Above 1200 Sq/FT Cleaning Up My Shop

[carlquib]

I would say for a first try your casting turned out very well. Have you watched any of luckygen1001's videos on YouTube? He has a lot of good information on pouring cast iron.

My name is Brian and I'm a toolaholic.

 

[Redwolf947]

Nice, that came out great for your first try! Congratulations

Mike

 

[realvc]

Very nice. I guess you will be casting pot metal soon.

Vince

 

[Rex_A_Lott]

Looks good to me. Thanks for taking the time to record and share your ventures, once again.

 

[jbmatth]

So many possibilities this opens for you Andy, put me on the list for your first run of hit and miss engines.

JB

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: you've been busy while i've been Moving some stuff.

wow after that cool video of the glass breaking you've been making a teapot looking melting pot (forgot the term for it at this senior moment) so you can be more exact on your aluminum and soft metal pours and now you are doing cast iron.

man that looks like it was plenty HOT!! OMG you've got more scrap than most of us combined so I'm thinking maybe a new melting shed with a lot bigger forge is in order and maybe OSHA won't have all the restrictions on you on your farm in Oklahoma that drove a lot of our big steel companies out of the country.

keep up the great work and I hope you enjoy your day!!

 

[xtremek]

I'm totally jealous. An art I'd love to learn, but I don't have time for

 

[jimreed2160]

Very impressive skills you have developed right before our eyes. The current stock of 3-D printers have limitations and it will take years for the technology to catch up with you, Andy.

 

[Farmall450]

The shackle looks pretty good. Probably the only US made on in production today

 

[BBChevro]

Is there anything that you can't do Andy? [emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G950F using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[oldironfarmer]

I would say for a first try your casting turned out very well. Have you watched any of luckygen1001's videos on YouTube? He has a lot of good information on pouring cast iron.

My name is Brian and I'm a toolaholic.

Thanks! I have watched some of his videos. There is a lot of information out there.

Nice, that came out great for your first try! Congratulations

Mike

Thanks, Mike!

Very nice. I guess you will be casting pot metal soon.

Vince

Pot metal is similar to aluminum, but is usually die cast. Not sure I'm ready for that.

Looks good to me. Thanks for taking the time to record and share your ventures, once again.

Thanks for all your support!

So many possibilities this opens for you Andy, put me on the list for your first run of hit and miss engines.

JB

The possibilities are amazing. I was thinking steam engine, but a hit and miss one might be nice.

Andy: you've been busy while i've been Moving some stuff.

wow after that cool video of the glass breaking you've been making a teapot looking melting pot (forgot the term for it at this senior moment) so you can be more exact on your aluminum and soft metal pours and now you are doing cast iron.

man that looks like it was plenty HOT!! OMG you've got more scrap than most of us combined so I'm thinking maybe a new melting shed with a lot bigger forge is in order and maybe OSHA won't have all the restrictions on you on your farm in Oklahoma that drove a lot of our big steel companies out of the country.

keep up the great work and I hope you enjoy your day!!

Thanks for stopping by, Drives! Another good day!

I'm totally jealous. An art I'd love to learn, but I don't have time for

I am having a great time! Thank you

Very impressive skills you have developed right before our eyes. The current stock of 3-D printers have limitations and it will take years for the technology to catch up with you, Andy.

Thanks, Jim. What do you think of a 3D printed pattern for iron casting?

The shackle looks pretty good. Probably the only US made one in production today

It's a good thought I'm pretty sure Crosby shackles are still US made.

Thanks for the visits, guys! My computer decided it does not like my phone so while they are quarreling there are no pictures.

 

[Pressingonward]

Very cool stuff, thanks for keeping us updated. I love following along with all of this stuff. I don't normally like watching videos, but yours are short and to the point, and add another dimension to this thread.

You'll have to tell your phone and PC to kiss and make up - can't have their little spat ruin it for the rest of us

 

[jbmatth]

Andy,
I'm no tech guy but you can email the photos from your phone to yourself, that is what just did otherwise I may not have thought of it either.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

Very cool stuff, thanks for keeping us updated. I love following along with all of this stuff. I don't normally like watching videos, but yours are short and to the point, and add another dimension to this thread.

You'll have to tell your phone and PC to kiss and make up - can't have their little spat ruin it for the rest of us

Thanks for the kind words. I don't watch many videos either. Even stuff I really want to watch, just too much dead time and hype, there are a authors which are very good: olfoundryman and Myfordboy are two casting ones which come to mind. But going through a 20 minute video looking for what you want is tedious.

Andy,
I'm no tech guy but you can email the photos from your phone to yourself, that is what just did otherwise I may not have thought of it either.

JB

That would work with one or two, but I gave in this morning and started using my Windows 10 computer. It took forever to figure out how to resize. Once I did it's all right. It is sure set up for people who really have no idea what they're doing and don't care where their stuff is stored.

