Above 1200 Sq/FT Cleaning Up My Shop

[oldironfarmer]

Short day today, I had a surprise heart test. Only a surprise for me, the clinic knew all along. Just a routine echocardiogram. Looks just like a sonogram. I told the lady I couldn't make out the baby. She said "right here, there's a hand, foot, and that's the heart." I douldn't see it. I wasn't ever very good at radiograph interpretation either.

Fed this morning and I have a confession to make. I had five calves, and have only had four for several days. I was going to have to admit I'd lost one. But this morning I had five No new ones though

While I had Bob out of the barn feeding big round bales three of the little guys sneaked in.

Aren't they cute. They had come all the way around the barn to get in. I opened the walk through gate and they got reunited with mom.

Started trimming arch brick. Ends are tapered at 25.2 degrees (not 22.5 degrees because the brick will be on a 10 degree slope. And the blade is tilted 3.8 degrees, also because of the slope.

I installed an extended miter fence and cut it with the blade to aid in setting the brick for cutting. Also used a square and held everything together with both hands to feed the brick through. You can see the offcut piece is thinner at the bottom, the brick is being cut upside down.

The other side of the brick was easier to cut. With the miter set the other way the brick made full contact with the miter fence.

Used the weather lid from the furnace to try out the arch brick. I think they're going to fit well.

I still have to cut the narrow triangles to plug everything up.

Then went ahead and trimmed the ends of the brick to match the drum and the vent hole.

I did have time to stop by the refractory supplier and get more brick (I don't need), rigidizer for the blanket, and some ceramic fiber rope for a seal. We'll see.

Thanks for looking in!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, luv your work..

 

[BBChevro]

...My son had a friend offer to give him two old trucks. Give. He picked up this one today.

We think it's a 56 Chevy 2 ton. Has a two speed axle and a 327 (replacement engine). He plans to make a car hauler (or plans for me to) with a Cummins engine. Bed has a hoist so it is set up with a PTO and controls. That will probably all change to electric.

And a Coke truck. I think it's a 58 or 59 GMC. It's coming to live with me.

What do you do with a Coke truck? It may become a flat bed.

Thanks for stopping in and looking around.

I really life that COE (although I think they called them "cab-forward" for the late '50s).

Drives a trivet is a basically a potholder. You use it to set your hot pots on so you don't burn your table or counter tops. Or some specialized ones are used for cooking with Dutch ovens over coals different heights for different heat temperatures.

I just learned the name of them myself last month so don't think I'm real smart.

Glen

Thanks Glen, I'm glad I wasn't the only one that didn't know what a Trivet was (I was just going to wait and see ).



Great work on the new furnace Andy.

 

[bj383ss]

Andy I am little lost on your thread but I like what you are doing.

Bret

 

[Growlertdi]

Andy,

A heartfelt Thanks. I received your care package last night when I got home from the office.

I am now the proud owner of
AWM
-9-
OIF

Can you tell me what kind of wood is the handle?

It will be used in my Garage most likely on VWs.

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: happy to hear you didn't lose a calf or have one not survive and like you wondering why the others are waiting so long to have theirs. since you changed bulls last year maybe the next batch is the new bull's kids?

i'm still amazed you are cutting those firebricks on your table saw. just curious how you cut that angle on the end with the curve in it (bandsaw?)?

sounds like you need to make a bunch more aluminum muffins or do you have a bigger form in mind since you need a lot more aluminum for your projects now. also how are you going to attach the GOOD FOOD pieces to Sharon's trivet or are you planning on making that part of the mold and pouring another one?

have a great SATUR(day).

BTW I'm pretty aware of your skills at LOADING AND HAULING STUFF, but putting that big flatbed on your trailer looks like it took some skill. WELL DONE!!

 

[JohnDoeRSA]

Wow Andy, Just WOW!!

I spend the last 6 days reading every page of this thread and i'm blown away... You sir are a Jack of all Trades... Lovely Farm, beautiful live stock and not to mention the Great workshop you built... Keep up the Great work!

 

[Bob Heine]

Andy, I can't thank you enough for making me the proud owner of the limited edition AWM OIF - USA 2017 (number 8) aluminum hammer. Makes me proud to call you brother. Although it came with a mount, I think I can do something a little fancier. I appreciate the expedited shipping -- you mailed it Friday and it was in my mailbox Monday afternoon.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy, luv your work..

