Subject: Champion blowers

From: Jim McCarty <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 07 Jun 1996 10:07:18 -0500

I am fixing up a Champion 400 blower and was wondering if anyone knows 
what color these were originally? This one has none of the original 
paint on it. Awhile back we had a discussion on how to keep the oil 
from running out the fan bearing. Seems we reached a conclusionbut I'm 
not sure what it was. Seems like most people fill them too full or 
something like that. Any advice appreciated.

I really like Champion stuff. Yesterday I looked at a really unusual 
Champion Forge. I think it was a No.4 or No.40. It had 4 legs that 
supported a bracket in the center. On one side of the bracket was a 
smaller version of the 400 blower and on the other side was a round 
fire pot. It looked like it would be unstable but was really pretty 
sturdy. Judging by the quick release nuts on the legs, I would say 
this was designed to be taken apart and stored easily. You could give 
the blower handle a gentle nudge and the blower would turn for 3 or 4 
revolutions -- real smooth. Still trying to come to terms with the 
guy. Would make a real nice forge for demos. Never seen one like this 
before.
-- 
Jim McCarty
Father Helias Forge
Taos, MO
Newsletter editor, Blacksmiths Association of Missouri
Foolish consistencies are the hobgoblins of little minds

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From: Dan Nibbelink <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 07 Jun 1996 23:12:07 -0700

Jim McCarty wrote:
> Foolish consistencies are the hobgoblins of little mindsThat sounds like a No.401 if it has an 18in dia hearth, or a No.401 1/2 
with a 22 inch hearth. Centaur Forge sells a reprint of the 1909 Champion 
Forge Catalog which includes blowers, forges, post drills,tire benders 
and other tools.

-- 
Dan Nibbelink
RedHawk Forge
Berthoud, Colorado
[email-masked]
http://www.csn.net/~dannibb

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From: Chris Kilpatrick <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 10 Jun 1996 09:56:27 -0700

On another topic, I have been offered a gas forge for $50.00, don't know 
if it is propane or natural, but it works. First question is, is it worth 
it?  And, secondly, what does it take to switch it to propane?  Thirdly, 
how can I tell which one it is?

Also, I have been offered an anvil marked 'ray' or 'hay' and 130 plus a 
blower that needs rebuilding.  Are thay worth it?