Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
I made myself a centering weld jig.
I call it my 3rd hand.
It centers up the ball to facilitate the shank welding.
It has a hole in the base plate to align and hold the ball.
The guide above is perpendicular and centered over the hole with 1/2" offset to hold the 1" shank centered in place.
I have been meaning to build myself this for years.
Finally got around to it after 13 years of making ball stakes using by-guess and by-golly.
It will work on the large mushroom stake as well.
I just finished up this 4" shroom for one of our members in Germany.
It has a welded spider inside as well as being tin/lead alloy filled.
Darn thing weighs over 10 pounds.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Halberds
I call it my 3rd hand.
It centers up the ball to facilitate the shank welding.
It has a hole in the base plate to align and hold the ball.
The guide above is perpendicular and centered over the hole with 1/2" offset to hold the 1" shank centered in place.
I have been meaning to build myself this for years.
Finally got around to it after 13 years of making ball stakes using by-guess and by-golly.
It will work on the large mushroom stake as well.
I just finished up this 4" shroom for one of our members in Germany.
It has a welded spider inside as well as being tin/lead alloy filled.
Darn thing weighs over 10 pounds.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Halberds
Happy Metal Pounding
- The Iron Dwarf
- Archive Member
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Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
been using one like this since before I joined here though mine looks a little more rustic
forges, stake plates, tools and lots more
want to join ebid? its free to join as a buyer
http://uk.ebid.net/buddy/52487
Nanus Ferreus
"you're even more devious than Aaron!" an anon forum poster!
want to join ebid? its free to join as a buyer
http://uk.ebid.net/buddy/52487
Nanus Ferreus
"you're even more devious than Aaron!" an anon forum poster!
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Merry Christmas to you too Halberds. Making tools is important ... and you never know, you guys may get me pounding metal one of these days.
DIS MANIBUS GUILLELMI GENTIS MCLEANUM FAMILIARITER GALLERON DICTI
VIR OMNIBUS ARTIBUS PERITUS
Check out Age of Datini: European Material Culture 1360-1410
VIR OMNIBUS ARTIBUS PERITUS
Check out Age of Datini: European Material Culture 1360-1410
- Chuck Davis
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- Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Hey Halberd! Nice gig! As for the mushroom stake, have you though about letting your customer do the lead fill to save on shipping costs?
-Chuck
aka Cad
Honesty, Wisdon, Hope, Grace and Joy
aka Cad
Honesty, Wisdon, Hope, Grace and Joy
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Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Weight is not much of an issue
thats the joy of flatrate and regional flatrate boxes..
Regional have weight restriction based on size.
Standard Flat rate max out at 75#
thats the joy of flatrate and regional flatrate boxes..
Regional have weight restriction based on size.
Standard Flat rate max out at 75#
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
One Tool to rule them all?
I have a bad feeling about this.
I have a bad feeling about this.
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
That is a good one Marshal, I tried to make one and called it the multi tool but got a lot of flack because it looked like a big dick.
This is my new welding vice.
I made it out of my old DeWalt cut off saw.
The motor burned out after 15 years of service.
I cut the vice out and fixed it up to be used as a stand alone welding vice.
It works quite well so far.
This is my new welding vice.
I made it out of my old DeWalt cut off saw.
The motor burned out after 15 years of service.
I cut the vice out and fixed it up to be used as a stand alone welding vice.
It works quite well so far.
Happy Metal Pounding
- Sean Powell
- Archive Member
- Posts: 9908
- Joined: Sat Jul 13, 2002 1:01 am
- Location: Holden MA
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
If you change the bar-stock size it will no longer be centered. Consider adding a loose plate with a hole for the ball and you can relocate the ball as needed for rectangular shanks, smaller or larger square shanks and offset/dogleg shanks. add a 2nd loose plate with a V-groove and it will position some (but likely not all) pieces for T-stakes or anticlastic stakes... actually a small vice with at least a 2" opening could probably do that if the support arm is high enough.
Nice clean work otherwise. Lots of professional welds don't look as nice. Any fixture jigs and 3rd hand mechanisms are always appreciated in small shops.
Sean
Nice clean work otherwise. Lots of professional welds don't look as nice. Any fixture jigs and 3rd hand mechanisms are always appreciated in small shops.
Sean
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Thanks Sean, I did some mods for other tooling.
I made a Tombstone and Fluting Stake holder attachment.
Just slide the new vice under the upright fixture and botta boom... ya good to go.
