Above 1200 Sq/FT Cleaning Up My Shop

[1Garageman]

The way you take spare parts and scrap devices and turn them into tools, and other devices to help complete tasks, made me think of that awesome classic show MacGyver. It truly is a good compliment.

 

[drivesitfar]

BB: I agree there was only one McGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) 1985-1992 and the new one is like a cartoon version. I bet he could melt a tin can and make a swiss army knife. and if he had FREE GAS...........

 

[fourbyford]

Andy, long time lurker, 1st time poster (to your thread)... I've been following your adventures since day one... thanks for all the ideas and inspiration!
I like your comment about these things being "easy"... I think there's a lot of truth to that... I believe anyone can learn anything... just gotta do it!
I was an R&D machinist for many years. One of the things we did is make molds for our (plastic) injection molding machine. I even ran that machine, on occasion. The process of casting metal is the same as molding plastic... gotta have a way to get material into the mold... gotta be concerned with the fill... gotta vent the gasses... same process, just a different method of delivering the material. Thanks for your careful documentation of your furnace build... I've studied that repeatedly and will be referring to it when I can finally put that project at the top of my list. My long term projects include a complete resto of a '32 International truck and a resto-mod of a '27 Hupmobile. The truck is fairly complete... the Hupster, not so much. I'll need to make (OK... more than) a few parts.
Thanks again for all you do!!
D

 

[oldironfarmer]

You had me at free gas. Is the pressure suitable or do you need a siphon pump to collect and store at something more consumable?

I guess I really don't know how suitable it will be. I gave them my conditions today (not too severe) and he said he would pass it along. Their system runs between 11 psi and 52 psi. I've asked for a 5 psi regulator (I'd like to have 10 psi, but 5 psi is a US standard) which I think I can do a lot with. They will put in a meter for their loss calculations so in part the volume of gas I can get will be based on meter sizing. If they give me a 5 psi regulator I think I will have a lot of gas. I'll have to regulate it to 7" water column before entering the building but expect it to supply a lot of gas to the foundry furnace. Since it is produced gas it may be significantly higher energy content than pipeline gas, with extra propane and butane.

Window AC units are a bit uncommon in this part of the world. Can get them but it but expensive. Portable AC units seem to be more cost effective unless you plan to invest in a split system heatpump like 1/2 Cup did. 2nd problem is raising the roof and insulating the shed as having internal radiating hot sheetmetal box is very ineffective to try and cool. Alternatively re-cladding the whole business... all options requiring funds earmarked elsewhere. So like most budget PC's designed around the same issue I will have to live with active ventilation for now.

My shop was single layer sheet metal and you can suntan under the radiant energy inside. Getting ceilings and insulation were the big steps for me.

My question was for an application outside or other than a furnace. I'll pick up a little black steam pipe from the local steel guy in the morning and give it a go. I need some flat bar to finish another project if time allows for it anyway. At least once the yard work and sundry other honeydo's are seen to.

My dad mentioned his neighbor across the road is having a clear-out and may have an anvil that is apparently "hard to carry". I will eagerly need to go investigate before it is being disposed of. My dad was happy to drag it over to his place for me but I'd like to at least offer the guy something for it.

Outside the furnace a flare or step is a must for sure. I made a step end for Bobby's burner today and did some testing. With an 0.023" tip it was stable between 1 psi and 15 psi with air adjustment.

And more flame with an 0.045" tip, but the range was cut to 1 psi to 5 psi.

I'm going to try a larger nozzle and larger air openings. More on that later.

An anvil which is hard to carry? Woo Hoo!!

Andy: I'm happy to hear you had a safe trip to Houston and as a bonus you saw an old friend to share a meal with.

I also had the privilege of being the subject of a prostate biopsy (my fifth), talk about a pain in the ****. **** they did say it should be two years before my next one.

you come up with some great words of wisdom and this line you wrote replying to Craptain's post is another gem:

"You understand my frustration. It's like suddenly inheriting great wealth. That would remove the need to figure out how to do stuff. Lots of rich people are unhappy for that."

you might not have heard of McGyver, but you sir might be a lot like the guy with all your good thinking and work you do. my little girl (she's 30 now) used to watch McGyver when she was 3 years old 2 times a day and I still can remember her asking for us to put it on cause we tried to limit the TV watching and video games in our house especially during the day. she to this day is not afraid to try anything (she just got certified as a diver a month ago and she's starting to learn to snow ski cause some friends of hers invited her on a ski trip to Switzerland in a couple months). and while she's a girly girl and would always allow her hubby to do the harder work she's not afraid to do it if needed.

i hope you enjoy your making plans for a new building fully gas heated that has a glass blowing shop and plenty of other ANDY homemade items coming out of it.

cheers

Cool picture of your little girl working! My kind of girl!

