Glenn

First one to build one of the side blown twyeres, takes lots of photos and we can turn it into a blueprint. As no one is going to do it exactly like the other fellow, there can be 3, 4, 5 blueprints on the same subject. This just make things easier for the next guy, as there are now a how-to tutorials.

Poll, Two items similar in features and construction, US vs Pacific rim, which would you buy? There were 53 votes on this poll. I only buy US made goods if they are available. 16 votes or 30.2% US made if it were the same price as foreign made 10 votes or 18.9% I would pay $120 for US made instead of $100 foreign item 7 votes or 13.2% I would pay $150 for US made instead of $100 foreign item 6 votes or 11.3% I would pay $110 for US made instead of $100 foreign item 5 votes or 9.4% I would pay $130 for US made instead of $100 foreign item 4 votes or 7.5% Foreign made if it were the same price as US made 3 votes or 5.7% Double the price and I would still go with US made 2 votes or 3.8%

The "alkaline salt" referred to in the Blueprint is an industrial lubricant that we sell on IForgeIron.com. The smallest package of this lube is $5.00 plus shipping. This mixes up to a working volume of material that you can actually use, and is not just a sample. The lube can be used straight or it can be heavily diluted and applied as a spray to the hot punch or drift.

What is the story behind your screen name? Glenn - my name. But others are a bit more cryptic. So, what is your story?

BP0267 Collars, Half collars, or Clips

My original thought was to follow up this poll with a duplicate poll only with the tool being from Europe, UK etc. It will be interesting to see how it develops.

Go to IForgeIron.com > Lessons in Metalworking > Blacksmithing. The Lessons help the self motivated to learn now to get stated in blacksmithing. IForgeIron.com > Blueprints are over 500 how to tutorials with step-by-step instructions. Figure out what fuel you have available and build a forge to use that fuel. Ask questions early and often and the folks on the site will try to get you answers.

BP0017 Plow Work may help.

The Grand Valley Blacksmith's Guild's website (www.gvbg.com) has been canceled according to the internet. If someone gets in contact with them, tell them we will provide a forum for their organization on IForgeIron. This offer is open to any Blacksmithing group or organization.

Go to IForgeIron.com > Lessons in Metalworking > Blacksmithing (on the opening page) and the Lessons should get you started. Go to IForgeIron.com > Forum > archived (bottom right of the forum page) then Bladesmithing Knives Finish and Polish Pack a lunch and something to drink as it may take a while before you see daylight again. Jim Hrisoulas has written several books on knife making, as well as several Blueprints on knife making. Rich Hale, Garey Ford and others have several Blueprints on knife making on file also. IForgeIron.com > Blueprints

Blueprints - Please put them together and send them in. It would be a great addition to the section.

The IForgeIron Blueprints have several listings on how to make power hammers, mechanical hammers etc. BP0208 Power Hammer Construction BP0186 Oliver, the Hammer BP0146 Building a Power Hammer BP0134 Power Hammer There are others I am sure.

Give us some idea as to your forging experience and skill, as well as your wood working experience and skill.

COACH - a carriage pulled by four horses with one driver.

Where are you located? You location would greatly effect where we suggest you look for tools and materials.

Poll, Two items similar in features and construction, US vs Pacific rim, which would you buy? There were 53 votes on this poll. I only buy US made goods if they are available. 16 votes or 30.2% US made if it were the same price as foreign made 10 votes or 18.9% I would pay $120 for US made instead of $100 foreign item 7 votes or 13.2% I would pay $150 for US made instead of $100 foreign item 6 votes or 11.3% I would pay $110 for US made instead of $100 foreign item 5 votes or 9.4% I would pay $130 for US made instead of $100 foreign item 4 votes or 7.5% Foreign made if it were the same price as US made 3 votes or 5.7% Double the price and I would still go with US made 2 votes or 3.8% I know that you can not find two items of similar features and construction one made in US and the other foreign made. The foreign made is usually of less quality and is designed to sell for less. But if we could find two similar items with similar features and construction, which would you choose?

Do you tap your anvil? (shop forge only, not at demos) We had 111 votes for this poll. Tap the anvil while hammering 53 votes or 47.7% Rarely tap the anvil while hammering 26 votes or 23.4% Never tap the anvil. 24 votes or 21.6% Tap the anvil upon entering the shop. 8 votes or 7.2%

Call on places that have used motors, or repair motors. New motors are fine, but you can get an old motor at twice the size for maybe the same price.

The vise did not get into that condition over night, so don't try to make it like new overnight. Give it time to soak up the penetrating oil and loosen things up, then as other have said go slow and use lots more penetrating oil. Work it in and let it do it's job. Spray it with penetrating oil, then bump it with a hammer. Do it twice a day and don't even count how long it takes. As Thomas said, safety glasses will protect you from spray, loose rust, dirt, and all manner of things you don't want in your eyes. When you start power wire brushing, don't forget the respirator.

What have you seen in "other" shops that needs fixed? Not that it would ever happen in your shop ....but some things that need attention from a outside perspective, a fresh set of eyes. If you were to pick one or two items that could be "brought up to standard" what would they be? * The electrical cord that the insulation has separated and pulled out of the socket. Wires still intact, but it just needs reattached. * The air hose with the bulge in the rubber. Still serviceable, it just needs a coupling installed at the bulge (or a piece of pipe and a couple of clamps). * The fire extinguisher that leaked off and now the needle is in the red zone, but not very far into the red. * The one piece of steel you keep tripping over and have intended to move for how long ? Any other ideas?

Go to the IForgeIron Calendar. There are several events posted already and more are posted as we find out about them. Any member can post an event on the calendar. Please put the location first, then the event name in the title. That way it is easier to locate something in the area we are visiting. Georgia Alex Bealer Blacksmith Association Ocmulgee Blacksmith Guild Southern Blacksmith Association - SBA

Congratulations !! You should be getting a lot of exposure with first place at a state fair. Here is hoping orders follow.

Where are you located? Knowing that helps in providing information on what is available in your area.

I discussed a Mother/daughter type of touch mark with Jim Wilson and it can be done. He suggested the original (mother) being a good quality material and kept cool at all times. The duplicate (daughter) would be heated to to a temperature where it could be driven into the original and create the impression needed. Then heat treat and temper as needed for the steel and use at hand. This way you could make a touchmark and if you used it enough to wear it out, you would still have the mother (original) to make another duplicate touchmark (daughter).

These may help BP0342 Handles BP1012 Making Hammer Handles