I have cast several copper ingots in my 3" channel iron ingot mold. Yesterday two stuck in and one would absolutely not come out. So I drilled a hole from the back, drove it out with a punch (with difficulty), and welded up the hole.

Now I'm casting them in a sand mold. Takes a little time to make the mold, but not much.

Sawing apart the M manifold for cast iron I got to the cast iron carburetor. Many hours I've spent cleaning and adjusting these. Never had this perspective before.

There is a hazard with casting iron. Running the furnace hotter wound up with my 2,600F brick starting to melt.

I have 3,000F brick but we'll let this work for a while.

Thanks for looking in!

 

[bolensboneyard]

Andy if this were wine you would now have to cork your bottles; no more screw on caps those are for the nice work. You have crossed the line! Keep it up and you will have your own cooking show! Hey! I bet is would sell on cable. From the crucible to the crock pot something's cooking in Oklahoma. Other shows; If you can't stand the heat stay off the air! Andy's on fire!!!!!!

 

[don long]

Andy
It looks like I'll be in your town late Monday afternoon or early evening so Can we plan a visit on Tuesday morning the 26th

Sure looking forward to meeting up

Don

 

[Guster]

Whoa... just gone and cast some iron already!

Video is awesome. Iron is always a little more energetic. Couple of nice sparklers coming off the casting. It is much less forgiving but all the patternmaking has paid off with great results. How's the sand looking after that casting and how long did it take to get up to temperature?

I see a new furnace coming too.

 

[RickP]

There is a hazard with casting iron. Running the furnace hotter wound up with my 2,600F brick starting to melt.

Looks like you're cooking with oil now!
(we'll have to wait for the pipeline hookup before you'll be cooking with gas again...)

Your initial foray into cast iron looks good - slightly more difficult than the soft metals, but all your casting practice this winter really paid off.

 

[shortykorte]

Andy, enjoyed your videos. Congrats on the cast iron pour. I don’t think I’ll be able to start casting due to having to wear a skirt....long pants, leather shoes, gloves and a face shield. Maybe I’ll look into casting ice.
Don’t forget to keep Don distracted Tuesday. Lol.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: i'm just following along watching videos and learning as you teach me (us) which is a lot nicer coming from you than reading books or watching videos and reading about other people we don't know.

how's the critters?

i'm still sending prayers for your bride hoping she improves or is still smiling at your jokes.

have a great day cause i'm pretty sure I will.

cheers

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy if this were wine you would now have to cork your bottles; no more screw on caps those are for the nice work. You have crossed the line! Keep it up and you will have your own cooking show! Hey! I bet is would sell on cable. From the crucible to the crock pot something's cooking in Oklahoma. Other shows; If you can't stand the heat stay off the air! Andy's on fire!!!!!!

Thanks, Bobby!

Andy
It looks like I'll be in your town late Monday afternoon or early evening so Can we plan a visit on Tuesday morning the 26th

Sure looking forward to meeting up

Don

Great news, Don! Looks like Dreamingmuscle and a friend will be here as well.

Whoa... just gone and cast some iron already!

Video is awesome. Iron is always a little more energetic. Couple of nice sparklers coming off the casting. It is much less forgiving but all the patternmaking has paid off with great results. How's the sand looking after that casting and how long did it take to get up to temperature?

I see a new furnace coming too.

Thanks Guster. It was easier than I thought it would be. I didn't gate it well and had some bad spots, but I'll try again. It didn't seem to affect the sand. It took 45 minutes from lighting the fire to finishing the pour. The oil burner really puts out the heat.

Why anew furnace? I do need to replace some brick, but I've got 3,000F brick ready to go.

Looks like you're cooking with oil now!
(we'll have to wait for the pipeline hookup before you'll be cooking with gas again...)

Your initial foray into cast iron looks good - slightly more difficult than the soft metals, but all your casting practice this winter really paid off.

Thanks! I'm learning, but I'm slow.

Andy, enjoyed your videos. Congrats on the cast iron pour. I don’t think I’ll be able to start casting due to having to wear a skirt....long pants, leather shoes, gloves and a face shield. Maybe I’ll look into casting ice.
Don’t forget to keep Don distracted Tuesday. Lol.

Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Casting ice, hmmm, it's similar. The iron freezes, but sand might not work.

Andy: i'm just following along watching videos and learning as you teach me (us) which is a lot nicer coming from you than reading books or watching videos and reading about other people we don't know.

how's the critters?

i'm still sending prayers for your bride hoping she improves or is still smiling at your jokes.

have a great day cause i'm pretty sure I will.

cheers

Glad to have you visit, Drives.

Cattle are all doing good. It's turned warm the last few days, 30's at night and 60's days. Perfect weather for me.

