TURNING A RAILROAD TRACK INTO AN ANVIL!!!

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  • Опубліковано 1 лип 2020
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    My name is Alec Steele and I am a 22 year old blacksmith from Norfolk in the United Kingdom, now living in Montana in the USA! I upload a vlog from my day at the workshop almost every single day. Lots of sparks, lots of making, lots of fantastic-ness. Great to have you here following along!
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  • Розваги

КОМЕНТАРІ • 796

  • @ohusky271
    @ohusky271 3 роки тому +693

    how u know Alec is genuine and truly cares about his craft:
    Alec: Heres my brand new product up for sale for those who want it
    Also alec: heres how to get started and get the same amount done without my product.

    • @hjones3056
      @hjones3056 3 роки тому +41

      Ain't that the truth

    • @nickbenn51
      @nickbenn51 3 роки тому +14

      Clever way of marketing the new product though don't ya think

    • @Numbers__
      @Numbers__ 3 роки тому +25

      Also, more blacksmiths = more people to sell a nice anvil to.

    • @datawrangler81
      @datawrangler81 3 роки тому +8

      @@nickbenn51 yeah, except the one is 1400, that you send to him, the other is 79.99 if you have to buy your grinder, not from Alec. Sounds like his marketing technique is so subtle and sophisticated, I don't get it. I did get a Freedomheit hoodie, though, so there's that.

    • @nickbenn51
      @nickbenn51 3 роки тому +12

      @@datawrangler81 I'm not disputing that he's genuinely interested in giving good advice to beginners. But you can't deny that this video obviously serves the double purpose of being an ad for his anvil. Also I'm not saying that's a bad thing, the guy has to make money somehow

  • @langtangwang
    @langtangwang 3 роки тому +994

    you should make a series called: how to start blacksmithing

    • @gavtheviking9496
      @gavtheviking9496 3 роки тому +8

      Yes he shoud.

    • @lairdcummings9092
      @lairdcummings9092 3 роки тому +8

      Yes. This.

    • @matthiaspruijssen1306
      @matthiaspruijssen1306 3 роки тому +7

      Yes please

    • @thatguy843ish
      @thatguy843ish 3 роки тому +5

      Yes please

    • @tytorubio3271
      @tytorubio3271 3 роки тому +25

      He probably did that already, in his early videos i think..
      When he was still living in England.
      I could be wrong but i remember something like that.
      Even in the last Q & A they talk a bit with wich tools they started

  • @ChatBot1337
    @ChatBot1337 3 роки тому +295

    I think Will should show us how easy it would be to cut a rail with files. 😆🤙

    • @mrking7342
      @mrking7342 3 роки тому +22

      Or just sand the one Alec made to a mirror finish. Plenty of surface area to really show off that shine.

    • @coreytaylor447
      @coreytaylor447 3 роки тому +11

      @@mrking7342 but by hand with sand paper

    • @rossturner3650
      @rossturner3650 3 роки тому +7

      easy, tape a file to a reciprocating saw and job done

    • @IAmBeowulf701
      @IAmBeowulf701 3 роки тому +5

      @@rossturner3650 This one physically hurt.

    • @LEMOONAYS
      @LEMOONAYS 3 роки тому +2

      @@IAmBeowulf701 tape even lol

  • @josephvalo
    @josephvalo 3 роки тому +52

    I remember watching my grandfather make an anvil out of railroad track. He gave it to me before he passed away. I'm glad to see that you are showing everyone how to make one. 😃 Alec- High-speed Low Drag!!

    • @jessemarshall7176
      @jessemarshall7176 3 роки тому +1

      I just rediscovered the one my great grandpa made in 1940. I thought it was lost decades ago.

