Rick's Foundry Project: Introduction

I first became aware of David Gingery's work from answering a tiny advertisment in the back of a magazine. "Build your own metal working shop from scrap!" it proclaimed. What I received was a copy of Lindsay's Metalworking Catalog. If you do not receive this catalog, I strongly suggest you go request a copy right now. I'll wait.
David Gingery has a series of books published by Lindsay's. They cover many topics, but the "Build your own..." series is what originally caught my eye. I ordered the first three books in the series and started dreaming of building my own tools and workshop.
The first book in the series is called "The Charcoal Foundry." The premise is that with a very modest outlay of funds, an enterprising would-be machinist can create a small foundry, fuel it with ordinary picnic barbecue charcoal briquettes, and produce high-quality castings from aluminum or zinc.
Wow! What an idea! Let that sink in. You don't have to be a zillion-dollar corporation to make machine parts from metal. Anyone (who owns leather boots) can do this!
I had been living in apartments for so long, frustrated by my lack of workspace, that it was an incredible joy to move into my own house, complete with a garage to use as a workshop. (The garage doesn't even connect to the driveway! It's -only- a workshop ; o ) !)
So I began to gather materials and tools. Other projects intruded and delayed my foray into the world of metal foundry. I researched the projects that others have shared on the Internet, learning from their experiences and evaluating whether I'd incorporate their modifications into my project.
Finally, it happened. My gathered tools and materials reached a critical-mass, and I finally began the project after long-last. Tonight, I made the first cut, and so have set foot on this journey I've been planning for so long.
I've been taking part in a home gunsmithing forum located at Roderus Custom Gunworks, and this has spurred my interest in machine tools and in gunsmithing. Frank Roderus has carfully documented his projects for the benefit of others who might learn from him, and he has inspired me to likewise document my triumphs and tribulations for the benefit of others who might come after me.
What I intend with these pages is to share my project with you, to span geographical separation and let you take part. I welcome your observations and criticisms, as well as suggestions or even jeers ; o ). I hope we learn something, but I'm sure we'll have fun.

Note: "Ulfrikr" is Old Norse. In English, it is pronounced "Wolfrick", but you can call me Rick or Wolfie, if you like.

Cheers,
~Rick

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