My wife has improved the last couple of weeks, I'm thankful.

Had a great day today. Had to go show a house, but got some casting in anyway.

Looking forward to Don's visit.

 

[Sjweir22]

Been reading/lurking for awhile. Still amazed at everything you can do.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Been reading/lurking for awhile. Still amazed at everything you can do.

I'm honored that you chose to make your first post on my thread.

Thanks for the kind words, but I'm amazed at how little I get done.

I've got an update but have to use a different computer to post pictures and it's really inconvenient.

 

[oldironfarmer]

I got a great gift in the mail from Squatch. Thanks, Casey!

Pretty nice tool set if I do say so. I'll have to sharpen the saws and chisel. The chisel needs a proper bois d'arc handle.

My pickup needed an oil change. Since I only have two lifts and haven't quite finished Cleaning Up My Shop, I changed it in the driveway.

Say hi to Callie Rose, aka The Shadow.

Then I had a bit of time in the blacksmith shop. I needed two more pokers for the foundry, and a handle for another spoon. This is the style handle I like.

It's a traditional blacksmith handle. Here are the handles:

The top item made of rebar I did to help get the lids off 5 gallon plastic buckets. It works ok.

Thanks for stopping by guys!

 

[Vieux]

I got a great gift in the mail from Squatch. Thanks, Casey!

Pretty nice tool set if I do say so. I'll have to sharpen the saws and chisel. The chisel needs a proper bois d'arc handle.

My pickup needed an oil change. Since I only have two lifts and haven't quite finished Cleaning Up My Shop, I changed it in the driveway.

Say hi to Callie Rose, aka The Shadow.

Then I had a bit of time in the blacksmith shop. I needed two more pokers for the foundry, and a handle for another spoon. This is the style handle I like.

It's a traditional blacksmith handle. Here are the handles:

The top item made of rebar I did to help get the lids off 5 gallon plastic buckets. It works ok.

Thanks for stopping by guys!

Nice present!
Oil change on the road is very familiar to me.

 

[Grizz1963]

Garages are over rated anyway.

Driveway works just fine.


Neat tool set and pokers.

 

[Craptain]

I was sweeping the shop yesterday with my Andy Martin broom and got to thinking about all the other pastimes that you have been missing out on since you started melting metals. And then you go and play blacksmith for a while. It's good to see you still remember the other skills.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[bolensboneyard]

Boy does that bring back memories.

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: still following along as you Clean your shop.

so tell me since you get pretty much all the use out of a tire just how often do you change the oil in your truck or rigs? and do you use 10/30 or synthetic or what and why?

are Hershey and Cali getting along pretty good? or has Cali started following you and Hershey stays in with your wife?

it's another great day in paradise where ever that may be so i'll enjoy mine while you hopefully enjoy yours.

BTW Cleaning is overrated, but if you have to and need to pressure wash i just learned and bought a turbo attachment for my hose for my little Honda pressure washer and turned it into a beast.

cheers

 

[Farmall450]

I hate*** when BOTH of my lifts are full

Minimal spilled oil drip cleanup is nice, though. The nice thing about 3/4+ ton trucks is you hardly need ramps. I've been known to do it in the soft grass lol.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Nice present!
Oil change on the road is very familiar to me.

Very nice present!

When we were young I asked my wife to change the oil in her car, take it to a filling station (1969). I had to leave for a couple of days. When I got back she proudly said she changed it herself. I was impressed. Asked whether she blocked it up instead of risking the jack. She had straddled a ditch with it and did not need a jack (or a drain container). Then I was really impressed.

Garages are over rated anyway.

Driveway works just fine.


Neat tool set and pokers.

Yeah, but lifts are nice. I guess I need a third one.

Thanks, I like making tools but used some rebar because it was convenient. They are consumable.

I was sweeping the shop yesterday with my Andy Martin broom and got to thinking about all the other pastimes that you have been missing out on since you started melting metals. And then you go and play blacksmith for a while. It's good to see you still remember the other skills.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Glad you use your broom!

I fire up the forge on a regular basis, just don't advertise it much I guess. It takes about five minutes to get a hot fire (3 after the match is lit) so not much longer if any than getting the oxy-acetylene torch going and a lot cheaper to burn coal. I really need to build a gas forge but I do like using coal. It's easy once you learn to manage the fire and I have essentially a lifetime of coal piled up.

Boy does that bring back memories.

Sometimes it seems I like making memories more than using them.

Andy: still following along as you Clean your shop.

so tell me since you get pretty much all the use out of a tire just how often do you change the oil in your truck or rigs? and do you use 10/30 or synthetic or what and why?

My new truck gets the oil changed when it tells me to, same with the FJ Cruiser and my wife's Honda. I use 5w20 in the new cars because that meets the manufacturer's recommendation. Old stuff gets 10W30 or 10W40 every 5,000 miles (it's easy to remember) except the old tractors usually get 20W50 because they are worn and it helps hold oil pressure up.