  • @Tuxbotix
    @Tuxbotix 3 роки тому +39

    What I really appreciated in this video is the talk about angle grinder safety, almost everybody I know tend to get rid of the guard and start using the tool :/ . Also nice tip on the left-sided holding approach, will give it a try :D

    • @bigbasil1908
      @bigbasil1908 2 роки тому

      I hate angle grinders. Iv'e use them before to grind down welds on cars but I truly hate using them knowing instinctively how dangerous they are lol

  • @adventureseekingbaboon
    @adventureseekingbaboon 3 роки тому +24

    I love that you sell this stuff on your website but you still don't mind showing people how to do it themselves on the cheap or free if they can. You are by far one of my favorite UA-camrs

  • @JessWLStuart
    @JessWLStuart 3 роки тому +1

    Brilliant job highlighting not just the dangers, but also your solution for safety! You teach people right, Alec!
    Edit - adding this challenge: Please make pattern Damascus fishing hooks, and film going fishing (and catching)!

  • @davidkhrystenko
    @davidkhrystenko 3 роки тому +69

    I actually tried forging yesterday, used the face of a log splitting hammer as an anvil

    • @DH-xw6jp
      @DH-xw6jp 3 роки тому +4

      If its a power splitter you could rig it up to act a a press if you want to make pattern welded stuff

    • @Finagin007
      @Finagin007 3 роки тому +4

      I've been wanting to get into it for a long time. How did it go?

    • @jeanladoire4141
      @jeanladoire4141 3 роки тому +5

      When i started blacksmithing, i had a tin can, barbecue charcoal, a large hammerhead as an anvil, a box of pringles with a hole to blow air, and a small shitty hammer
      Now i make armor and swords, and in a few hours i'll get back to grinding a blade i tempered yesterday

    • @wildermanoutdoors8485
      @wildermanoutdoors8485 3 роки тому +1

      Awesome! when I started I used a sledgehammer head as an anvil. Two years later I own a 90 pound London pattern anvil. Keep on learning.

    • @davidkhrystenko
      @davidkhrystenko 3 роки тому

      @@DH-xw6jp It wasn't a power splitter, it's this axe that has an extremely wide head, basically the entire axe head is a large triangle with flat sides.

  • @twostroke350
    @twostroke350 3 роки тому +8

    Once had an angle grinder grab my t-shirt and rip it right off my back. Thankfully the cloth stalled the motor out before the disc hit me... A timely lesson, dangerous devices grinders and why Alec wears that welding jacket. Also had a strict rule drummed into me that you unplug the grinder (or any sort of portable abrasive wheel device) and take it to another bench to change the wheel.

    • @jerichojoe307
      @jerichojoe307 2 роки тому

      Yes sir. The angle grinder is one of the most dangerous Tools in any Workshop. Claims more dummy related incidents per year than hippos. It's very rare that I ever have the handle off of mine, guard never comes off unless absolutely necessary, and I literally will not even pick it up without glasses. But I definitely need to get a full face shield cuz I've seen plenty of videos and pictures with people that had exploded discs lodged directly in the path of what would have been an eye shot. No long sleeves or loose clothing. And the power is disconnected before ever touching the disc. One of the most dangerous Parts about it is that angle grinders typically are an on-off situation meaning that rather than a Deadman trigger that stops when you release the trigger; they're typically either on full bore or off. So in the event of a jump or kick oh, it's going to continue rotating and destroying whatever is in its path. Be safe y'all

  • @adamshaw4470
    @adamshaw4470 3 роки тому +81

    I've been using Angle grinders for years. I never had an incident off kick back till recently. I am guilty of removing guards. It hit me in the face.... well face shield. I use the same breather set up as Alec. ( thanks to him) and that face shield can take a hit. It kicked hard enough to knock the mask off my head. No injury just had to buy a face shield lenses. Also @ Alecsteele. Did you know they make tearoff for that face shield. 20 packs are like 20 bucks but it saves the lense 10 fold

    • @coreytaylor447
      @coreytaylor447 3 роки тому +23

      when it comes down to it, a mask lens is a pretty good trade off for a face

    • @billwoehl3051
      @billwoehl3051 3 роки тому +8

      Friend of mine had a disk shatter, missed his eye by inches, left a nasty scar on his forehead however. And this morning, my charcoal popped, sending a spark that nailed me in the eyebrow, few minutes later, nearly got me again, so...yeah, I put my safety glasses on for tending my forge as well.

