first try at a fire poker

[CurlyGeorge]

That looks great for a first attempt, highlander. My first attempt is still in the scrap bin. LOL

[civilwarblacksmith]

That will be a keeper. As you progress at what you do, you'll be able to see where you are at now and where you were.

It still looks pretty darn good. Keep it up.

[highlander]

thanks everyone! i still dont have all the tools i need to make things work the way i want them to. i dont have any hot chisels, ive been using cold chisels for hot work and it doesnt turn out well.. :-p

[longhunter]

Looks good Id be happy with it make another and you can probably see improvement in what and how you do it . I 'm going to try one of these myself. What size square stock did you use ?

[azIRonSmith]

In the software world, we call this a beta version. ;-).

Good job on the first version. You will learn that you will probably need to do several tries at things until you get the one you like. And even then, as soon as you finish one you like, you will think of 5 more things you could have done to improve it.

You will also start looking at other peoples projects and even commercial items and start thinking that way. "Oh, maybe if you changed this and did that..."

That would be called blacksmithingitis.

Have fun at this hobby.

[highlander]

this poker is 1/2 inch square steel. it is about 3 feet long

[Donnie]

Nice job. It's plenty heavy enough. I forge pokers from 3/8 sq. , unless someone wants it heavier. Most folks don't. As far as you thinking it's too light, I've never had anything come from my anvil that I was satisfied with. I'm sure a lot of others have the same feelings.

[craig]

Yeah, I think that should be plenty sturdy enough too...but if you're still worried, just try it out !!

Originally Posted by Donnie

Nice job. It's plenty heavy enough. I forge pokers from 3/8 sq. , unless someone wants it heavier. Most folks don't. As far as you thinking it's too light, I've never had anything come from my anvil that I was satisfied with. I'm sure a lot of others have the same feelings.

Donnie, do you mean "wasn't" satisfied with ?