Stupid Simple Propane Burner, Redux

After experimenting with the stupid simple propane burner (see below) for a few weekends, today I threw together a Reil EZ burner with John Wasser's modification (unfortunately no longer available online) just like Todd's.

The Reil requires less hardware. It's smaller and lighter. It's simpler. And it worked the first time out of the gate. The only drawback is that you have to be able to drill a small hole. That's not really such a big deal. Coupled with the high pressure regulator, ball valve, hose, and other plumbing that I already had, this burner cost me $16 to build. With a little scrounging it could be nearly free.

There may be better burners than the Reil. For one thing I haven't welded with it yet, and I don't know how easy or hard that'll be. But for general forging, as long as you have some means of drilling a very small (#57ish) hole, it's very simple and very effective. I recommend it highly.

-Matt

Stupid simple propane burner

This is a small, naturally aspirated propane burner that I just finished. It runs like a top on 10 p.s.i., and can probably handle more. It combines features from a number of other designs. The best thing about it is that it requires no drilling or tapping at all. In fact it could be made entirely without power tools. Of course electricty makes things easier.

UPDATE: After observing the burner for a while and doing some additional reading, I think the propane jet should be much deeper into the tube, more like so:

More to follow, once I've had a chance to test this theory.

Hammer Technique

This is a subject that is most important to me as a smith. I've heard and read a number of directions regarding the use of a hammer. I've also heard of smiths getting tendinitis from improper hammering technique. I was browsing through the iforgeiron site last night and came across a delightful tutorial on hammer use by the well-known smith Uri Hofi. Check out these links. I think you will be rewarded by what you read.

http://www.iforgeiron.com/blueprints-1000/bp1002-hofi-hammer-technique.html

http://www.iforgeiron.com/blueprints-1000/bp1001-hofi-hammer-technique.html

Arrowheads

I just made some medieval style socket arrowheads and took some photos of the process. You can find the album here. It also includes some great photos of arrowheads made by the professional British arrowsmith, Hector Cole.

Todd