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As part of my continuing pugmill project, I decided to build a bigger smithing forge!

I started with a 50 gallon water heater tank that I shucked (Thanks Greg!)

the stuff in the back is insulation

 

 

I measured the tank based on the height of the rock-wool insulation, and then cut it down with a diamond saw blade.

tank cut to size

 

 

I then welded up a frame and legs from angle iron, it took 1 1/2 x 20′ bars. They run about $15 apiece from a local metal shop. I got lots of help with the brainstorming and design from Paul!

volunteer measuring the cylinder for the hinge

 

 

I used the plasma cutter to cut out circles for the door and rear part of the forge, and also a fire hole for the propane burner, then we welded up the hinges and inserted the rock-wool.

 

 

The rock-wool was secured to the door and tank with nichrome wire (another donation from Greg)

note the stitching around the door

 

 

I then welded a frame for supporting the propane burner on the side of the forge.

The side supporting frame

 

 

Then it was time to test it!

fire is fun

 

 

All in all this was a successful project.

(more pics here)

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When my mother was 10 years old, my grandfather purchased a rotating tree stand.  They don’t make them like this anymore.  It’s sturdy cast aluminum with a brush contact for powering the lights, and strong enough to rotate a real tree.  It ran for 56 years, but last year when I turned on the lights, it wouldn’t make a full rotation without throwing the house circuit breaker.  Pictured below is my Karosel Model R-100-B manufactured by the Kresky Manufacturing Company.

I opened it up and performed an inspection:

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Our event last week, Make Ornament, was a huge success! For one thing, I only wasted one ornament learning to laser-engrave. But also, we had a great turnout! Thanks to everyone who visited and shared holiday cheer with us.

Here are some of the ornaments people made!

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On Nov 25th makers Michele and Jeff Cotten were able to visit Athens Makerspace in Greece.

Pictured above are Michele, Jeff, and Constantinos Zervos, one of the founding members of Athens Makerspace.

Athens Makerspace had just recently celebrated its two year anniversary!

Pictured above is the global map hung up at Makers Local 256.  Jeff and Michele are pointing to the new pin inserted at the Athens location.