Thank you for the kind words! I was having trouble getting the bricks to all line up and in rechecking found I had cut all the angles wrong. I had calculated 22.2 degrees and inexplicably wrote 25.2 degrees on my work sheet for the shop. However, I laid everything out on the narrow end of the wide side so I think I can just go back and trim at the proper angle.

I really like that COE (although I think they called them "cab-forward" for the late '50s).

Thanks Glen, I'm glad I wasn't the only one that didn't know what a Trivet was (I was just going to wait and see ).

Great work on the new furnace Andy.

Interesting, I don't recall ever hearing the "cab forward" designation until Mr. Iaccoca started the Chrysler car "cab forward" sales pitch.

If you don't know what a trivet is you could wind up on the hot seat.

Thanks! I'm enjoying building the furnace immensely, but at the same time am eager to get it complete.

Andy I am little lost on your thread but I like what you are doing.

Bret

You think you're lost, think about me Glad you could stop in. for some reason the Studebaker is taking a rest. I don't know why and it's not talking.

Andy,

A heartfelt Thanks. I received your care package last night when I got home from the office.

I am now the proud owner of
AWM
-9-
OIF

Can you tell me what kind of wood is the handle?

It will be used in my Garage most likely on VWs.

You are quite welcome! I'm glad you like it. I have to apologize for the handle. I had it ready to put in the mail when I noticed a small piece had split off in seating the head. I don't think it will affect the utility.

The handle is Bois D'arc, a French word for the wood used by Native Americans to make bows from. It's a pretty strong and resilient wood, however can be brittle, especially cross grain. It is also known as Hedge, Hedgeapple, and Osage Orange. As fence posts it wil last longer than steel posts, without any treatment. But it is too hard to drive staples into after it is cured so most farmers just wire the wire to the post. There are some posts on my dad's farm which have looked the same since I was a kid, they were old then, and I've seen them age for sixty years. Your handle came from my dad's farm in Missouri, a couple of trees I cut over twenty years ago.

Andy: happy to hear you didn't lose a calf or have one not survive and like you wondering why the others are waiting so long to have theirs. since you changed bulls last year maybe the next batch is the new bull's kids?

i'm still amazed you are cutting those firebricks on your table saw. just curious how you cut that angle on the end with the curve in it (bandsaw?)?

sounds like you need to make a bunch more aluminum muffins or do you have a bigger form in mind since you need a lot more aluminum for your projects now. also how are you going to attach the GOOD FOOD pieces to Sharon's trivet or are you planning on making that part of the mold and pouring another one?

have a great SATUR(day).

BTW I'm pretty aware of your skills at LOADING AND HAULING STUFF, but putting that big flatbed on your trailer looks like it took some skill. WELL DONE!!

I was without a bull for several months. All of the calves this year are from the new bull. He and a lady were courting this morning.

The brick is soft and cuts very easily, similar to balsa wood. However it is quite abrasive and the saw will get a good cleaning (especially the blade tile screw, bearings are sealed) when I'm done. Yes, the bandsaw is the tool of choice for the curves. The brick has ruined the bandsaw blade for wood cutting.

The additional words need to be added to the mold. Also, on the cope side (top for casting, bottom in use), I'll add my name and the year, Made in USA and maybe Terlton OK as well. Also on the cope side five feet need to be added. The cast pieces so far are just practice.

Although I'm not above putting a truck on a small trailer, that was my son and the previous owner of the truck loading it on the owner's trailer for a forty mile trip to my son's house. They made the trip safely so I guess the proof is in the pudding.

Thanks for the visit!

Wow Andy, Just WOW!!

I spend the last 6 days reading every page of this thread and i'm blown away... You sir are a Jack of all Trades... Lovely Farm, beautiful live stock and not to mention the Great workshop you built... Keep up the Great work!

Wow! I just love kind words!! Could you put in a good word to my wife?

I'm tickled and honored that you spent the time to read all the drivel.

Your kind words are motivating, so full speed ahead!!

Andy, I can't thank you enough for making me the proud owner of the limited edition AWM OIF - USA 2017 (number 8) aluminum hammer. Makes me proud to call you brother. Although it came with a mount, I think I can do something a little fancier. I appreciate the expedited shipping -- you mailed it Friday and it was in my mailbox Monday afternoon.

Old number 8, its that the one I stamped upside down?

But I'm gravely disappointed that you did not fully appreciate the custom made, dual purpose biodegradable mount I provided. It saddens me...

I'll get over it.

I'm honored that the hammers have been received so well.

 

[oldironfarmer]

A little more furnace work. I finished trimming all the brick for the arch and laid them out on some shims to verify fit and diameter.

