Rusty, Dry Rotted, Antique 1800s Fireplace Bellows Restoration

Welcome! This is The Rusted Wrench's very first video.
I decided it was finally time to properly fix up the antique set of bellows I have had hanging around for years. They are far more valuable to me if they work. The old wood is dry and beat up. The metal nozzle is badly rusted. The leather is so dry, it just turns to dust as you handle it, and there is a giant hole in the side that has evidence of long ago being patched with some kind of tape.
I was able to take everything apart carefully enough to use the old leather as a template to cut out the new. I was also able to remove, clean up, protect, and reuse all 91 nails that hold this thing together.
The nozzle was so badly rusted that sandblasting uncovered holes through the metal. I was able to refill these using phosphor bronze brazing rod and a TIG welder. The metal parts finish was done blacksmith style by applying a mix of beeswax and linseed oil while the metal is hot.
I don't work with leather very much, so this part was a learning curve. I think my favorite part of this project was recreating the weave decoration on top of the hinge. it was fun to do, and came out looking really neat!
The paddles were sanded down, stained and given 3 coats of boiled linseed oil. the leather was stained and got a coat of mink oil to keep it soft.
Of course, after all that work we need to try this thing out! what better way than to use them to get a fire going and make some good old Cowboy Coffee.
This video is not sponsored or affiliated in any way. This project is just the kind of thing I love doing and I wanted to share it with you. I am very new to making videos but I already am working on more, so please like, subscribe and comment to suggest things I can do to make the next video better. My faithful assistant Edgar and I thank you very much
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https://www.facebook.com/Rusted-Wrench-Restoration-Works-107940957479937/
And Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/rusted_wrench_restorations/?hl=en
Here are some of the products I used :
3M 220 grit sandpaper
Barge All Purpose Cement
Gorilla Wood Glue
Minwax Wood Finish (Golden Oak 210B)
Birchwood Casey Super Blue Liquid Gun Blue
Kleen Strip Boiled Linseed Oil
Cavalier Mink Oil
The leather was donated by my friend, ABS Master Bladesmith and Forged In Fire Champion, Ray Smith
https://www.theanvilsedge.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bladesmith3739/?hl=en

Video editor:
VSDC free version

Camera:
Samsung SMX- F50SH/XAA (Almost as old as the things I restore!)

Bonus:
How to make Cowboy coffee.
Throw a generous palm-full or two, depending on how strong you want it, of ground coffee into the bottom of a plain coffee pot.
Fill about 2/3ds full with water and place over a medium low fire.
Bring to a boil and test occasionally for strength and taste.
Pull it off the fire when it's how you like it.
Pour SLOWLY. as to not stir up the grounds.
Don't try to take the last sip of your cup, or the last cup of the pot unless you like to chew your coffee.
Best enjoyed around the fire with friends.

Видео Rusty, Dry Rotted, Antique 1800s Fireplace Bellows Restoration канала Rusted Wrench Restoration Works