    • @custos3249
      @custos3249 3 роки тому +7

      Almost as if experience or "I know what I'm doing" isn't a shield against shrapnel

    • @anviljenga8590
      @anviljenga8590 3 роки тому +2

      Hey what breather face mask set up is it that you use? Could use one myself.

    • @dylanzrim1011
      @dylanzrim1011 3 роки тому +4

      I had a wheel explode on me with no guard. Just bounced off my leg. I consider myself considerably lucky

  • @REgamerPRO
    @REgamerPRO 3 роки тому

    Alec please make a series of video of how to blacksmith on a budget, videos like this is a blessing for me and many others

  • @charliebrown6531
    @charliebrown6531 3 роки тому +1

    I’m glad my railroad track is getting some use after sitting in my garage for years. It was great to meet you Alec. Keep those awesome videos coming!

  • @thebakk34
    @thebakk34 3 роки тому

    I saw an angle grinder injury in the ER last week! DIY proj at home, used foot to hold pipe, wearing crocs, grinder jumped and shredded through the croc and the big toe.

  • @edkovac8978
    @edkovac8978 3 роки тому

    Well, in order to sell the lovely crisp anvils he needs blacksmiths to buy them. The old dogs might have already few anvils around, but the newbies will sooner later become a customer. He's creating a demand, and that is genius! Hat off Alec, I love your videos, been watching every one since I discovered this channel.

  • @MartilloWorkshop
    @MartilloWorkshop 3 роки тому +3

    I really enjoyed the message this video conveys - There's a whole lot of integrity in showing alternatives to the things you yourself is selling.

  • @kapler_1532
    @kapler_1532 3 роки тому +67

    Dis guy making anvils from railroad tracks while I'm just gluing 2 sticks together to make a boomerang

  • @peterselan
    @peterselan 3 роки тому

    So nice of you... Teaching... Statt with simple materials..

  • @LinusGustafsson
    @LinusGustafsson 3 роки тому

    I have about 33 meters of railroad track that a friend gave me. Its also great if you need a striking anvil (although hard) or if you are going to have classes and need more workspaces. Nice vid!

  • @CleaveMountaineering
    @CleaveMountaineering 3 роки тому

    Great overview of how its done.
    I got an old beat up Fischer 60 lb anvil, then later came across a 3' chunk of RR track, a heavy cross section, probably 130 lb for the piece. I cut and flattened one END of it, and stood it up, and bolted it to a log buried 3' in the dirt. The key with this one was to have a surface for heavy drawing out and fullering. This position gets the most steel directly underneath your work. The web of the track I rounded for fullering and bending.

  • @HuebertEllowit-LOL
    @HuebertEllowit-LOL 3 роки тому +1

    Am I the only one who thought the third place axe was by far the best and highest level of craftmanship?

  • @jvoynar5826
    @jvoynar5826 3 роки тому

    Even more uncommon and inordinate than plasma torches & bandsaws are the young, handsome, rugged men he has scattered around his shop!

  • @detritus10001
    @detritus10001 3 роки тому

    Sir Steele, I applaud you for this amazing piece of work here.

  • @marcsoto910
    @marcsoto910 3 роки тому +1

    3:30 I was at work on a ladder using an angle grinder, it bound up on what I was cutting and it jumped. Those things bite pretty good, I cut open my neck from my Adam's apple to my chin. It didn't bleed too much after a little while because it burned when it cut so I patched myself up and went back to work. 👍🏻 Ironworkers 💪🏻

  • @victoriaeads6126
    @victoriaeads6126 3 роки тому

    My friend did this, it really does work beautifully. I think they just used a piece of discarded railroad tie without even shaping it into an anvil. If you live near active tracks, and if you're careful to watch for trains, sometimes you can find an old tie that they replaced and just left the old piece by the trackside.

