More good progress to report today. Made the fence and the beam, cut the opening and the fence to fit the beam. Hoping to install the knife tomorrow. Depending on how that comes out determines whether this one gets called Prototype No. 2 or goes to the US Post Office on Monday.

 

Good to know OJM, maybe it is what they told me it was.

Iam thanks for the insights man, really appreciate it. I'm going to go ahead with it and plan on the wear strips. After all it has held up so far as a saw handle, a gauge will see much lighter use.

Good idea Paul, I have a few more scraps that would work well in box, I enjoy the occasional cigar, but my wife hates it. ;-)

 

You will get her done Don.
Mine is gone in the wind.

 

Okay, I'm done with the prototype. Now on to the real deal . . . tomorrow.

 

You guys are killing me here. I can't keep up with these threads. By the time I get to add to the chatter whatever I was going to comment on is about 40 posts ago. I might have a bit of time tomorrow to work on my gauge. I'll post a photo tomorrow night. It's going to be close to the deadline for me under the best of circumstances, but my dad is back in the hospital again, it's tough being 90.
Jim

 

I worked on mine a little tonight. The body is done but I screwed up the beam. It looks like crap and doesn't even deserve a spot in the scrap bin. I'll try again tomorrow.

 

Good luck to your father Jim

 

Thanks Dave, he's been in and out of the hospital and rehab since Christmas Eve. At the moment it seems as if he's lost the will in his heart, he lost the will in his mind about a year ago. He's had different medical issues for about 4 years now and he's ready. Sorry to divert the conversation. As you were. I'm off to the shop.
Jim

 

Wow guys, been busy for a week and you posted so much it took me an hour to catch up!

Should get some shop time to finally get started on this soon - you guys with your non-procrastinating ways are ruining it for us slow folks.

Signed or not? I'd love a maker's mark or initials or signature!

 

Done. Got some pics, going in the mail next week.

 

Jim, Best Wishes for your Father!

Hey Shane, wanna trade a handful of #4-40 brass screws for a handful of #6-32's?

Working on my gift gauge today, finished the beam, made a tiny blade for the first time from some O1 steel, I think?. Wow, I need some smaller files! Also, gonna re-check my receipts, and make sure the steel type before heat treating tomorrow…

 

I will just send you some Terry. I will try to get them in the mail in the next couple of days. I think I still have your address.

 

Well, I now know I can build a marking gauge. The prototype was made today. Not sure I am overwhelmed w/the ergonomics. Plus keeping that crayon sharp could prove to be a bit of a chore.

 

crayons are super easy to sharpen though. just have to do it often.

 

LOL! Shane, we all knew you could handle this one. You've made some nice stuff, bud!

Thanks for the free screw offer! What a friend!!!

Seriously, though, I'll send ya a few size #6 brass screws in case you want them for the next swap…or the next…

 

Photos…or it didn't happen…

Here's my humble heat-treating station…

Yellow gas from the Borg, a few rocks (gonna use a steel plate next time), and nasty diesel oil.

I shaped this little blade from O1 yesterday. The hardest part was definitely drilling and filing the slot. Took me a couple of hours since it was so hard to hold on to…gotta build a smaller knife clamp! So…I torched the steel until orange, then a quick dip in the oil. Very cool. I mean, hot.

Then, a quick trip to the DMT's for sharpening. Honestly, the little guy could use another go around at the sharpening station, but I was sorta lazy with that step since the heat in the shop was getting to me. At least, I feel good about the heat-treating process! The little files that I used the previous day to form the slot will no longer scratch the surface of the blade! very cool.

Big Thanks to Dave for getting me motivated! Gonna upgrade my metal working tools, tables, and skills…

 

That little blade is sweet Terry. Looks a lot like the ones I got for mine. Of course, I took the easy way out and bought mine. Do you need a couple of 4-40 threaded inserts too?

 

I sure am glad i'm terry's recipient. That's a cool little blade there.

 

Thanks, guys!

What's really cool is This Swap. It has forced a number of us to try skills for the first time…love it!

Shane, I sure would hate to turn down a couple inserts as well. But, only if you have extras like I do! This box of 25 should last me years if I can still find them in a few years!

 

Nice blade Terry. I use some fire bricks when I've got to heat treat something. A friend of mine does fireplaces so it was no trouble getting a few rejects for free.
I know it's not much compared to you guys already finished and shipped but I gathered some of my raw materials together for a photo. The small blocks in the middle are rosewood I believe and they have been waiting for a project for maybe fifty years.

Glad to be a part of this.
Jim

 

Nice stock of raw materials.

 

Thanks, now I just have to figure out what wood to use. I know the style I'm going to make, and will be making three or four most likely. One for the swap, one for me, one to trade and a gift for a woodworking buddy here in town. The blade stock is a dull disposable planer blade.
Jim

 

Nice bit of smithin Terry.
I had a feller fill my oxygen and acetylene bottles now I own his wife a few hooks to hang her flowers on.
I cant wait till the reveal and show time.

 

It took 4 tries but I think I have the start of a decent bar. I still haven't worked out the lock knob yet?

Question: If your name was going to be on it would you prefer your LJ name or your real (first) name?

 

I just started a decent bar as well ChuckC, I didn't think it would be
so problematic. One thing at a time I guess.

LJ name works for me.