Before I get too excited about free gas I have to negotiate a reasonable agreement, as I am giving up the pipeline Right of Way. Fingers crossed.

Thanks Andy. I will have to say that MacGyver was the guy who made me feel for the first time that being innovative was not only convenient but cool. Before the original show (the remake is a joke) I just believed I was poor; or cheap (I guess because I was?)

I wish I had seen that show. I've always tried to use what I had on hand, it feels like getting away with cheating. I figure anybody can go to the store and buy the right materials. I like staying home

The way you take spare parts and scrap devices and turn them into tools, and other devices to help complete tasks, made me think of that awesome classic show MacGyver. It truly is a good compliment.

Thank you, I appreciate the compliment. Sometimes what I do is not very practical. It seems I'm always running out of 1/4" brass pipe *******. And they cost almost $5 each now.

I found a chisel the right size for a hex center ****** so I cast a brass hammer head and a chisel to boot.

I'm going to cut up the brass hex and make a pipe ******, and time myself. It takes an hour to run to town so if I can make one in an hour I'll cast some stock when I'm casting something else and have stock to drill and thread to the length I want and save a trip to town some day (or night).

BB: I agree there was only one McGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) 1985-1992 and the new one is like a cartoon version. I bet he could melt a tin can and make a swiss army knife. and if he had FREE GAS...........

I've always had free gas, I like beans...

Andy, long time lurker, 1st time poster (to your thread)... I've been following your adventures since day one... thanks for all the ideas and inspiration!
I like your comment about these things being "easy"... I think there's a lot of truth to that... I believe anyone can learn anything... just gotta do it!
I was an R&D machinist for many years. One of the things we did is make molds for our (plastic) injection molding machine. I even ran that machine, on occasion. The process of casting metal is the same as molding plastic... gotta have a way to get material into the mold... gotta be concerned with the fill... gotta vent the gasses... same process, just a different method of delivering the material. Thanks for your careful documentation of your furnace build... I've studied that repeatedly and will be referring to it when I can finally put that project at the top of my list. My long term projects include a complete resto of a '32 International truck and a resto-mod of a '27 Hupmobile. The truck is fairly complete... the Hupster, not so much. I'll need to make (OK... more than) a few parts.
Thanks again for all you do!!
D

I'm honored that you posted on my thread. Welcome.

Cool cars! We really need pictures, OK to post here or start a thread. You see my stuff before it's fixed up (if it ever gets fixed up).

When you get ready to build a furnace speak up and we can discuss it. The discussion will be of value to someone else, like it was useful to you without any of us knowing.

Thanks for the kind words.

And thanks for all the visits, guys. I was out of commission yesterday, barely drove home 8 hours the day before. Not up to speed **** I'm getting there. I have a lot more sympathy for people with chronic health issues today.

 

[bolensboneyard]

Good to have you back Andy.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Thanks, Bobby, it's good to be back. I'm just chilling this morning, 25F and 25 mph feeding the cows.

 

[Fr8dog61]

2nd problem is raising the roof and insulating the shed as having internal radiating hot sheetmetal box is very ineffective to try and cool. Alternatively re-cladding the whole business... all options requiring funds earmarked elsewhere.

IDK about down there, but here in the states spray in foam is gaining popularity. I did my new shop and home with it. High R value (though I forgot what mine is) and you can spray it directly on the roof.

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: it looks like your temps dropped a bit from mine (i'm at 45 now and up to 56 later today) and our wind died while it's raining. your wind at 25mph is what i'd thought was normal wind for summer in your part of the USA/World.

have a great SATURDAY!!

Yep I bet there is a downside to FREE GAS if you ever want to develop part of your 160 acres so good luck with the negotiations.

I brought my own ice tea today cause i'm not sure you've had time to fill up the Coke machine.

cheers

 

[oldironfarmer]

IDK about down there, but here in the states spray in foam is gaining popularity. I did my new shop and home with it. High R value (though I forgot what mine is) and you can spray it directly on the roof.

Yes, spray foam would be ideal for Guster, if even to just stop the reradiation inside the shed. Thanks for the comment.