  • @jamesyamamoto5155
    @jamesyamamoto5155 3 роки тому

    Back in my smithing days, I used to wear all leather and Gortex while smithing. I'm glad I did too. There were several instances where doing so saved me from serious injury. Doing so can be incredibly hot and uncomfortable, but it's worth it trust me. I dropped a piece of red hot steel on my Gortex boots once, and it melted about halfway through the top of my boot before I could even react. Had I been wearing different boots, I would have had serious burns. Safety first folks!

  • @trapjohnson
    @trapjohnson 3 роки тому

    This was a well done, well produced, and subtle infomercial.
    Lots of subtle flexs throughout, (Merch in the injury visit, higher grade tools and accessories sold through the shop), but still informative and enjoyable!

  • @fullerblacksmithing7954
    @fullerblacksmithing7954 3 роки тому +9

    I entered in the last week, the first 3 i was healing from a broken arm/wrist. Glad i was able to compete with so many great smiths, some of which are in their teens such as me! Keep on getting better, the moment you give up, youve lost.

  • @patmancrowley8509
    @patmancrowley8509 3 роки тому

    Alec, I would suggest putting that railroad anvil upside down in the vice and putting a "slugger drill" on it and drill four mounting holes. Of course you could put it on the mill.

  • @frandiminic3559
    @frandiminic3559 3 роки тому

    I see that the Q&A really helping for video ideas. Great job you guys

  • @sixpointforge5573
    @sixpointforge5573 3 роки тому +2

    I was taught from a young age of about 3 to always respect you tools, not fear them cause then you will never use them, but if you respect them and use them safely you will be perfectley fine and safe.

  • @obh7762
    @obh7762 3 роки тому

    Thank you for providing me with the inspiration through the 4 Weeks of Forging to forge my first ever rasp tomahawk. I had never really done much forge welding before, and this project was a great learning experience.

  • @andyaitken4243
    @andyaitken4243 3 роки тому +1

    As soon as I saw the notification I hit the play button. Love all of your videos Alec. Keep them coming

  • @luisconstruye3240
    @luisconstruye3240 3 роки тому +1

    Just recently, I made myself an anvil from a railroad track, and I have an idea that I saw on another UA-cam channel, where they soldered a piece of leaf spring on the anvil and that is the surface to hit :D

    • @vandewt800xl
      @vandewt800xl 3 роки тому +1

      I've got a rail anvil and I have to dress the surface up every so often because it's pretty soft. A chunk of harder steel on top would help keep it from getting beat up so much.

  • @mountaingorilla406
    @mountaingorilla406 3 роки тому

    I live in NW Montana and you Sir have inspired me to start learning to blacksmith

  • @gluehorse12691
    @gluehorse12691 3 роки тому +4

    Can't wait to see how this comes out

  • @jerryjohnsonii4181
    @jerryjohnsonii4181 3 роки тому

    Very Cool Railroad Track Anvil, Alec !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @jackwriter1908
    @jackwriter1908 3 роки тому +1

    I am not sure if you know how to run a company Alec... But please never change, even if it is bad for business, you being nice and honest is far more important then money.

  • @picklesnoutpenobscott3165
    @picklesnoutpenobscott3165 3 роки тому

    Alec, thank you for considering us folks out here without fancy toolsets! I finally did invest in an actual Anvil, but still have my first track anvil. I think it will continue being useful. Niiiice anvil stand you got there!

  • @markomiletic4772
    @markomiletic4772 3 роки тому +3

    Wow thank you just amazing. Greetings all the way from Austria

  • @adamschneller392
    @adamschneller392 3 роки тому

    The safety message was really well done. :D

  • @scarmenl
    @scarmenl 3 роки тому

    A good heavy hunk of tree trunk works great to lag bolt you chunk of railway rail too. If you decide to drill hole to put the lag screws through be sure to use low speed and lots of lube.

  • @treeman765
    @treeman765 3 роки тому

    Can you do a video on how to set up an anvil and make a stand? Setting the proper height and design? Thanks! Love the videos Alec!

