Recently, we have been working to modify and refurbish the old forge blower that was given to us. We have done this by scraping off all the thick sooty residue that has been building up inside and atop the cast iron body of the blower. After removing the bulk of the scale, we used scotchbrite pads to continue the cleaning process on the interior of the mechanics in order to make sure that the fan would be able to spin freely and smoothly. In conjunction with extremely soapy water, we were largely able to remove all of the grime. Additionally, we were hoping to be able to take apart and properly clean the gear shift portion of the blower, but we were unable to find any access points or ways to do so. Instead, we made due by pouring lubricant into the designated compartment to do our best to rejuvenate the old gears.
Ciro, working on the blower sounds really interesting. In removing the evidence of previous work that occupied this blower, do you wonder at all about where and how it was used. The idea of repurposing is at the heart of this project. One wonders how much stuff that finds its way into the waste stream could find a new purpose with a little “soap and scothbrite.”