What Came Before Welding

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Was down around Muskogee, actually in Fort Gibson National Cemetery, when we came across some old iron work.  All riveted.There was a simpler time, and the things they made have endured the test of the years.  I'd like to see modern structures last as long.A pair of side by side bridges.RailroadAutomobile (single lane)By the look of the concrete work the rail bridge seems to be of a slightly more modern vintage, we didn't look for a plaque on this bridge, only the auto bridge.  I get the heebie jeebies looking down at the river through the ties when you walk across one of theseBuilt before most of us were born"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:The older steel had a higher carbon content, making it hard to weld, but more resistant to the ravages of weather.  Look at some old farm equipment to see how well it's held up after being in the weather for 75yrs."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:That is one is very sturdy! Such an incredible work.PlasmaCam CNC cutterLathe and Band SawClamps
Reply:Samm, check some of the videos here. These guys are north of me and are keeping  the art alive. A lot of their work is decorative but they also do a fair amount of restoration. They have a cool video of their hydraulic rivet set. http://www.ballardforge.com/web/rivets.html
Reply:That last pic showing the wood-like grain structure of a wrought iron rivet is great!Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammThe older steel had a higher carbon content, making it hard to weld, but more resistant to the ravages of weather.  Look at some old farm equipment to see how well it's held up after being in the weather for 75yrs.
Reply:Thanks a lot Randy. Now I'm going to have to visit those guys in Ballard. that's some pretty cool stuff. and I'd love to do some black smithing again. Did a tiny bit in scouts 15+ yrs ago. and loved it. I already told my wife that the next house will have a larger shop, and black smithing equipment.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Thanks Sam,That plaque is the best part.Not many people put their name on their work anymore.  I'm a mason, and it used to be common practice.  All the concrete masonry companies had stamps and would stamp their work.  You can still see it in some of the old walks, usually at the interesections of roads.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireSamm, check some of the videos here. These guys are north of me and are keeping  the art alive. A lot of their work is decorative but they also do a fair amount of restoration. They have a cool video of their hydraulic rivet set. http://www.ballardforge.com/web/rivets.html
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireSamm, check some of the videos here. These guys are north of me and are keeping  the art alive. A lot of their work is decorative but they also do a fair amount of restoration. They have a cool video of their hydraulic rivet set. http://www.ballardforge.com/web/rivets.html
Reply:It seems that on the third video you have to click on the video title to watch it on YouTube, embedding is disabled"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Don't forget that Smiths have been welding metal together for century's in their forges.
Reply:Also some very good footage.[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zurExL7hug[/ame]"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Here are 3 of the best riveters that ever riveted!...[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMZPfk9URFw[/ame]Nyuck Nyuck Nyuck.......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Sam - Check your PM'sCharlie
Reply:http://www.speedprint.com/deves50/doc/framerivets.pdfMy latest project. What's interesting about riveting is that when you put them in hot, they expand and completely fill the hole without exception making them very very strong. Bolts don't even compare. Its much closer to welding than it is to bolts. Good stuff maynard!
Reply:Equally fascinating & skillful artisans:  Mohican 'SkyWalkers':[ame]www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2zt0_CVN8k[/ame]Last edited by ManoKai; 05-28-2013 at 09:31 PM."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKaiEqually fascinating & skillful artisans:  Mohican 'SkyWalkers':
Reply:@ Kelvin - rad!  My favorite Nation quote goes something like this,"I am the kit fox, I live in uncertainty. If there is anything difficult.  If there is anything dangerous to do.  That is mine" ~ Sioux Warrior Song.I once jumped off an 70ft cliff into the water in WI with a Winnebago Indian named, "Al ~White Thunder". The dude was dialed in.  Afterwards, I gave him a 6 pack of PBRs and he was stoked bro!Total respect for the Nations."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:I still design most of my projects to be fastened by rivets...KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Originally Posted by Devehttp://www.speedprint.com/deves50/doc/framerivets.pdfMy latest project. What's interesting about riveting is that when you put them in hot, they expand and completely fill the hole without exception making them very very strong. Bolts don't even compare. Its much closer to welding than it is to bolts. Good stuff maynard!
Reply:When I looked up the word,    "assimilate "   about fifteen years ago or so; the Websters dictionary said, "Injuns cant assimilate".I also found the word , "bracero" in Websters but that would be off topic.Last edited by Insaneride; 05-28-2013 at 10:18 PM.Reason: more like 23 years ago
Reply:Originally Posted by Machine_PunkI still design most of my projects to be fastened by rivets...
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireGreat stuff! I hand set rivets when I was in school. Still one of my favorite methods. I like your pneumatic tools. I've read the first three pages of your blog... it will keep me busy for a while.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120Good blog Kev....I also have a hankering for rivets altho, I tend to go for the 1/4 & 5/16 structural.I do like the solid rivets you're using and, also like the ones Weldermike used a while back....I MUST say this !!Killing time I  surf around various forums of interest. I have found that this forum is one of the best. What makes it the best, threads like this one. The iron works, monster steel structures that are a part of this world.  Guys take the time to find, photograph and post, then others add videos to expand the discussion, makes for great reading.On this site I have seen photos and clips of machines, welding, foundries and some really fine custom built projects that I would have never had seen otherwise.I commend the folks here for their efforts to keep and make this site a very interesting place to visit. You are a great group of people with talent, knowledge and some hilarious comments.My 0.02 & thanksGregMagazines have issues, everything else has problems
Reply:i have a pic somewhere of me and my buddy  and a 48' 6 horse trailer on that bridge about 3 years ago.    We were following directions given to us by a lady that we were picking up a horse from.    Not a lot of "extra" room on that bridge with a 102" wide wagon.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Hey if anyone is to crazy about riveting i have 3 industrial riveting machines for sale.   For the LIFE of me i cant remember the brand off hand but they are top of the line units.   2 x. 1/4" and 1 x 3/16"   They are top of the line units.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Actually, welding has been around for several thousand years. Rivets are new by comparison.