  • @jayly7453
    @jayly7453 3 роки тому

    That’s awesome showing people cheap get arounds to get a start at the forge .With small starts big things grow .✌️✌🏻✌🏾❤️✌🏻✌️

  • @Pedro-ke6xp
    @Pedro-ke6xp 3 роки тому

    Awsome awsome video, thats why i love alec so much, one day he is teaching the very very basics, another he is doing a damascus sword with gems and gold

  • @KrautSpaceMagic
    @KrautSpaceMagic 3 роки тому

    there is a tech youtuber called "linus tech tips" that did a video a while back called something like "what its really like to work for linus" (the founder of the company and head of the channel), the main hitch was that linus was not allowed to watch the video at all and it was a essentially a free integrity check on linus to see if the people working for him actually enjoyed working for him. i really enjoyed that video and think it would be cool to see that sort of video about you alec

  • @MatthewHilbertsBaritone
    @MatthewHilbertsBaritone 3 роки тому

    Might I suggest (for those who have access to a lathe and a decent welder) turning the horn of the anvil on the lathe and welding it on.

  • @jenky1044
    @jenky1044 3 роки тому

    Very cool. Nice project.
    We made some back in the mid 80's.
    Fun project. We torched them, then ground them, it was faster.

  • @hotrod4d
    @hotrod4d 3 роки тому

    The axe was by far the coolest prize!

  • @whome6764
    @whome6764 3 роки тому

    The work you do just to do a video is commendable ‼️ Those grinders do not apologize either. I know and yes it wasn't my first time using one.

  • @rnistuk
    @rnistuk 3 роки тому +12

    And the second take away: "Don't take railroad track from a railway line"
    Fine. Now I need to come up with different plans for this weekend... again.

  • @noooosh
    @noooosh 3 роки тому

    Omg. I have a bit of railroad and I wanted to do just this!!!! Thanks!! I will definitely be doing this!

  • @quinlans1670
    @quinlans1670 3 роки тому

    wonderful video Alec, thanks for sharing your experience 😀

  • @josephstevens1331
    @josephstevens1331 3 роки тому +1

    Looking forward to this. just got a chunk of track to do this!

  • @adventurefocus5319
    @adventurefocus5319 3 роки тому

    One crucial piece of info to note, the rail track does not have a hardened face plate and will not respond nearly as well as an actual anvil. Even your local engineering works can give you a hardened face plate and weld it to a mild steel block for next to nothing, this will not only last longer but be much better than a rail track - I know since I used one for the first 2 years of my bladesmithing and the change when getting a proper anvil was huge!

  • @historygeek2437
    @historygeek2437 3 роки тому +95

    Alec inspired me to be a blacksmith I'm only 14 but I still do it

  • @enoughisenough3618
    @enoughisenough3618 3 роки тому +10

    "Don't do stupid stuff with angle grinders!"
    ... I feel like you're calling me out here ... stop attacking me Sir! Lol

    • @garybower1824
      @garybower1824 3 роки тому

      It's only stupid when it doesn't work. What's the point of having a first aid kit if you don't use it?

  • @archangelspythons
    @archangelspythons 3 роки тому +2

    I've seen images of exploded cutting wheels and kickback injuries and it's terrifying. Always be safe with those things for sure. I'll never use one without a guard

    • @greg9403
      @greg9403 3 роки тому

      And wear face protective shield.

  • @bigrev1601
    @bigrev1601 3 роки тому

    Loved seeing the 4 weeks of forging projects! That was a great idea!

  • @aaronpreston47
    @aaronpreston47 3 роки тому

    Yes! I was waiting for this! I have a 14” piece of track from 1910 I use as an anvil already but I’m looking to add a horn to it!

  • @hamidalikiani8543
    @hamidalikiani8543 3 роки тому

    you have no idea how good this vid was and how helpful thank you for sharing

  • @christiansnyman8326
    @christiansnyman8326 3 роки тому

    You read minds Alec, this is a video i wanted to see for years!!!!

  • @RyanMiller-ly4li
    @RyanMiller-ly4li 3 роки тому

    Mate good work on talking about grinder safety. I see too many youtubers who've never used one holding the grinder wrong or not useing it without a guard or even no safety glasses.

