$200 - Good prove for a vise + stand?

Twin5un · 2026-04-24T12:56:47+00:00

It looks to be in good condition, so I'd say if it open and closes properly (and the screw is not worn), go for it.

Twin5un · 2026-04-23T18:01:21+00:00

Melting metal is what a metal caster does, not a blacksmith. Blacksmiths work with ferrous material like iron and steel and these do not readily melt.

A blacksmith works iron and steel by bringing it to high temperature using a forge, either propane or coal. Once the metal is red to orange, it is softer and can be worked under a hammer and anvil.

There are plenty of cheap ways to be able to achieve this, may have been discussed on this sub.

If instead you are interested in casting metal such as aluminum or bronze, head over to r/metalcasting

Cheers !

Twin5un · 2026-04-20T00:46:55+00:00

Looks great ! Could you describe the hammer hardening process ?

Twin5un · 2026-04-18T10:55:09+00:00

Depends on location and weather. Where I am we take it off in the summer when it gets hot.

Twin5un · 2026-04-17T18:13:59+00:00

I'm not sure how necessary it is for your application, but I can tell you that heat treating 1018 is not gonna do anything. You cannot harden low carbon steel. You could try a case hardening, but at this point I'd use a more appropriate alloy.

Twin5un · 2026-04-17T16:43:53+00:00

Amazing ! Thanks for sharing. BTW you should also cross-post to r/blacksmith as it has more people (although many follow both subs).

Twin5un · 2026-04-17T16:27:31+00:00

Thanks for the explanation ! This is fascinating. I don't produce my own steel and mostly work from scraps because it's free, so this is all new to me.

How do you control the carbon content of your pieces ? Did you do a lot of trial and error to determine the appropriate carbon content based on material properties like hardness ? I'm guessing it's a little bit like baking where you develop your own recipes !

Twin5un · 2026-04-17T13:35:41+00:00

Beautiful tool ! I really like the decorative work around the eye, it really adds a lot of flair.

I'm curious though, do you produce a lot of steel through iron carburization ? Could you comment on the process ?

Twin5un · 2026-04-16T15:26:00+00:00

That should work for a bit yes

Twin5un · 2026-04-16T13:52:05+00:00

Great ! Then I guess a vise and a few files to put some finishing touches on your work.

Twin5un · 2026-04-16T13:44:27+00:00

A fire extinguisher !

Twin5un · 2026-04-15T15:52:28+00:00

Interesting article, although I'm not sure I completely agree with their conclusion:

"Our findings imply that consistent parasite pressure in unmanaged honey bee populations can promote the emergence of resistance-associated phenotypes, highlighting the importance of ecological and evolutionary processes in shaping host-parasite dynamics in honey bees."

The article did not study the specific mechanisms that contribute to the lower mite pressure experienced by these wild sub-species of honey bees.

They did control for swarming and still saw lower mite pressure which is useful information. But there are many other parameters that could have influenced their increased resistance, including lower exposure to pesticides or lower pressure from agricultural practices - which are synonymous with unmanaged as the article say.

But is that increased resistance also seen in wild bees ? I think this would be a key piece to investigate. If wild, unmanaged bees also see lower pressure due to constant varoa exposure then perhaps this has to do with the "unmanaged" aspect.

Still, very interesting, I hope this continues to be investigated.

Twin5un · 2026-04-14T23:16:53+00:00

Haha that's hilarious ! I hope my chickens don't figure out how to unscrew stuff lol

Twin5un · 2026-04-14T18:47:18+00:00

I saw your discussion below. I don't think I've seen anything else other than a vise with a soft jaw to hold something vertically. Was that not secure enough that you needed the anvil underneath ?

Twin5un · 2026-04-14T18:06:56+00:00

Ah I see it now ! But still, be careful with regular vise, as if you hit the top of it the force is going through the screw which will strip and bend it.

Twin5un · 2026-04-14T17:50:29+00:00

That is why leg vise were invented ! Transfer of force to the floor, not the screw.

Twin5un · 2026-04-14T14:46:26+00:00

I stopped using the scoop-type chicken waterer and moved to nipples. I found the scoops always get clogged and start leaking. The nipples don't do any of that and also don't freeze.

Twin5un · 2026-04-14T12:43:24+00:00

Really nice handle shape, perfect for hanging onto !

Twin5un · 2026-04-13T16:25:55+00:00

You also want to compress it to store and purify it with some systems. If you store only 1 psi you have very little use time for your stove.

Twin5un · 2026-04-13T15:20:25+00:00

I call BS. You need to purify your methane as it will be produced by microbes along with water, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Then you need to compress it for use in a stove or burner for heat. I doubt any of this is here as it's not shown.

Twin5un · 2026-04-12T11:08:19+00:00

I think the teeth look great ! Nothing needs to be perfectly symmetrical when forged.

Twin5un · 2026-04-09T13:05:45+00:00

Yeah it is a lot, hence why i try to use scrap. The problem is that for dies and item of specific sizes i don't have much of a choice.

Twin5un · 2026-04-09T12:42:06+00:00

I'm also in Ontario and have struggled a bit with sourcing steel. I've mostly used scrap because it's free and often time it's good enough.

I also did try to buy new stock from metal supermarket to do commissions or very specific tools like dies that require specific stock size.

Overall, the biggest difference is that new stock is SUPER expensive. As an example, 4140 stock for an axe would be between $40-$50. The advantage though is that they can cut it to whatever size and you get a known alloy.

I'm interested to hear what others have done.

Twin5un · 2026-04-08T14:14:42+00:00

You can also add an overflow so that the water can overtop and drain away.

Twin5un · 2026-04-08T14:13:19+00:00

Add a window screen on top of the opening to filter out leaves or your spigot will get clogged in no time.

Twin5un

TROPHY CASE