I cut eight (actually I cut a spare too) but it took seven to make a ring. I was perplexed half the day over why my eight brick design works only with seven. I cut all the tapered sides at 25.2 degrees, not 22.2 degrees. That makes 21 degree error for all seven blocks, so that should allow another brick to fit in. Not too far from opening the design up to accommodate another 22.2 degree tile.

I'm interested in eight brick because that minimizes the uncovered area around the O.D. of the furnace.

I think I can trim the existing brick so the only harm is my pride.

Then I started on the ring to hold the brick. I settled on 16 gauge, since I have a 93" piece of drop from the steel counter top I had made last year.

Wish I had a 8' shear.

In addition to the little throatless shear. When I was done cutting it had a nice 90 degree twist to it.

I can take that out.

Then I made some oak cauls to hold the steel while I turn a brick ledge.

Clamped on each end and by the vise in the middle. Then a lot of tapping with a light hammer.

Then rinse and repeat.

After turning the flange I started holding it round to measure.

more progress tomorrow!!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, I have heard rumours that some say you are the Vieux of NE Oklahoma

 

[bj383ss]

That looks good Andy. Hope your metalworking goes better than what happened to me on Monday.

Bret

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: so do we need to find you an 8 foot long shear? those are a bit heavy, but I bet if you found one the moving it would be a small detail.

I bet you were good or maybe still are at putting puzzles together or are you one of the guys that designs them?

the bull's foot doesn't look swollen or maybe it's the angle of the picture? so that's what courting looks like?

have a great day and nice work on the new furnace so far.

RSA: are you kidding you read all the posts on Andy's thread? i can't even skip a few days and get caught up. VERY WELL DONE and i bet you learned more than a few things cause Andy is pretty HANDY.

are you from South Africa or why is the RSA in your handle? if you have a minute you might go in your GJ profile and put in your location and while you are there maybe click on AVATAR and download one of your favorite pictures that will show up under your name like Andy's blue car and my bison made of scraps (you can change it too if you want to later).

welcome to the group and you've found one of my favorite threads.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy, I have heard rumours that some say you are the Vieux of NE Oklahoma

Hmmm, you've not seen my electronic repairs have you

But thanks for the kind words. Quite the compliment!

That looks good Andy. Hope your metalworking goes better than what happened to me on Monday.

Bret

I've been keeping up with your thread, what happened Monday? I thought you got your door fixed.

Andy: so do we need to find you an 8 foot long shear? those are a bit heavy, but I bet if you found one the moving it would be a small detail.

I bet you were good or maybe still are at putting puzzles together or are you one of the guys that designs them?

the bull's foot doesn't look swollen or maybe it's the angle of the picture? so that's what courting looks like?

have a great day and nice work on the new furnace so far.

RSA: are you kidding you read all the posts on Andy's thread? i can't even skip a few days and get caught up. VERY WELL DONE and i bet you learned more than a few things cause Andy is pretty HANDY.

are you from South Africa or why is the RSA in your handle? if you have a minute you might go in your GJ profile and put in your location and while you are there maybe click on AVATAR and download one of your favorite pictures that will show up under your name like Andy's blue car and my bison made of scraps (you can change it too if you want to later).

welcome to the group and you've found one of my favorite threads.

I passed on an 8 ft shear at an auction last summer. Only good up to 18 gauge (common on manual shears) and they take up a lot of room. I really don't have the room and rarely need one.

I do like puzzles. They are problems to solve, and I like solving problems. But much more fun to solve a problem which does some real good. That's what I really like to do. Sometimes a very unorthodox solution is the best, but you have to really be thinking to come up with a solution which is far afield from conventional thinking.

Thanks for stopping by, guys!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Back on the furnace arch. Could be called a roof. As luck would have it, this arch is arch shaped.

After discovering my error, I'm going to trim the bricks at 3 degrees more than the first cut. Doesn't look like much, but small angles make a lot of difference. I'm expecting this additional cut to allow 8 bricks into the circle of 7.

Trimmed both sides of eight bricks and they fit better than the seven before.

More importantly, the angle is a little steeper, and the ten degree trim at the OD is now vertical.

The circle grew by 1/2" in diameter so I'm ready to cut my ring to fit.

Cut and welded.

The ring is not exactly round, and the OD cut on the brick could have been more accurate. But 8 brick fit in the ring.

Lifted off the floor and it seems solid.

I'm feeling better about the design.

