There are many on this site that our self taught . We all have a pile in the scrap bin of learning curve items . If you think your items look like garbage then look at them real close and think how I can make them look better. From hammer control to what details can I add to it to compliment what I have built.
Taper the end to around a 45 use smooth jaw pliers and work it around what iam wraping so the long end of taper is againts what im wraping so it cant catch anything or be felt
Think out side the box and all the diehards want to question your work . I think it is a cool project . Thanks for sharing your adventure . Right or wrong on the top plate its your project enjoy it.
My 25 # litte giant was sold to the Roach blacksmith shop in Haigler Nebraska originaly . I bought it along with two other hammers for 100 dollars when the where cleaning up a junk mans estate .
There are two blacksmith groups close to you . They are central plains metal artisions in Witchita and saltfork craftsmen in Oklahoma . In the top of the blacksmithing section there is a post on where to find a blacksmithing group neer you. it has links to thier web sites.
i use an 18 pound hopper one from HF with comercal media works great to take off scale and debur stuff .make my neigbor come over and ask whats going on though.
taught 8 people basic blacksmithing last year have 4 that come back for more on open forge every tuesday night. one student has challenged me to stay ahead of him on what i know.