Andy: it looks like your temps dropped a bit from mine (i'm at 45 now and up to 56 later today) and our wind died while it's raining. your wind at 25mph is what i'd thought was normal wind for summer in your part of the USA/World.

have a great SATURDAY!!

Yep I bet there is a downside to FREE GAS if you ever want to develop part of your 160 acres so good luck with the negotiations.

I brought my own ice tea today cause i'm not sure you've had time to fill up the Coke machine.

cheers

25 is not normal for us, but not unheard of either. We're 26F right now, but will have highs in the mid 50's this week.

Actually the pipeline goes in front of my house, out by the road, but where they don't have a right of way is a on 40 acres a half mile away and across the road. Developing is not an issue with a pipeline, houses just have to stay away from it. My 160 acre development over by Hallett, OK, has two pipelines diagonally across it, one of them a major 24" pipeline transporting crude oil to the Chicago area.

Coke machine is full! But thanks for stopping by.

I started on a support for my muller. Here it is with the guts out. After the sand is mulled it dumps to the chamber below and has to be shoveled out.

I've decided to remove the lower chamber and put a bracket on the upper so I can swing it over my sand storage (under the plywood on the right) to dump it.

I'll mount it on a bracket sticking out from the wall just under the lower shelf.

Then I got the muller chute joints coated with wax to seal them and painted it all over with mud. The bar across the top comes off, it's just a brace.

It will be dry in the morning.

One more job today.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Yesterday I cast a brass hammer head along with a hex shaped chisel. Cut them apart today

Chucked the hex up and faced off the end

Then turned it to 0.540", the OD of 1/4" pipe.

Then center drilled it and drilled it to 9/32", a little heavier than Schedule 80. Threaded that end, cut it to length and turned the other end.

And threaded it. I've been using a block of wood to hold the die handle while turning the chuck with the chuck wrench to cut the thread.

I press against the die with the tailstock chuck to hold it square when starting the thread.

Start to finish it took me a little less than 30 minutes to turn and bore it.

Kind of a silly little project but I had a great time and now will keep some hex stock around to make pipe ******* when required.

Thanks for looking in!

 

[Bluehealer]

Thats what I love working on is IH I posted pics of the 1959 I restored!

 

[Grizz1963]

Not much to add in but a big grin at your work and progress Andy.


Looking great.

 

[bolensboneyard]

Sometimes brass/bronze can look sweeter than gold!

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: I bet you might have a bucket or bin full of brass parts, but it's sure nice to see that you can make one if you need to from melting the metal and mold to putting it on your lathe and watching the chips fly. VERY WELL DONE!!

I was only in Oklahoma for 3 days in the summer of 2004 and in Tulsa the wind blew about 20-30 mph all 3 days. in fact I noticed all the trees were growing a bit sideways so while it might not blow that hard or harder every day the locals are used to it.

Sounds like its going to warm up a bit which is nice for January.

enjoy your rest day if you really know the meaning.

thanks for keeping the coke machine full in case I have an urge to drink one cause I do have a SWEET TOOTH.

cheers

 

[TMcCay]

Drives, I always tell my out of state friends that in Oklahoma it is easy to tell what time of the year it is just by looking at the trees. If they are pointing (leaning) to the north it is spring/summer, if they are pointing (leaning) to the south it is winter.

 

[jimreed2160]

Free gas...all you can use...

So will having a commercial power plant on your farm be a nuisance or will you use the monthly proceeds to buy something down the road where it is quieter? Just a business idea. I know your head is spinning with this piece of good fortune. Congrats!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Thats what I love working on is IH I posted pics of the 1959 I restored!

IH are us! Where are your pictures?

Not much to add in but a big grin at your work and progress Andy.

Looking great.

Thanks, Rian! Progress makes you feel good.

Sometimes brass/bronze can look sweeter than gold!

I'm with you on that? I'm just glad I can cast with no apparent voids. While the cast brass of unknown scrap mixture is not the best, it is plenty strong for moderate pressures.

Andy: I bet you might have a bucket or bin full of brass parts, but it's sure nice to see that you can make one if you need to from melting the metal and mold to putting it on your lathe and watching the chips fly. VERY WELL DONE!!

Thanks, Drives! It is simple stuff, but I'm loving it.

I was only in Oklahoma for 3 days in the summer of 2004 and in Tulsa the wind blew about 20-30 mph all 3 days. in fact I noticed all the trees were growing a bit sideways so while it might not blow that hard or harder every day the locals are used to it.