The execution, on the other hand, could have been better. In my defense minor changes in dimension make a lot of difference when everything has to fit together. The brick are pretty consistent, but they do vary by about 1/16". All the contact faces brick to brick touch top to bottom with a very slight spread toward the center. The ring to brick fit is poor so I'll need to put mortar inside the ring. The inside circle is a little ragged. It could be ground but it may just stay that way.

Now to fill in the small triangles.

 

[oldironfarmer]

I did one test cut to make a triangle. The brick is square where the triangles fit, but the CAD program shows 93.6 degree angle at the bottom of the triangle. I had a little trouble grasping that so I went ahead and cut one with the prescribed angles. It fit very well but was too short. The angle makes a boat bow shape on the front. When that is tilted up 10 degrees the sides become vertical. Just right. Geometry works.

Obviously to get a good fit each triangle needs to be cut to fit tight to the ring.

To avoid making setups over and over I cut the first side of all eight bricks.

Then cut the other side.

I like small production runs.

Then I measured each leg and cut the radius on each triangle.

Each triangle fit in snug. With heat, the assembly should grow upward in the middle. I numbered the pieces starting at the weld because the pieces need go back in the same place after disassembly.

Pressing both hands in the middle showed the assembly to be very strong. There is a one inch lip on top for a layer of ceramic fiber blanket insulation.

Lifted one side and stood it up on it's edge.

My only concern is that thermal expansion and contraction may grind the brick away quickly. It all depends on how much movement takes place.

When I was disassembling the arch I was surprised how long the brick held their place after removing one side.

Interesting that the circular saw blade seemed to be unaffected by cutting the brick. The bandsaw blade, however, now has the teeth worn almost completely off.

Tomorrow I plan to build the arch support and removal system. Then it's time to fire the new box.

Thanks for looking in.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, the arch really looks the goods.

It would be interesting to actually understand just how much thermal expansion there will be.

Regards

 

[Vieux]

Very interesting.

 

[bolensboneyard]

Looks good Andy. The only reason I do not pay too close attention when it comes to all this casting craftsmanship is I am afraid I will get hooked and I have enough big projects now! As for your hammers, I would like to have the last one you cast, as then I would know all of your love, pride and expertise was embodied in it; sort of like the echo of the last ring of the blacksmith's hammer at the end of a good day!

 

[86turbodsl]

I'm liking the work you're doing so far. Keep the pics coming!

 

[tym]

Neat progress, Andy! Really liking your approach to the brickometry problem.

I've started a little side project too; bought an Arduino kit to play with and hopefully use to finish a Nixie tube clock I began about 12 years ago but never finished (it's been aging like fine wine).

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy, the arch really looks the goods.

It would be interesting to actually understand just how much thermal expansion there will be.

Regards

Thanks!! The specification for the brick shows around 0.6% at 2,000F. Not much. There is also a -.4% permanent shrink.

I'm eager to fire it up and see if it makes dust with every heat.

Very interesting.

Thank you sir! And thanks for stopping in.

Looks good Andy. The only reason I do not pay too close attention when it comes to all this casting craftsmanship is I am afraid I will get hooked and I have enough big projects now! As for your hammers, I would like to have the last one you cast, as then I would know all of your love, pride and expertise was embodied in it; sort of like the echo of the last ring of the blacksmith's hammer at the end of a good day!

I might send you a hammer now to use, then when I'm old and have to quit I'll probably remember to send you the last one. Probably.

I'm liking the work you're doing so far. Keep the pics coming!

Thank you! Interest helps keep me motivated.

Neat progress, Andy! Really liking your approach to the brickometry problem.

I've started a little side project too; bought an Arduino kit to play with and hopefully use to finish a Nixie tube clock I began about 12 years ago but never finished (it's been aging like fine wine).

Thanks for your kind words.

Do they still make Nixie tubes? We used to have a clock radio with them. They use a lot of power. And in bright sunlight you might have trouble figuring out which element is lit. Most kids have no idea. (Why do we call it "dialing" a phone?)

That sounds like a nice challenge. It could easily be steam punk now.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Made four 3/16"x1"x2" attachment pads to weld to the arch ring. Bent them in a vise.

Then welded them to the ring

Hey! I'm getting to be a half-Andy welder.

Went to the local blacksmith and had him make me two bails for the ring. 5/8" sucker rod because I have so much.

The idea it to avoid twisting that a bolted joint might introduce.

 

[bj383ss]

Andy your firestone and metal are coming together nicely. Monday was not a good day for me. Made a rookie mistake I was so mad at myself about. I am not going to share but the important thing is I learned a very hard lesson and I have recovered from it now so all is well.


