The only method I can think of is to get a 30" tall piece of 2" pipe and fill it with water, so when I heat a piece of 1/4" dia rod (28 inches long) to upset, I can hold it by the hot end and quench all but the last 3/8 inches, inside the pipe. My propane forge works well, but I cannot control it like a coal forge. The propane forge heats at least 4 inches of the rod. Then it just bends when I try to upset it, (to make rivets). I guess I could just whammie the rod end just once with the wedge side of my cross peen hammer, about 3/8 inches from the end. Then that should jam in the plate with the tapered hole. This may be the solution. My instructor showed me how to do this (upsetting using a coal forge), but like I said, propane is all or nothing. I tried to heat a different piece of metal outside the propane forge, just in front of the mouth and firebricks I use as a gates, but it did not heat. I am frustratingly slow and it takes so many heats for me to accomplish anything that it ticks me off. I am hurting for decent tongs, and that is mostly what I am up to now. But the SOR is killing me, using a 4 pound hammer. Got to find a lighter one, and build a trip or power hammer. At least I'm having fun, and it keeps me off the streets. Any imput would be appreciated...
- posted
15 years ago