That time my forge blower died mid-billet weld in a 10 degree shop

I was out in the garage in January trying to weld a billet of 1095 and 15n20, the old squirrel cage fan seized up right as I hit welding heat, so I spent 20 minutes hand-cranking it with a cordless drill through the side vent just to save the stack... has anyone else had to rig up a backup air system in a pinch?

2 comments

2 Comments

wrenstone2d ago

Spent a winter forge-welding in an ice fishing tent once for the same reason.

danielmartinez2d ago

10 degree shop" and you're hand cranking like a blacksmith in the 1800s. That's some serious dedication or maybe just stubbornness. I respect it but also kinda hope you had a space heater nearby.