Bret

 

[tym]

Do they still make Nixie tubes? We used to have a clock radio with them. They use a lot of power. And in bright sunlight you might have trouble figuring out which element is lit. Most kids have no idea. (Why do we call it "dialing" a phone?)

Andy, I wonder if you might be thinking about the Numitron tubes, which were 7-segment, but used incandescent filaments for each segment. Nixies are neon gas discharge, and draw relatively little current.
Regarding Numitrons and Nixies, I think the last to make them were the Russians and Chinese, who were using them into the 80s. Most of the Nixie projects out there today are designed for surplus Russian tubes.

My interest dates back to when my dad and I found an old frequency counter from the 60s at the town dump, complete with tuning eye and Burroughs Nixie display. I'm using Burroughs tubes in my project--managed to find 6 good ones in my collection, plus 2-3 more that are serviceable but have had some oxygen leakage (and so have a bluish tinge).

That sounds like a nice challenge. It could easily be steam punk now.

I wonder if Kato/Steamgirl has one?

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy your firestone and metal are coming together nicely. Monday was not a good day for me. Made a rookie mistake I was so mad at myself about. I am not going to share but the important thing is I learned a very hard lesson and I have recovered from it now so all is well.


Bret

Hmmm, rookie mistakes are my bread and butter. If you don't share it with me I'm duty bound to repeat it.

Andy, I wonder if you might be thinking about the Numitron tubes, which were 7-segment, but used incandescent filaments for each segment. Nixies are neon gas discharge, and draw relatively little current.
Regarding Numitrons and Nixies, I think the last to make them were the Russians and Chinese, who were using them into the 80s. Most of the Nixie projects out there today are designed for surplus Russian tubes.

My interest dates back to when my dad and I found an old frequency counter from the 60s at the town dump, complete with tuning eye and Burroughs Nixie display. I'm using Burroughs tubes in my project--managed to find 6 good ones in my collection, plus 2-3 more that are serviceable but have had some oxygen leakage (and so have a bluish tinge).

I wonder if Kato/Steamgirl has one?

You're over my head. We just used to call them Nixie tubes, may have not known what we were talking about.

not the first time...

Thanks for the comments, guys!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Worked hard in the shop today. I've been working on this furnace for ten days, and that's nine days past my attention span.

But first things first. Bright and early my part retriever Hershey showed her stuff. Went swimming in the creek before breakfast.

Finished the furnace arch and started on a post to lift the arch off the furnace to pull out the crucible. It will be self supporting so first I needed a foundation plate. I've had two of these since the late seventies. This was a 5"x5" pipeline coupon to test coating for North Slope Alaska projects. The tic tac toe board is a scratch test, scratched through to bare metal, then subjected to corrosion to see whether the coating spalls or fails.

Coating passed. I ground off 40 year old coating today. Then stuck it on a 2" pipe.

Part way up the pipe there will be a pin to hold a lever to lift the arch. I needed a 1" hole in the lever, which is 1-3/8". I pilot drilled it and was going to run an endmill through it but tried a 1" bit and it was smooth and sweet

Set the post foot 3" below grade

Added a 2x6 across the top then put a wooden keeper on to hold the post steady via a 5/8" pin on top.

And it's ready for brick.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Lots of folks use chains and turnbuckles to lift lids off furnaces. I thought two bails and an arm on a swivel would still let it hang but keep it in position better.

The cross arm has washers welded on each end and pivots on the orange lever via a 3/4" bolt with a nut in the lever. That gives me some adjustment for centering the cross arm over the arch.

The yellow sleeve is free to turn around the post, and has a stub on it to pivot the lever on. So when you lift the arch you can swing it out of the way. Yet needs a stop.

I'm hoping to fire it tomorrow, but a heifer got out twice today. I need to take her to the sale barn tomorrow morning. she wants to meet new friends, apparently is not happy here...

Thanks for dropping in!

 

[Hubscrub66]

Nice work, those heifers sometimes, there hard to keep stright.

 

[drivesitfar]

Handy Andy: another engineering handmade marvel that is for certain. I also like the bright colors you like to paint you stuff that might be hotter than the sun once you fire them up.

even the background of your cool invention pictures is great for onlookers with a couple of old time cars sitting out there waiting their turn to get HANDY ANDY'S attention.

good to see Hershey is keeping clean and sorry to hear the one heifer wants to leave your herd. maybe she was the one getting the bulls attention and she's the one that stuck that thing in his foot last year?

good to see that all is well in your world and it's finally SATURDAY so enjoy it and rest up tomorrow.

cheers

 

[jimreed2160]

If I had a heifer that would not stay put, I would name her, "Hamburger".

