A Genius Hour Project: Take Two
Due to the "less than ideal" circumstances, I am no longer able to continue with my American Indian Affairs project.
So, here is my second attempt at Genius Hour!
So, here is my second attempt at Genius Hour!
What am I doing now?
Blacksmithing/Metal Working has always been an interest of mine. About a year and a half ago, I actually created my own forge so I could start casting things. The second time I fired it up, it got too hot and things started breaking. The crucible melted, the lid broke, I spilled molten aluminum all over my driveway, etc.
Ever since everything started breaking, I have been working on it every now and then, but I've never actually spent enough time on it to get it running smoothly again.
Ever since everything started breaking, I have been working on it every now and then, but I've never actually spent enough time on it to get it running smoothly again.
What all will I be working on?
Along with the forge itself, I have built a few other things to go along with it. So far, I have made a propane torch, a stand for it, and an electric Styrofoam cutter (for foam casting). I also want to build a box for greensand casting. The first thing I need to actually build to get the forge up and running again is a stronger lid, as it has a habit of disintegrating. The second thing I want to do is rewire my Styrofoam cutter. Overall, it is built solid, but some of the connections are a little sketchy.
For the first few weeks, I am going to try and fix everything I need before I start casting things. Then, I am going to try my hand at casting some objects in either aluminum or brass.
For the first few weeks, I am going to try and fix everything I need before I start casting things. Then, I am going to try my hand at casting some objects in either aluminum or brass.
What does success look like?
By the end of this project, I want to have increased the efficiency of my set up, I want to have fixed all the necessary components, and I want to start casting some objects, but I'm not sure what I want to cast.