forger

I believe it is a Champion and it was designed for use with coke. Some one was reproducing them back in the ‘80’s if I recall correctly. I had an old one for over 25 years and used both coal and coke in it, worked great only sold it because of a long distance move I was going through.

He’s on my list.

I started in horseshoeing and then started making hooks, fireplace tools, and then door hardware back in 1977. Loved the work and history, never looked back. Now look to end my days doing it and passing it on.

Last 15 years as an orthopaedic nurse, before that, 26 years as a farrier and blacksmith.

very nice find, especially out here. I really like the old colonial anvils. I got a new one from Jymm Hoffman out of pittsburg Pa Mike

For those interested; PEG is commonly sold as "Miralax" at the grocery store or pharmacy

535 lbs thats my guess

Can't wait to see it operational. I had one back in the 90's but never got it working. The layout was all wrong for my shop when I was in NM. Sold it to a gent in Ohio and picked up a 50 lb little giant on the way back home to NM. Always wished to see it running. When I I got it it was all disasembled but it was easy to reassemble with the picture in the ad I had. For me the orientation just didn't work in my shop. Now a days I would have changed the shop layout. It sure looked to be a hammer that would beat all others. I live in WA now, in Olympia, and would love to see it working someday.

Hi Mike I'm here in Lacey also. Drop me a line and maybe we can meet for a cup of joe sometime. Mike

I used stove black years ago. Think of it as a wax with carbon black in it. It is for the old wood/coal cook stoves to keep them pretty looking. It is not real durable and will rub off. That's what I remember.

Beautiful hammer, I have one just like it even the same color. Mine was made in 1906 ser# 617 IIRC. Runs great, very controlable. Have fun. Mike

Last time that I ran a rosebud across my palm I used "Silvadine" cream and was back working the next day, but that was just a quick pass across the palm ( with a huge blister). That was my personal worst burn in 30 plus years. Otherwise I keep a bottle of Aloe vera gel in the shop, Fist stop the burn - cold water as quick as possible, then aloe applied frequently until I start to forget that I burned myself (usually the rest of the day). As to the question "do you ever burn yourself? " I bought a Tee shirt at Quad state Mike

To me it looks like the vices sold by Centaur Forge back in the mid 1970's. I believe they were made in England and were a bright blue color. Maybe Vaughans? Thats my guess. Good luck Mike http://anvils.co.uk/products/view/77?cat=46

Already done. Give them my best. Mike

Are you using a coal or propane forge? Some propane forges have a difficult time getting hot enough for wrought iron. Another thing that may help is trying a different flux. Good luck, Mike

When I have one of those days I would make "S" hooks... lots of S hooks. It was simple, mindless, but I had a sale-able when I was done. Still to this day When I'm frustrated or at a loss of what to do I make hooks or nails or whatever just so long as it distracts me from my problems. It reinforces hammer control, discipline and confidence. It works for me. Mike

Hi this is my current shop. It is all wood except cement backerboard for the floor. This is before the first fire was lit. It's still standing after 3 years of use. I've added grinders, a drill press, a gas forge, and it's crammed to the gills with stuff. It is 8x12 feet on skids so I can take it with me when I move. Could it burn down tomorrow? Yes, but I could drop dead also. Nothing is garranteed, we all must assume the risk of what we do. I control my risk as best I can. Safety is always OUR/MY responsibility, so I plan, build and behave appropriately, and be prepared. In over 30 years I've never had a problem. Yes, I make sure the fire is out, I know where or find every piece of red hot schrapnel lands before it can smolder into a problem. These are things that are inherent in blacksmithing. Yes, I have friends that had their shops burn to the ground, yes, thats the risk we take. I love this craft so much that I'm willing to take that risk. I'm sorry for this rant but I've read too many of these posts that pussyfoot the reality of life and the choices we make. Accept the responsibility or find another hobby. Don't worry I have my Nomex on. Mike

Nice, I like it ! Nature can be an inspiration to the artist in all of us. Thanks, Mike

In Richardsons "practical blacksmithing", there is a reference to tools and jigs to make french clips. I believe they are for carriages. Does anyone here know more? This has been haunting me for years. Thanks. Mike

i'm unsure of the date but it's about 175#, it has a "15" on the front foot , and a "3" under the tail. On the tail end, along the base are"LIII I". it also has lugs. I got it in NM/CO in the 1990's it looked brand new with black paint on the body and a clean face. Good luck, Mike

I made this about 15 years ago. I had emptied my slack tub and found all this plus. I rinsed it off and welded it in no particular order to a 10" disc. I called it "bottom of the barrel" and have it hanging in the house as a reminder of the small things that are left from the end of the day. Mike

Thanks for the info, I just sent in my registration and booked my flight. I have not been since '83. Can't wait. Mike

Hi, check your e-mail/pm reply sent. thanks, Mike

I have done it, it is possible. This is the poorman's way of doing things but I have seen many of them as well as I have used them for over 30 years. The firepot needs free air to be able to circulate around the sides to help cool it. I have my firepot supported in the opening by a couple of steel bars, again circulation helps slow the heat transfer. Next make a saturated solution of water and borax and coat the wood, let it dry and recoat a couple of times. This reduces the flammability of the wood, it will still burn (char) bur much slower. I think the best approach would be to measure and have someone cut a plate of 1/4" steel to fit and have the hole for the firepot cut in that. MUCH SAFER!!! Good luck and keep a bucket of water handy, and make sure your fire is dead out!. Mike '

Drawknife, spokeshave, hand/palm plane. I re-purpose busted shovel & axe handles, bats and even firewood to make handles. Mike