Sounds like its going to warm up a bit which is nice for January.

enjoy your rest day if you really know the meaning.

thanks for keeping the coke machine full in case I have an urge to drink one cause I do have a SWEET TOOTH.

cheers

We do get our share of wind, it was windy yesterday, but not today. Right now we're 37 and 7 and you're 45 and 6.

Drives, I always tell my out of state friends that in Oklahoma it is easy to tell what time of the year it is just by looking at the trees. If they are pointing (leaning) to the north it is spring/summer, if they are pointing (leaning) to the south it is winter.

Ssssh! I'm trying to convince Drives otherwise. But SW Oklahoma is an acronym for Surely Windy Oklahoma.

Free gas...all you can use...

So will having a commercial power plant on your farm be a nuisance or will you use the monthly proceeds to buy something down the road where it is quieter? Just a business idea. I know your head is spinning with this piece of good fortune. Congrats!

Well the downside is they will only set one meter, probably 1" pipe. While it will be free, it will not be unlimited. That's OK. But there is still a lot that can be done.

The good, bad, and the ugly. I had a few minutes today so thought I'd pour my muller funnel. I've done better.

Put it in the sand, vibrating as it filled.

Using the metal bucket Dreaming Muscle brought me. Thanks!!

This pattern was going to take more room than I had except for this nice bucket.

It was so long and thin I was afraid it would not fill. It did great.

And it fits good.

Good news over, now for the bad. I failed to properly get sand under the back plate, which was at the top. That was bad.

And as the metal collapsed into the void, the rear plate sunk down. That's ugly.

I can do some cleanup, and it will work, so until I find time to remake it, I'll use it.

The hook on the left goes under the lid and the angle on the right matches the funnel it fits into. It feels pretty stable.

You win some, you lose some. This was a draw.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Using the metal bucket Dreaming Muscle brought me. Thanks!!

Ooohhh!!!! A bow down, I'll take it.

 

[dchance]

Andy,
It may be the good, bad, and ugly, but I would take it that you learned something, which can be priceless.

I can see that at times it is better to make something then run to town.
If I forget something on the way home then it will just have to wait till next time and I don't live as far out as you do.

Good to see you are doing well if sore.

Dwight

 

[gman007]

Kind of a silly little project but I had a great time and now will keep some hex stock around to make pipe ******* when required.

Andy
As per usual you did a fantastic job and as others have already commented a simple and little project for you, is a big deal for the rest of us mere mortals .

BTW there is nothing silly about it, rather it is all about labor of love. Doing something yourself is not always necessarily the most economical (be it time or money wise). Generally my wife does not understand what is my fascination with making or fixing something rather going the more economical route (specially my time) of buying it. But then again what is the fun of buying something vs the priceless satisfaction of one creating or fixing it with ones own hands?

 

[tym]

I've always had free gas, I like beans...

Though regulating the pressure must be a real PITA...

 

[oldironfarmer]

Ooohhh!!!! A bow down, I'll take it.

You deserve it!!

Andy,
It may be the good, bad, and ugly, but I would take it that you learned something, which can be priceless.

I can see that at times it is better to make something then run to town.
If I forget something on the way home then it will just have to wait till next time and I don't live as far out as you do.

Good to see you are doing well if sore.

Dwight

Tanks, Dwight! I did learn something, if only I can remember it now...

I'm just about healed up from the biopsy. I can tell you I hate peeing blood, but that would be too much information so just suffice to say it's looking like clear days ahead.

Andy
As per usual you did a fantastic job and as others have already commented a simple and little project for you, is a big deal for the rest of us mere mortals .

Now, now. This isn't hard stuff or I wouldn't be doing it.

But thanks for the kind words.

BTW there is nothing silly about it, rather it is all about labor of love. Doing something yourself is not always necessarily the most economical (be it time or money wise). Generally my wife does not understand what is my fascination with making or fixing something rather going the more economical route (specially my time) of buying it. But then again what is the fun of buying something vs the priceless satisfaction of one creating or fixing it with ones own hands?

I do like making my own stuff, and making brass ******* exactly the length I want is a plus. I just figured most people would look at that and think "that's pretty silly to spend that much time to save $5." My wife does like anything I make for her. And that's been far too little stuff over the years.

Though regulating the pressure must be a real PITA...

Pressure regulation can be an issue, as is the possibility of a deafening blowout (which can cause people to run for their lives).