Now to improve on my Stonehenge looking propane forge fire brick enclosure thingy.
Shown is a fluting tool being heat treated.
Ahhaaa just right for the quench....
Hal
I made a Tombstone and Fluting Stake holder attachment.
Just slide the new vice under the upright fixture and botta boom... ya good to go.
Now to improve on my Stonehenge looking propane forge fire brick enclosure thingy.
Shown is a fluting tool being heat treated.
Ahhaaa just right for the quench....
Hal
Happy Metal Pounding
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
The finished 4140 hardened fluting tool on a 1018 1" square shank:
Tool holder optional.
And a few more pics of some tools I finished up tonight.
An off-center ball stake:
A new anticlastic S-stake with tool holder.
One L-stake design, based on a client's request.
My client provided a drawing, I hope I got the point sharp enough.
The tool holder is offset and reinforced to accommodate the balance.
Better metal pounding tools through research and design input.
Thank you all for your support.
Hal
Tool holder optional.
And a few more pics of some tools I finished up tonight.
An off-center ball stake:
A new anticlastic S-stake with tool holder.
One L-stake design, based on a client's request.
My client provided a drawing, I hope I got the point sharp enough.
The tool holder is offset and reinforced to accommodate the balance.
Better metal pounding tools through research and design input.
Thank you all for your support.
Hal
Happy Metal Pounding
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Always Hal! And though we busted your balls about your dick-stake, it still seems it was a decent idea... mostly
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
How about some flaming great balls of fire...
I was making ball stakes and decided to have a little fun.
Friends don't let friends build tools while drinking whiskey.
Hal
I was making ball stakes and decided to have a little fun.
Friends don't let friends build tools while drinking whiskey.
Hal
Happy Metal Pounding
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Halberds wrote:How about some flaming great balls of fire...
I was making ball stakes and decided to have a little fun.
Friends don't let friends build tools while drinking whiskey.
Hal
You've need better friends then. Mine encourage it...
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Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
How do you *think* the first "offset ball stake" was developed if not by the application of ethanol to the construction process!
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
You are correct. I think whiskey had something to do with it.
How about a new Internet fad, pour whisky on your balls and light it?
Ouch... my balls are on fire...
How about a new Internet fad, pour whisky on your balls and light it?
Ouch... my balls are on fire...
Happy Metal Pounding
-
- Archive Member
- Posts: 13112
- Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2000 1:01 am
- Location: Socorro, New Mexico
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
It gets expensive fast when you have 90# balls!
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
What a waste of good whiskey.
Rev. A from my clients feedback on custom L-stake.
I reshaped the point to his current drawing.
Hope it is close enough.
It is to be used as field repair tool, replacing rivets and straps in armour.
Hal
Rev. A from my clients feedback on custom L-stake.
I reshaped the point to his current drawing.
Hope it is close enough.
It is to be used as field repair tool, replacing rivets and straps in armour.
Hal
Happy Metal Pounding
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
I have no idea how it will be used in the field.
If it was me I would bolt it to a 2 by 12 about 18" long and sit on the ground to use it.
I would also bolt the doughnut to the same board, just lift out the stake to use the doughnut.
Do you have any ideas to pass on about field work?
Hal
If it was me I would bolt it to a 2 by 12 about 18" long and sit on the ground to use it.
I would also bolt the doughnut to the same board, just lift out the stake to use the doughnut.
Do you have any ideas to pass on about field work?
Hal
Happy Metal Pounding
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
For field work, I have seen stakes that have a longer shaft that is pointy. To use it, just drive it into the ground. Now, you can't do heavy work on it like this, but it works great for lighter jobs like replacing blown rivets, straps, etc.
- Scott
- Scott
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Thanks Scott, That is something to keep in mind.
I appreciate input and feedback.
This has been the driving factor of my tool development for all these years.
Most of my tools have been designed for my personal use.
Some have been designed by professional metal pounders, that gave me the rights to reproduce the design.
However, not all pounders pound the same.
To see that difference with feedback, helps me design more to the individual needs.
I certainly appreciate the users feedback.
Thank you for your support.
Hal
I appreciate input and feedback.
This has been the driving factor of my tool development for all these years.
Most of my tools have been designed for my personal use.
Some have been designed by professional metal pounders, that gave me the rights to reproduce the design.
However, not all pounders pound the same.
To see that difference with feedback, helps me design more to the individual needs.
I certainly appreciate the users feedback.
Thank you for your support.
