Grandfather's Forge

[nijalninja]

Good afternoon all, just thought I might share this here for the other Australians and those who simply like history.

The pictures here are of my grandfather's forge blower (dad's side) which my father remembers him owning and using since he was a kid. Unfortunately through family trouble my grandfather sold nearly all of his tools and forge gear, including a second one just like this, but he kept this one and the other day I got around to pulling it down, cleaning it out, re-greasing everything and altering the fan. Now it works great.

I have no idea how old it is as I have yet to research "Rapid Sydney" yet, but I can guess it is very old. The furnace part of the forge we still have as well, and cleaning it up is my next task. If all goes to plan it'll be as complete as it was when my father was young, and just as useable.
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[muffett.2008]

Now that brings back memories.
The Company I did my trade with back in the mid '60's still had a complete Blacksmith shop complete with one of these forges, learnt my early tempering and metal treatment with it with help from the workshop foreman.........I always thought him a bit of a Dinosaur then, but in later years realized That I received the best all round grounding in the mechanical trade possible..........tried to pass it on in later life as a TAFE Teacher.

[nijalninja]

Well there you go muffet. Isn't it amazing how such a simple and easy thing to use can move so much air? I'd love to learn metal work and blacksmithing but I don't think I could do a full trade on it any time soon. I might just have to learn as I go. I have a slightly smaller one from my other grandfather as well would you believe it?

[Gil Boyd]

Funnily enough I am endeavouring to do a Blacksmith course next week, so really looking forward to it.

[browningautorifle]

I have no idea how old it is as I have yet to research "Rapid Sydney" yet, but I can guess it is very old.

Here's a conversation elsewhere about these... Australian forge - Solid Fuel Forges - I Forge Iron

[nijalninja]

Best of luck Gil.

I'll give that a read. Cheers b.a.r.

[30Three]

You can always use it for stocking the BBQ!

[bigduke6]

Funnily enough I am endeavouring to do a Blacksmith course next week, so really looking forward to it.

So we expect to see you on "Forged in Fire" think thats the program on Sky, Blacksmiths/ Bladesmiths compete to make the best, knife, sword etc.

When I did a course in Bordon, the instructor was an ex RAF Armourer so let him off with the RAF bit, when I picked up a file and started he said "You've done this before" yep was my reply, a four year apprenticeship as a Fitter & Turner....... although I still had the do the course, I ended up giving him a few pointers and also helped in some of the re-wording in the hand out, what got me was the art of Scraping isn't taught anymore...... even for the Regulars.

Must admit since then I've often thought about the teaching route, like Muffer it would be nice to pass on a few forgotten skills.

[Gil Boyd]

Anyone need a poker

[Gil Boyd]

Best two days of my life, beating hell out of metal and developing stuff I really need, highly recommended to everybody, I can say no more