Tools needed to make a file knife

Here's a quick overview of the tools and materials that I used to make a knife.

-Old file
-Piece of hardwood
-Two-part epoxy adhesive
-Coal
-Forge (something to burn the coal in)
-Air pump
-Tongs
-Quenching oil
-Kitchen oven
-Scriber, permanent marker
-Caliper
-Vice
-Clamps
-Hacksaw
-Lubricating oil
-Files
-Sandpaper
-Drill
-Hammer

Soda can solar panel

Sometimes, low-tech solar devices are much better than high-tech ones for home use, as they not only tend to be cheaper to make, but will also last much longer before any repairs or maintenance are necessary. And even better, they can be built in part from repurposed or recycled components, which is something you don’t see very often in new solar devices. This solar space heater design uses old soda cans to increase the surface area for heat transfer inside of it, and in its most basic design, uses no external power to move the air. Double-glazed glass or polycarbonate panels make up the front of the device, allowing the sun’s rays to enter it while restricting heat loss to the outside air, and the box is also insulated for more efficiency. When exposed to the sun, the air inside the solar heater begins to warm, and as it does, it rises to the top of the box and can be ported directly into the house. For more control over the system, small fans and thermostats can be added, so that warm air enters the house only after the temperature reaches a desired range, and installing adjustable air registers at the outlet lets the system appear almost invisible from inside the living space. For an overview.

Railroad spike knives

 I have found that the railroad spikes used on the main line are of better quality that those found in yards or sidings. The chemical analysis of the railroad spikes used on the main line will vary but should be about 1030 or better steel. 1030 has .003 or .3 percent carbon and cutlery steel usually has .6 percent or better carbon. Although a higher percentage of carbon in the steel is desirable and typically used to make superior knives, a special brine will get the most out of the lower carbon steel used in the railroad spike knives and render it useful as a cutting instrument.