like you're having a really great time like usual when you visit.

 

[dchance]

Rian,
Glad that you had a great trip. I enjoy following along.

Dwight

 

[Finallygotit]

I have been enjoying this as well. The picture of those cheeseburgers on the griddle still gets my mouth to watering.

 

[Grizz1963]

For those who virtually know Marmaduke Frootloops.

The time came at 17 years old tonight.



Harley will miss him for sure.

 

[AndrewHR]

For those who virtually know Marmaduke Frootloops.

The time came at 17 years old tonight.



Harley will miss him for sure.

Sorry to hear

Sent from my SM-T719 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Bob Heine]

Rian, if I come back as a cat, I hope you take me in. You gave Dukey a great time right to the end.

 

[realvc]

So sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Sorry to read of your loss.

 

[scheu]

Rian -
Sorry to hear about Dukey.
Jeff

 

[ajohno]

Sorry about Dukey.

 

[Grizz1963]

You're not starving or lacking hydration on your trip! Looks like you're having a really great time like usual when you visit.

Great travel partners and great friends make for a grand trip.

Rian,
Glad that you had a great trip. I enjoy following along.

Dwight

Dwight, sharing it is the least I can do.

Glad to see you here.

I have been enjoying this as well. The picture of those cheeseburgers on the griddle still gets my mouth to watering.

They were good.

Real grass fed Andy cow.

 

[Grizz1963]

Sorry to hear

Sent from my SM-T719 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Rian, if I come back as a cat, I hope you take me in. You gave Dukey a great time right to the end.

So sorry to hear about your loss.

Sorry to read of your loss.

Rian -
Sorry to hear about Dukey.
Jeff

Sorry about Dukey.

Thank you too Bob, will look for the three legged cat.

Thank you all.

Much appreciated.

These animals are all there to make our lives better.

So the least we can do is be nice.

Even Harley was nice to him before Nicola took him away to the vets.

She wrote him a nice obituary as she got him as a foster kitten that would not let her let him go.

 

[Craptain]

Others said it and Nicola said it best. But I am still adding my condolences for your loss.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[oldironfarmer]

I saw how quickly you bonded with my dogs, so I know your loss is real.

Take care.

 

[BUGTHUG]

Rian, sorry about The Dukey. I'm sure you will see things that will remind you of him, and as long as you have a memory of him, he is never really gone.
Man what a trip, glad you guys had a great time. No doubt in my mind that you wouldn't. Shure sorry I missed all of you at Andy's, but had to take care of MOHITO, he's 14 years old also.
Its probably bitter sweet to be back home. As we say in Kansas, there's no place like home. But you took some Americania with you, so you will have things to remember the journey.

 

[03.]

Rian, so sorry to hear about duke. Followed your USA trip, boy, you pack a lot in in a short time!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Rian, so sorry to hear about duke. Followed your USA trip, boy, you pack a lot in in a short time!

So you've seen him eat...

 

[03.]

So you've seen him eat...

 

[Grizz1963]

Others said it and Nicola said it best. But I am still adding my condolences for your loss.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Absolutely agree, her comments brought a few hard fought back tears to my eyes.

I saw how quickly you bonded with my dogs, so I know your loss is real.

Take care.

My loss certainly is real.

As I mentioned elsewhere, I was their only human slave, they were always under my feet, on my lap, or by my side, especially Harley who fears no grinder or welder and loves being in the garage.

Your dogs are both strong, independent animals, who chose who they hang with, so I was kinda honoured they allowed me to fuss over them too.

Every time I touch an animal, any animal, I get an emotional and possibly physical fix.

Rian, sorry about The Dukey. I'm sure you will see things that will remind you of him, and as long as you have a memory of him, he is never really gone.
Man what a trip, glad you guys had a great time. No doubt in my mind that you wouldn't. Shure sorry I missed all of you at Andy's, but had to take care of MOHITO, he's 14 years old also.
Its probably bitter sweet to be back home. As we say in Kansas, there's no place like home. But you took some Americania with you, so you will have things to remember the journey.

Thank you Herb.

In all my life, MOHITO May have been the only dog I could not fool into liking me.

I love memories and am thankful for every reminder I would find around me.

I do celebrate life, and rarely mourn death.

His, and Harley’s lives to me, are absolutely enriching

Yes, he was great in his own quiet, unassuming way.

Fooling us all into thinking he was not too bright......

Till the day I covered his poopy house in branches and he pooped in my washing line post hole after shouting at me for a while about not being able to get into the garden bed that was his toilet.

Rian, so sorry to hear about duke. Followed your USA trip, boy, you pack a lot in in a short time!

And we are not done yet.....

So you've seen him eat...

Nope, you,ain’t seen it all, but the scales don’t lie.

Yup.....

He is right.

 

[Grizz1963]

[font size="6"]Back to the Road Trip[/font]


After leaving Ethyls, we headed to Rogers place near O’Fallon where he had last years Burnout Picnic.

Due to all the rain and bad weather a lot of people did not come, compared to last years picnic.

Sad really as Roger and Debbie had prepared food and drink for so many people,

He sponsors this party from his own pocket.

Tylers cooler box showed us we were in the right place.



Due to the weather and complete failure of attendance, Roger moved it all down to one of his workshops, in stead of next to the lake.





Remember this from last year??

Closer this time.



The girl reminds me a whole load of one of my lady friends, Helene.



Roger Orf’s sense of humour and fun evident even on his trucks.



After leaving Rogers, we all went home to get ready for more food.......

We had a family table booked at Harry J’s Steakhouse. He is one of Adam and Dennis’ prime sponsors on the sprint cars we saw so much of last year. Adams day job in construction is keeping him busy 18/24 currently, six days a week, so racin has taken a temporary back seat.



Dennis had also reserved a few Prime Rib steaks for Craig and I.


Keep in mind, we had late lunch at Ethyls and been drinking all day, not at all drunk and unruly, but certainly relaxed.


Once everyone had regrouped we headed out to Moscow, Missouri to Harry J’s included was Granny Dorothy with her bottle of continuous oxygen and unstoppable sense of humour, putting up with Craig and I teasing her most of the time.

More gratiuotous (spelling) food shots.



At the bar, I saw a plate for our own Bstardchild Init?



Deep fried green beans and dip anyone?



Deep fried Pickle....??

I hear you say WT actual F ??

Just trust me......



Prime beef rib steak, blackened, Cajun style, done Medium Rare.

Melt in your mouth good.

Yes, it is a large steak, $23.00 including sweet potato fries and sides.

And nope...........

I did not have it alone.

Craig and I had already had a large meal of wings at Ethyls, so we shared this one.

It was good





After dinner where Dave the owner picked up the drinks bill for all of us, we headed home.

Bed by near midnight, we were headed out to a flea market/Bootfair by 06.30 Sunday morning.

Despite the rain that kept interfering with our vacation, while we just ignored it.