I don't understand synthetic oil. I will not run an engine 15,000 miles with the same oil inn it so I don't pay for quality I don't expect to use. The 5W20 I use is a synthetic blend but at little premium on cost. I don't usually run engines past 300,000 miles though.

are Hershey and Cali getting along pretty good? or has Cali started following you and Hershey stays in with your wife?

it's another great day in paradise where ever that may be so i'll enjoy mine while you hopefully enjoy yours.

BTW Cleaning is overrated, but if you have to and need to pressure wash i just learned and bought a turbo attachment for my hose for my little Honda pressure washer and turned it into a beast.

cheers

Hershey and Callie are getting along better. They both go out to the barn when I'm feeding. Hershey watches through the corral panels and Callie goes out in the pasture and runs. I think she's pretending she's rounding up the herd but they've already gathered at the corral to be fed. This morning on the way back Hershey came up to get her head petted and Callie ran up so I petted her head and they started licking each other's faces. first time I'd seen that, a good sign.

I had a great day where I choose to live.

I have a pressure washer, but have never used it. My handyman used to use it on the rentals but brought it to me when I sold the last ones. I guess I'll try it out sometime. Maybe. When I need to paint.

Thanks for the visits, guys. I'm expecting Don Long and Dreaming Muscle tomorrow so it should be a good day.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy love the tool kit it

 

[oldironfarmer]

I have when BOTH of my lifts are full

Minimal spilled oil drip cleanup is nice, though. The nice thing about 3/4+ ton trucks is you hardly need ramps. I've been known to do it in the soft grass lol.

Yeah, thinking about getting a third lift so I can have a place to change my oil indoors. The four post is the ideal oil change tool but I'm thinking a two post would be a nice addition to the shop.

Or I could fix the Dodge diesel and free up the four post.

Better order a two post.

 

[carlquib]

I'll recommend the turned post 12000 pound two post model bendpak, they are a most useful tool. They don't have any trouble picking up my one ton trucks. I don't crawl around on the floor under a vehicle nearly as well as I used to. I don't know if I'm just getting old or if I'm finally getting smart. [emoji848][emoji16]

My name is Brian and I'm a toolaholic.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy love the tool kit it

Nice, isn't it?

Glad to see you out and around, Steve.

I'll recommend the turned post 12000 pound two post model bendpak, they are a most useful tool. They don't have any trouble picking up my one ton trucks. I don't crawl around on the floor under a vehicle nearly as well as I used to. I don't know if I'm just getting old or if I'm finally getting smart. [emoji848][emoji16]

My name is Brian and I'm a toolaholic.

Nice lift! Maybe a little overkill for me, but maybe not.

I like to think I'm getting smart, but I guess it's just old. I need hand rails on my creeper.

 

[jbmatth]

Andy,
I'm sure you could fix the Dodge if you wanted, but that would mean you don't have an excuse to get a 2 post. Then you won't have anywhere to put it so you will have to do another addition. Yeah the Dodge can wait, I like the way you think.

Sorry I couldn't make it work out today, life and work have got me pretty wrapped up.

JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

Sorry you can't be here either, JB.

If you would come down for a day and kick my back side every five minutes we'd have the Dodge off the lift.

 

[Rex_A_Lott]

I thought it was interesting you mentioned burning coal in the forge. I remember when I was a kid, a lot of people still burned coal, (and wood) for home heating. I cant even remember the last time I actually saw somebody burning coal. You could buy it at the icehouse back then, it came in a big heavy-duty brown paper sack, just like the chunks of ice. Of course most people just went there and ordered it delivered to the house, it was much cheaper by the ton. Nobody buys blocks of ice anymore either, the business doesnt exist any longer, there is something else in that building.
I still occasionally find an old chunk of coal, when I'm scratching around in the ground at my Mama's house. At some point in the past, way before my time, there was a blacksmith shop on the corner of that property.
Thanks for jogging that memory
I , for one, enjoy the pics you post of your blacksmithing work, thanks for posting them. Maybe "someday" , when everyday is Saturday, I can learn that skill too.

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: sounds like a great day on the farm with a few visitors to watch you melt metal. or is it a day to go to a local auction or pick stuff up around your area?

whatever I wish I could be there, but i'll just have to watch and hear some fun stories and hope I can visit one day in the near future too.

enjoy your day!!

 

[jblnut]

Most would make due with a piece of rebar with no modifications, not so with Mr. Andy. Heat it and beat it until it's pretty and has just that correct amount of flair.

I could have 5 lifts at home and I'd still end up changing oil in the driveway. It's just how it goes. It bothers me way less kicking a bucket of oil over in the driveway than in the shop so driveway oil changes are okay with me !!