ofafeather

Dodge, your story reminds me of the jazz pianist, Dave Brubeck. As a young man he broke his neck in a diving accident. Fortunately he wasn't paralyzed but has lived many years with chronic pain and discomfort. He has to change his position quite frequently so he arranged to have pianos and keyboards at his house in all sorts of positions so he can sit at different heights or stand. He even had a keyboard suspended upside down so he could play while lying on his back. (Can't see how that would work for a smith though!)Of course having money helps! He can afford to do those things. I'm truly amazed at what other cultures can do. In Japanese culture (as well as others) squatting and kneeling is so prevalent in everyday life. I don't know if they have problems with their knees long term, but they don't seem to. My American knees can't seem to handle it, though.

Don, good suggestion. I was about to go out to the smithy and do just that. I was going to try your way and also try a ring/loop weld with the same material, scarfing the tip and making a loop at the end of the stock. Anyone doing this with a gas forge? I know some won't get up to welding heat, though I am assured that the one I have (Chili Forge Tabasco Model) will do just fine.

"For less than the cost of a cup of coffee..." ;)

Good suggestion. I think for every piece of xxxx on YouTube there is a true gem.

Just checked Bookfinder. Interesting. They are way more than it would cost me to buy it here but I think because all of the listings are out of the US. Mark has them on his site for $59 + shipping ($4 for US). Tempting, but I need to hold off, for now at least.

Look into using media mail through the post office for shipping. It's slow but the cheapest way to go for sending books in the states.

Yeah, the library has been a real blessing to us. It's amazing the resources you can access.

Yance, is there a difference between Crescent and E-Z Weld?

Hi, all. I'm looking for a used copy of Mark Aspery's first book. A new one is a bit more than I can spend on a book just now. Anyone know where I can find one? Thanks. Also, if you're looking for Early American Wrought Iron Amazon has a couple of use copies in the $50 range and there was one on Ebay for around $80. Anyone else have books they're looking to buy or sell or leads to share?

Great video! I always like to see Japanese craftsman work. Think it would kill my knees though!

That's really great. Are those notches on the spike to help it hold better?

Yeah, money's a little tight for that book right now. Even used copies are up there. I was amazed to see it at the library. Maybe down the road I'll get it but at least I have access to it now.

Hi, all. Just thought I would mention for those that live in the Mid-Hudson valley region of NY that the Mid-Hudson Valley library system (covers about 6 counties) has some good books on blacksmithing. If you have a library card you can request them for inter-library loan on the internet and have them sent to your local library. I just requested Albert Sonn's Early American Wrought Iron and Donald Streeter's Professional Smithing. If you haven't already, check out your library system!

Don, great thread. Thanks. Did you take pictures of the pintles you made?

I was afraid you'd say that. :(

Thanks, Frank. Any suggestions for practicing forge welding? If I make a hinge hook in this manner and make a weld would I need to put a bevel on the end of the stock before rolling the barrel?

Great thread. Thanks for sharing!

Frank, as always, thanks for your detailed and thorough post. I especially like the historical perspective. At this point I haven't actually had any experience forge welding. I have been mostly doing small things to getting used to the way metal moves. Your description makes it sounds easy, though! Can you do the same process without actually welding or would it be too weak?

Thanks. I have one of Grant's OC hot cuts. It is curved but I've only recently tried to do it this way and think I just need more practice.

Right now just want something for straight punching, hand-held. Looking on-line most of the ones sold as blacksmith's punches seem to be the tapered variety.

Anyone willing to share some pictures of their hand-held punches? Looking to make some in the 1/4 - 3/16" size range. Round and square.

Okay. I'll make another pass trying to forge the punch. I'll start with the same piece of steel. Let's say I would like to forge a round punch in the 1/4 - 3/16 range. If I make the shaft long enough to hand hold comfortably will it still be rigid enough to do the job? What would a good length be? Should I try something different first?

That's it. Not good at it yet. Can't keep the grooves lined up all the way around.

Interesting. Yeah, seems counterintuitive but I did feel the need to do a small amount anyway. I'll try it over the horn to see how that works. I did 5" or so section. Ended up being much more than I would need but I figured it was better to be longer than shorter. It work out pretty well for the 3/8" diameter though.

I just was speculating with my wife as to whether it would be better forging from round stock. I haven't gotten the hang of upsetting yet and didn't really consider that that's what I was doing. I believe the stock was hot enough. It moved so easily so it sounds like I was putting too much into it. God bless this forum and all it's contributors. It's really great to be able to get guidance quickly when you need it. Thanks, bigfootnampa. Eric