  • @hunterwisch1756
    @hunterwisch1756 3 роки тому

    I'm 15 and getting into blacksmithing, I was out of cut of wheels, so I just used a hack saw, and a grinding disc

  • @duncangentner8438
    @duncangentner8438 3 роки тому

    Yeah Zach!! LET'S GO TECH!!!

  • @Isheian
    @Isheian 3 роки тому

    Just finished my forge and I have a railroad track anvil. Wish me luck! First project is rebar nails to stop my dog from digging under my fence. Figure it’s simple~ish, upset a head, draw and taper a point. And a long piece of rebar shouldn’t need tongs as I haven’t a set yet.

  • @ebrahimpooe6322
    @ebrahimpooe6322 3 роки тому

    Respect from South Africa... Good stuff

  • @codesystem
    @codesystem 3 роки тому +5

    Alec made me want to spend my time forging, really enjoying these videos

  • @willthedingo
    @willthedingo 3 роки тому

    Thank you again for touching on Angle Grinder Safety.

  • @justinwafer336
    @justinwafer336 3 роки тому

    So I’m a recent finger amputee. I lost 3 fingers on my dominant hand.I lost my fingers working in an unsafe environment at work. I have a whole new outlook on safety in the workshop. It makes me really happy to see so much safety in your videos. Keep up the safety in your vids!

  • @lucasmurphy5407
    @lucasmurphy5407 3 роки тому +1

    I have a railroad tracks anvil and I wanted to put a hardy hole in it but didn't know how. Purgatory Ironworks said that I should get someone to weld on a but of square stock and it works great

  • @ieatcaribou7852
    @ieatcaribou7852 3 роки тому

    Thank you very much for your positive attitude!

  • @TimothyHall13
    @TimothyHall13 3 роки тому +1

    Oh Yeah!! Thanks Alec!!!

  • @m-schmiddi1239
    @m-schmiddi1239 3 роки тому

    Great work alec.
    I love what you have done in the last few years.
    Keep on making some fenomenale stuff❤

  • @rorymead4579
    @rorymead4579 3 роки тому

    For a new project idea you guys could potentially make a tri-bladed Jagdkommando Knife? Could be a difficult challenge to forge the shape and do those weird grinds, might be fun to watch

  • @jarredjones3358
    @jarredjones3358 3 роки тому

    Hey Alec, you can find on EBay (or make) something called a track chisel that's basically a big 5lbs cold cut chisel with a handle, looks like a splitting maul. From what I've read, the railroad workers would score the track across the top with a striker, pick up the track, and just drop it straight down on top of another piece of track and it would shear the track off cleanly. I don't know how well it actually works in practice, but it could potentially be a huge time saver over the angle grinder.

  • @BraxxJuventa
    @BraxxJuventa 3 роки тому

    Looks like a mature anvil! Thanks for showing this to us Alec! 👍😁

  • @diablo_raps5461
    @diablo_raps5461 Рік тому

    I was working as a fitter & grinder for around a year and I often used those 9 inch grinders. The only injury I've gotten from it was a pretty bad cut on my little finger because I wasn't waring gloves and my hand started to cramp XD

  • @devildave977
    @devildave977 3 роки тому

    I just picked up a piece of rail yesterday to do exactly this, perfect timing!

  • @MateusMores
    @MateusMores 3 роки тому

    Very Nice.
    I was waiting to see Alec forging a leaf on the railroad track anvil

  • @MrAeroaj
    @MrAeroaj 3 роки тому

    Woah! Let's Go Tech!!! Not to often you see a Clarkson University Alumni!

  • @evanrimmele5598
    @evanrimmele5598 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks Alec you’ve inspired me to start blacksmithing when I was 11 Thanks I would love to meet you

  • @Shadow-ol2ik
    @Shadow-ol2ik 3 роки тому

    Congratulations to the winners!

  • @matthewmarting3623
    @matthewmarting3623 3 роки тому

    My first railroad anvil I left long and sank into the ground propped up on one end. You don’t “need” a horn for most bladesmithing, just a radius on one edge will do a lot of work for you. That said, get a real one ASAP. The difference is astounding.