Hal
Happy Metal Pounding
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
I almost see it being nailed to a log or being bolted to the back of a truck, possibly being bolted to a portable bench that will be taken into camps. You may want to ask that in the future.
- The Iron Dwarf
- Archive Member
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- Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:45 am
- Location: Merry Olde England
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
I make a bracket to take a metal work vice that fits a standard tow bar / ball
forges, stake plates, tools and lots more
want to join ebid? its free to join as a buyer
http://uk.ebid.net/buddy/52487
Nanus Ferreus
"you're even more devious than Aaron!" an anon forum poster!
want to join ebid? its free to join as a buyer
http://uk.ebid.net/buddy/52487
Nanus Ferreus
"you're even more devious than Aaron!" an anon forum poster!
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
That is a good idea ID, I saw a camp potty and BBQ grill that fits on the hitch ball.
I did not think they allowed trucks into the camp area though.
Perhaps a smaller stump would be a good choice, they look sort of medieval to me.
I did not think they allowed trucks into the camp area though.
Perhaps a smaller stump would be a good choice, they look sort of medieval to me.
Happy Metal Pounding
- The Iron Dwarf
- Archive Member
- Posts: 5114
- Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:45 am
- Location: Merry Olde England
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
will post a pic tomorrow, same vice fits my anvil stand, drop in, use, take out in seconds
forges, stake plates, tools and lots more
want to join ebid? its free to join as a buyer
http://uk.ebid.net/buddy/52487
Nanus Ferreus
"you're even more devious than Aaron!" an anon forum poster!
want to join ebid? its free to join as a buyer
http://uk.ebid.net/buddy/52487
Nanus Ferreus
"you're even more devious than Aaron!" an anon forum poster!
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
That will be great... you know how much we like pics.
Happy Metal Pounding
- The Iron Dwarf
- Archive Member
- Posts: 5114
- Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:45 am
- Location: Merry Olde England
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
ok, here is the towbar on a ford transit, a medium sizes van common here and a vice on a post to fit it.
most towballs here bolt on like this, some newer ones are a swan neck and a few are removable.
on this a simple socket bolts on behind the ball and with the van doors open it can be used
most towballs here bolt on like this, some newer ones are a swan neck and a few are removable.
on this a simple socket bolts on behind the ball and with the van doors open it can be used
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Looks very handy, thanks for the pics.
Hal
Hal
Happy Metal Pounding
- The Iron Dwarf
- Archive Member
- Posts: 5114
- Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:45 am
- Location: Merry Olde England
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
no probs Hal
same vice on a post fits one of my anvil stands I take to events
same vice on a post fits one of my anvil stands I take to events
forges, stake plates, tools and lots more
want to join ebid? its free to join as a buyer
http://uk.ebid.net/buddy/52487
Nanus Ferreus
"you're even more devious than Aaron!" an anon forum poster!
want to join ebid? its free to join as a buyer
http://uk.ebid.net/buddy/52487
Nanus Ferreus
"you're even more devious than Aaron!" an anon forum poster!
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
I will never be able to live this down, just fuck one goat...Ckanite wrote:Always Hal! And though we busted your balls about your dick-stake, it still seems it was a decent idea... mostly
Happy Metal Pounding
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
However, I took Iron Dwarfs advice: Never question the intended use, just make the tool.
This is a custom tool for a new copper smith.
It is made to his specifications.
It is to help form the bottom of a copper bowl.
A 1/2" thick slab, cut from a 3" 1018 solid round bar.
Welded to a 1" by 1" square tool shank.
Ground and polished into a plausible tool.
I hope it works for him.
Hal
This is a custom tool for a new copper smith.
It is made to his specifications.
It is to help form the bottom of a copper bowl.
A 1/2" thick slab, cut from a 3" 1018 solid round bar.
Welded to a 1" by 1" square tool shank.
Ground and polished into a plausible tool.
I hope it works for him.
Hal
Happy Metal Pounding
Re: Finally, a tool for me, a tool to make tools.
Halberds wrote:I will never be able to live this down, just fuck one goat...Ckanite wrote:Always Hal! And though we busted your balls about your dick-stake, it still seems it was a decent idea... mostly
Thomas Gallowglass said:
Amoung the things I've learned in life are these two tidbits...
1) don't put trust into how politicians explain things
2) you are likely to bleed if you base your actions upon 'hope'.
Amoung the things I've learned in life are these two tidbits...
1) don't put trust into how politicians explain things
2) you are likely to bleed if you base your actions upon 'hope'.