Thanks for stopping in, guys. I managed several hours in the shop today without much to show for it. I did find some 2x2x1/4" angle for the muller wall bracket. I've got lots of 2-1/2 from an old bridge but not much 2". I'm using a piece of 1-1/2" 1/4" wall square tubing I bought to make a belt sander. It was so much cheaper by the foot to buy a 20 ft stick, and I haven't made a belt sander yet, so I cut some off to mount the muller on as a torsion member. Got the angle all cut, cleaned and drilled.

The square tubing will be all that sticks out from the wall to hold the muller.

Then I got some 1/4" plate cut to weld to the muller for a hinge and support. It was some rough scrap and took a bit to clean up. I plan on holding the muller with a single 1/2" bolt so I needed a little heft in these brackets.

Then it was off to exercise class. Most evenings there are only three of us. We get a good workout. The program we're doing now is ReFit, a lot like Zumba but maybe a little more vigorous.

 

[1/2 Cup]

It looks like you have a busy Andy I should be exercising more my self

 

[bolensboneyard]

A mistake? You are only responsible for the gaffs you make right before you eyes, not those hidden in sand; that's the rule; oh wait, that only applies to politics! Takes a good man to make none. Takes a better one to admit he's not perfect! Glad all is clear! Bobby

 

[gman007]

A mistake? You are only responsible for the gaffs you make right before you eyes, not those hidden in sand; that's the rule; oh wait, that only applies to politics! Takes a good man to make none. Takes a better one to admit he's not perfect! Glad all is clear! Bobby

Those who get things done sometimes make mistakes. Those who only talk about getting things done never make mistakes (well according to them and their mom)

 

[Guster]

IDK about down there, but here in the states spray in foam is gaining popularity. I did my new shop and home with it. High R value (though I forgot what mine is) and you can spray it directly on the roof.

It is available here but still at a premium cost. Fibre insulation is still the most cost effective and I'd like a white ceiling to improve lighting anyway. Saving up to replace the roof this year with a single pitch clear span framing, raising the sill height by 200mm in the process. Addressing the ceilings, insulation and new LED lighting and full length mezzanine at the same time.

...

Those brass ******* came out a treat Andy! I frequently braze together my own out of cheaper components to avoid cost of fittings. Especially the larger sizes and T's. Definitely saves when you have real oddball ones and temperature or high pressure is not an issue.

I like your new bucket! Will the hopper clean up with a little sanding or machining. Still looks usable and a vast improvement on the current orifice. Easy enough to make another I guess.


PS. Bob also seems to be having a gas right now... definitely related!

 

[oldironfarmer]

It looks like you have a busy Andy I should be exercising more my self

Glad to see you out and around, Steve. I believe in exercise, and walking is one of the best exercises.

A mistake? You are only responsible for the gaffs you make right before you eyes, not those hidden in sand; that's the rule; oh wait, that only applies to politics! Takes a good man to make none. Takes a better one to admit he's not perfect! Glad all is clear! Bobby

I'm far from perfect, I' can't even get my shop cleaned up.

Those who get things done sometimes make mistakes. Those who only talk about getting things done never make mistakes (well according to them and their mom)

This is all true. I do hate making mistakes I could have easily avoided, but, oh well!

It is available here but still at a premium cost. Fibre insulation is still the most cost effective and I'd like a white ceiling to improve lighting anyway. Saving up to replace the roof this year with a single pitch clear span framing, raising the sill height by 200mm in the process. Addressing the ceilings, insulation and new LED lighting and full length mezzanine at the same time.

Wow! Big project!! I'm ready, let's tear into it!!

...

Those brass ******* came out a treat Andy! I frequently braze together my own out of cheaper components to avoid cost of fittings. Especially the larger sizes and T's. Definitely saves when you have real oddball ones and temperature or high pressure is not an issue.

I like your new bucket! Will the hopper clean up with a little sanding or machining. Still looks usable and a vast improvement on the current orifice. Easy enough to make another I guess.


PS. Bob also seems to be having a gas right now... definitely related!

The hopper cleaned up ok, there's still a big mass of aluminum at the back I'm going to leave. Right now I need to use it.

Thanks for the visits, guys. I really enjoy comments. I had a good day in the shop today, even though it wasn't many hours, it is good to be productive.

Lot's of big blowouts at Bob's place.

 

[oldironfarmer]

I got my muller support finished today. Welded the brackets to the muller tub.

Wire brushed the structural components, welded them, painted, and screwed to the wall.

Everything fits back into place.

Here's the muller on it's support in the stowed position.