  • @peebee143
    @peebee143 3 роки тому

    I was using a powerful 4.1/2" grinder with an HD wire cup wheel to clean a section of steel roof panel at a raised level. Wearing all the usual kit, including ear muffs. Got called down at one point. Thought it had switched off, went to put it down. It bit on a raised edge, jumped up and banged off my neck. Back down it went and caught the same edge and leaped, again, for my throat. It went over the side and scuttled across the ground until it managed to wrench it's own plug out of the extension lead. Winter time, soooooo lucky I had been wearing my donkey jacket with the collar turned up. Without that protection, that bastard could have had my jugular!

  • @shieldwolf8093
    @shieldwolf8093 3 роки тому

    I'm so glad you have made this video I have a 16 inch chunk of track I use as an anvil now I can make it better

  • @Brandon._._
    @Brandon._._ 3 роки тому +1

    Nice anvil, you should make a hori hori next!!

  • @CrimFerret
    @CrimFerret 3 роки тому

    Great video. You could probably even rent the angle grinder to do this, but they are so useful that it's worth having one.

  • @52Ford
    @52Ford 3 роки тому

    Kickback isn't an if, but when. For example; a circular saw. You could be a carpenter your whole life, know what you're doing , and still have to deal with kickback. You might be cutting a board and the grain closes in on the blade. Same with a grinder. The metal might have stress in it and it pinches the wheel. I've had both happen. Ripping boards, the grain really likes to pinch the blade. Bed frame angle like to pinch cutting wheels, too. Keep in mind which way the tool is going to go if the blade binds up. I like to grind with the cutting wheel pulling the grinder away from me and just take multiple passes to cut thick material. Wear you PPE. I caught my jacket on fire from sparks - wear a welding jacket or FR sleeves and and apron or something.

  • @hotrod4d
    @hotrod4d 3 роки тому

    This is awesome I'm literally about to do this so i can get started blacksmithing

  • @shenanigansIRA
    @shenanigansIRA 3 роки тому

    Outstanding video. Love your design

  • @Class5Shtstorm
    @Class5Shtstorm 3 роки тому

    thanks Alec for highlighting the safety aspect of using angle grinders.. im about to cut down my rotted pool slide for the safety of my young children and am going to put your tips to good use! as always another great video!

  • @christophermorin9036
    @christophermorin9036 3 роки тому +4

    I've always thought that they could be used that way.

  • @DougWyman
    @DougWyman 3 роки тому

    In the late 1930s my dad worked on the railroad. He made an anvil I grew up with from 120# rail. Polished to a gleaming shine.

  • @christiantamminen1334
    @christiantamminen1334 3 роки тому

    I admire your passion and health and safety awareness Mr Steele. Keep rockin'.... safely :)

  • @josiahovick1209
    @josiahovick1209 3 роки тому

    I am actually in the process of making one right now, and was looking for more info, thx

  • @Sierra-024
    @Sierra-024 3 роки тому

    I have one of these! My great grandpa made it! I have to grind it flat or have it milled! But it's an awesome thing to have!

  • @spencerestes2051
    @spencerestes2051 3 роки тому +1

    I started blacksmithing and making knifes and all kinds of stuff, but basically I already had forges and anvils and grinders cause my stepdad is a farrier and I got to use his tools and I never realized how hard it would of been for me if I never had the tools and stuff from the beginning

  • @jonathangarzon2798
    @jonathangarzon2798 3 роки тому

    One major point here, don't stay on the head of the railroad tracks with the grinder fro long times as the heat buildup can mess up the temper. Take breaks and or keep it cool

  • @jobtieleman4273
    @jobtieleman4273 3 роки тому +3

    note: I have made my railroad anvil with a small angle grinder and a 40 cm piece of track, it is possible without the big angle grinder except when you cut a smaller piece of track from a big one.

  • @DougWyman
    @DougWyman 3 роки тому

    Thank you for a very fond memory. I wish I still had my dad's old anvil...