clinton

Oh now I see it thanks for pointing that out- good observation, or too much St Patty's celebration for me

The two handling holes in the back are strange. What makes you believe that someone ground the top? It does have some sway I see that

I was taught to stand to the side when starting a grinder, because sometimes the wheels will explode on start up.
My question is, what is the guy doing in the shop at 10:30 pm? Kind of late to be working isn't it?

I have wide feet also, I wear Redwing steel toe that is a short boot. I get the best insoles they have in the boot store, they heat up in the microwave then you put it in the boot and they form to your feet. The insoles are not cheap and need to be replaced about every 4- 5 months but they sure are nice.
This is the one I use http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/2245-red-wing-shoes/2245-red-wing-mens-6-inch-boot-brown
I work mostly inside if i were out in the dirt all day I would go with a higher boot and a Vibrum sole

All of the above is fine except resentment for" My grandfather was a blacksmith". Does that mean you don't want YOUR grandkids to remember you as a blacksmith???
I'd kind of like mine to remember me as such. I prefer that to "my grandfather was an old time computer programmer". Time comes soon enough when we are only dust and completely forgotten. Let the kid cherish the memory of grandpa when he/she watches your demo.

Can I add rebar to this list? I feel the same way Randy, and I wish I had a dime for every time someone says, "My______ was a blacksmith"

It looks like I will be getting the spring from Sid @ Little Giant. The only Quote that I have received is for $561.91 a little more the the $100 range. Out of the 4 requests that I sent out I got 2 responses, one item orders do not seem do-able

I would just find an AC motor, maybe 1 hp. Look at garage sales I find them all the time and you can pick them up cheap 5- 10 dollar range. Then go with the jack shaft to get the rpm you need

Right on Dave- you will learn a lot from Brian. I look forward to seeing the progress of this class. Thanks for the post Lyle. How many days is the class?

If there were a better way it would be common practice. Blacksmiths have been using spring tools for many years, I doubt that reinventing the wheel will occur.

I would go with what HWooldridge said- use a jack shaft. Pillow blocks, sheaves and a shaft. Probably cheaper than a gear reduction box. Here is a link to a handy calculator that will assist you in figuring speeds and pulley size
http://gadi.agric.za/software/renting/pulley.php

I have a 5 inch vise that I will hose down with baby oil and ship anywhere in the U.S. for $800. It weighs 70 lbs, and came from an old time smithy, blah, blah blah. (pictures upon request)

Looks like a switch to me

I sent out request for quotes to three different manufacturers, so I will see if any want to do the work and what the cost will be

The spring in its current condition is 7 inches long, 3.6 inches outside dia. 2.15 inches inside dia and it is .75 wire dia. There are 8 coils. I think 8 inches in length should be about right for a new spring

If you can show a place that I can buy a new spring for around $100 I will call them now. I talked to Sid @ Little Giant yesterday, he has one that is close to what I have, the wire size is a little heavier. His price is around $250 with shipping.
Does anyone know of a shop that can make one of these springs?

I am in the process of rebuilding a Commonsense power hammer and it looks like the spring is pretty much flattened out. The adjustment was all the way in when I tore it down.
I am thinking about heating it and stretching it out some. Has anyone done this?

I found a deal was was too good to pass up on, way too big for my shop but for $250.00 I had to get it. This is a Rk Leblond Machine Tool co. 20 inch swing 10 foot bed. This thing is heavy my lift is 6000 Lb. capacity and it was all I could do on the tips of the forks to get it off the trailer. I had the guy load it to one side we only had to transport across town, about 3 miles. I got it unloaded and moved into my shop, now I have to do some rearranging and maybe get rid of a few things.

Wow great turn out and that is one huge pot of gumbo, making me hungry. Ya-all sure do know how to eat down there, nothing like good southern food around here

Here is how I set mine up, it is a slack belt system. I found someone who set their hammer up this way so I just did the same and it works well.

Looks like a good turn out indeed, and everyone getting involved. Wish I lived closer, and great pictures as usual Lyle. Looking forward to seeing you guys at the ABANNA conference.

According to Anvils in America they made anvils from 1903-04 to 1922-23, then had them made by Soderfors until 1927 (this would have the Soderfors trade mark)
Good score

Peacock- I wish we were neighbors you have some cool tools and a wealth of knowledge. Metal shaper is on my list of tools to get, I passed on a few of them about 10 years ago, they were small but would work good for me, my shop space is tight

If you have the right filler rod and tip you can do all that the Henrob will do with a victor style torch for less money

I am impressed, that is a lot of work to be done in the time you spent. I find myself going one step forward then two steps back when I am doing custom fabrication. You had a good plan going into this I bet.