 

[Bob Heine]

Andy, every time I see a picture of the bricks I want to suggest you re-number them and then realize you probably didn't number them yourself. Is that Hershey's work? I'm afraid I've done that a few times myself.

 

[power wagon]

i see some pretty good wielding and plus a couple of old chevies

 

[dchance]

Andy great work on your new furnace looking forward to you using it.

Dwight

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, looking forward to seeing how it goes.

PS, you are becoming a dab hand with the welder..

 

[oldironfarmer]

Nice work, those heifers sometimes, there hard to keep stright.

Yep, some girls just have a mind of their own. She's off to meet new friends now

Handy Andy: another engineering handmade marvel that is for certain. I also like the bright colors you like to paint you stuff that might be hotter than the sun once you fire them up.

Thanks for the kind words! I like primary colors too. Obviously. And the yellow for the ring is also to help indicate overheating. If it turns brown I have a problem. Not temperature indicating paint, but not heat resistant either.

even the background of your cool invention pictures is great for onlookers with a couple of old time cars sitting out there waiting their turn to get HANDY ANDY'S attention.

There's just junk everywhere. How do people keep it cleaned up?

Handy Andy, I like that. In high school girls called me Handsy Andy. I never got a feel for that.

good to see Hershey is keeping clean and sorry to hear the one heifer wants to leave your herd. maybe she was the one getting the bulls attention and she's the one that stuck that thing in his foot last year?

Herky Bird is a swimmer for sure. The little heifer has been in the chastity pen for several months now, since she was but a mere child.

good to see that all is well in your world and it's finally SATURDAY so enjoy it and rest up tomorrow.

cheers

Thanks for dropping in!!

If I had a heifer that would not stay put, I would name her, "Hamburger".

Not a bad idea, but she became cash instead. I'll know how much on Sunday.

I had a meeting with the other heifers. I explained clearly that the fence is not intended to be a challenge, it is just a guide line. Stay inside the guidelines or you may be next. They weren't impressed.

They're a lot like women. The vast majority, if fed and cared for, are not interested in straying one bit. But if they're ignored or abused they will begin looking for a way out. This girl was one of the minority who just had the itch to go. I scratched it.

Andy, every time I see a picture of the bricks I want to suggest you re-number them and then realize you probably didn't number them yourself. Is that Hershey's work? I'm afraid I've done that a few times myself.

It would be very difficult to renumber the brick. They are 2600F brick, hence 26. If I were to renumber them to, say, 28, I would have to figure out how to alter their makeup to make them good to 2,800F. Otherwise I might forget and misuse them. i hope that clears everything up...

i see some pretty good wielding and plus a couple of old chevies

Thank you very much! Funny how I got those cars. They were in a neighbor's front yard where we lived before we bought the farm in 1984. My wife didn't like to see them so I paid the guy $100 and drug them home. She was so happy. But she didn't have to look at them anymore. They were just 30 year old junkers then. Now they are 65 year old junkers.

Andy great work on your new furnace looking forward to you using it.

Dwight

Me too!!

Andy, looking forward to seeing how it goes.

PS, you are becoming a dab hand with the welder..

Me too!

Oh, I already said that, sorry.

Thanks for the visits and comments!!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Well I fired the furnace today. Twelve days from start to fire.

I put the brick back in the ring today, painted blue rigidizer on the exposed ceramic fiber blanket, put the rope on the furnace, and set the arch on the rope. Stuck my camera in the firebox and came out with this.

That looks like a seal.

Then I noticed what putting the brick in left behind.

Hope it does not keep making dust!

Lifted and set the arch several times. The rope looks like it is sealing.

But I've got to get a stop built for the lift. Went to see the local blacksmith.

That's a safety ramp and then a hook to hold the arm securely.

Fired it a little to start warming it up.

Look closely you can see the blue flame. The red is the corner of the firebrick.

Stopped firing and pulled the arch.

Looking OK!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Now it's time to get serious. Fired it up again with some aluminum in the crucible. It got hot pretty quickly.

That's some heat in there. Around 1,800F. Aluminum hell.

Killed the fire, poured a muffin, and the firebox looks great. rope is doing it's job.

I don't see any singed paint!

A few more things to do, but I can go back to making trivets.

Thanks for stopping in!!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, well done.

The seal has worked well

 

[tym]

Nice, Andy! It's aluminum-muffin time!