It will swing around with the loading chute over the sand heap so spills go back into the box

And after mulling and testing the sand for proper moisture, it can be swung on around and dump right into the heap.

The muller came from the factory with a box under it to dump sand into. I've removed it so now it dumps right where I want it. This will be a lot more convenient.

Thanks for following along!

 

[don long]

Hey Andy
Does your wife know you have her kitchen utensils hanging in your shop?

The strainers you have there remind me of my moms kitchen. lol

 

[Grizz1963]

Great engineering.

That’s got to save you time and your back.

 

[bolensboneyard]

Isn't it great the way age related aches and pains push us to think in terms of comfort and convenience when we work! No more going to the shop to kick some ****; just some genius to keep it from kicking ours. Great job Andy.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Hey Andy
Does your wife know you have her kitchen utensils hanging in your shop?

The strainers you have there remind me of my moms kitchen. lol

None of her kitchen utensils are in the shop. These have all been purchased specifically for the foundry. There are a lot more not seen. It is apparent I'm more likely to buy for me than she is to buy for her. But since I do the cooking she has no idea what we are using in the kitchen. The strainers are for sifting the first layer of sand onto the pattern. All lumps are eliminated. The stainless steel barbecue utensil set get a lot of use too. The fork is used to ventilate the sand after the mold if complete. The slotted spatula does not get much use and needs to be relocated. Plus we have some nice silicone kitchen funnels for various uses.

Thanks for visiting!

Great engineering.

That’s got to save you time and your back.

Thanks, Rian! The muller does a great job of blending the sand but was almost more trouble than it was worth to load and then unload so this eliminates those issues.

Isn't it great the way age related aches and pains push us to think in terms of comfort and convenience when we work! No more going to the shop to kick some ****; just some genius to keep it from kicking ours. Great job Andy.

Thanks, Bobby! I'm trying to learn from others to stop my habit of continuing to do things the hard way.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting, guys!

 

[gman007]

Andy

Supper cool job on muller. It will for sure make the operation a lot more efficient.

PS
Pay Don no mind, he is just jealous as he can not hang kitchen utensils in his paint booth

 

[shedfullatools]

Just thought I'd stop in and let you know I'm still quietly following along I think my last post was somewhere around page two and I haven't missed a single page yet. Especially like seeing all your foundry work, love that engine crossmember

 

[Guster]

Ex-kitchen utensils beats beach sand toys hands down!

That muller mount is an awesome setup Andy. Nice work.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy

Supper cool job on muller. It will for sure make the operation a lot more efficient.

PS
Pay Don no mind, he is just jealous as he can not hang kitchen utensils in his paint booth

Thanks! Efficiency are us

I'm sad for Don, because he has to borrow kitchen utensils from Ann.

Just thought I'd stop in and let you know I'm still quietly following along I think my last post was somewhere around page two and I haven't missed a single page yet. Especially like seeing all your foundry work, love that engine crossmember

I'm honored you have followed along all these years. I noticed you've got two months on me as a GJ member. My third anniversary is coming right up.

Ex-kitchen utensils beats beach sand toys hands down!

That muller mount is an awesome setup Andy. Nice work.

Hmmm, I've actually looked for a good beach shovel, but haven't found one yet. The old iron shovel I use looks like it might be cast. It is ancient and has a small hole in it. I need to just make a new one as well as a couple of small trowels for mold use.

Thanks for the good words on the muller mount. It did involve a bit of design, I wanted it to be rigid and it does not flex as the muller is swung, or move when the muller is running. I've used it several times already.

No shop time today, but tomorrow looks good, cold and windy is just right for shop time!!

Thanks for the comments!

 

[Farmall450]

Free gas, well ig all that work insulating some time back was a waste

Nah, it's worth it in the summer

 

[oldironfarmer]

I'm waiting on their contract. Getting a little bit eager about free gas. but I'm old enough to not get too eager about much of anything.

 

[gman007]

Andy

Due to the sub-zero temperatures and wind chill of -40 F or more, my heating gas bill this month is going to be through the roof! What is the first possible date I can switch my provider to Andy's Gas Co (AGC) for cheap gas? I know there is also the little detail of laying pipes from OK to MI but I believe the manufacturing and laying of the pipes will be done in house by AGC, so that should not be a big issue

 

[djones1a]

I seen a sign in a shop the other day. It read why pay $20.00 for something when you can make it yourself for $200.00, for some reason i thought of you. Lol Enjoying the projects,carry on.