Iron Clad

The swastika was also an old Native American symbol with some tribes. It was used by at least one tribe here in the Pacific Northwest. Collecting for historical purposes I believe is okay but if a person was a Neo-Nazi and collecting to promote their cause, that's not okay with me. NOW think about this, if the marks were ground off and the tongs were never shown on this site we wouldn't be having this discussion and I believe something would be lost. Discussions like this keep history alive so that we never forget the mistakes made in the past. I say, keep the tongs and the marks so that future generations can remember and have a discussion like this one, it's important even on a small scale.

I have belonged to the Teamsters machinest union now for over 22 years. I do have a pension and medical, other than that they have never done anything for me. My biggest problems with the union is the protection of bad workers and their politics. My company has always treated me fair. I would guess that without the union I may not be making as much money, but if I didn't like it I would go elsewhere. But then again, I work hard and always get my job done and never pass up overtime, (which is always, I haven't worked an 8 hour day in years, it's always 10 to 12 hours per day), so perhaps my company would pay me more but the union wouldn't allow that! It has been my experience that if you work hard and do a good job the company will take care of you. I know this isn't always the case, but has been with me. Actually, I'm looking out for myself. I'll fight both ways if I have too, against the union or the company if necessary. Which ever works best for me. Hey, the union looks out for themselves and their money, the company looks after their best interest, so why not me. ALSO, I believe if you don't work you don't eat, period...So the slackers need to move on. I have been working since I was 13 and don't depend on anybody. I haven't needed the union for anything, I was hired by the company and I go to work every day and do my job. OH......One day at work a grown man got a little cut on his finger, not more than a scratch. He call the shop steward and was thinking of going after the company for unsafe working conditions. It made me sick!!! I haven't talked to this person since and this was at least 2 years ago. The union didn't do anything since it was his fault and not unsafe working conditions, but still what has this country come to??

The same thing happened to me on some 3/8 round mild steel once when I was forging some chain. Most of the rod welded up fine but towards the center of the rod it would just crumble like sand when heated. I just figured some bad stuff was in the pot when the rod was manufactured, probably is China.

Glen is selling out and is going to travel for a couple of years with his wife. I have seen this anvil and I can tell you that it is still like new. Glen takes very good care of his tools. If you want a new Nimba for less than new price then this is it. I have a Nimba as well and they are one of the best out there for new anvils in my opinion.

Wow, that's cool Larry. You always come up with neat stuff.

While Larry makes a good point about building cost I still think $875 for THAT hammer is too much. I paid $850 for this one in the link below but I think it was well worth it due to the construction and the fact that it hits hard. The material alone in my treadle would cost more than the $850 I paid for it considering it was built with "I" beams and a solid base to the ground. http://ironclad.shutterfly.com/45 Also, you may want to consider a vertical (inline) hammer design.

Great story. Cannot wait for the next installment. Thanks Glenn.

Here is a treadle version that you may consider. It hits true and very hard. I believe the travel between the dies are around the same dimension but I will check to make sure and get back to ya. http://ironclad.shutterfly.com/45

Nice work. I have always wanted to make a lock, I was thinking of making a pipe lock soon. I have an antique pipe lock that's probably 300 years old at least, perhaps older but I'm not sure.

Nice work. Heavy duty too. Are they for barn doors?

With these prices, it pushes me to not waste and produce the best work I can. Can't afford to make scrap. Well, that's what we should be striving for anyway. ;)

I cannot believe the price of steel these days. I bought two 20ft. lengths of 3/8 round (I'm making chain) and one 20ft. length of 1/4 x 3/4 flat bar and it cost $40 total. Just a couple of years ago this would cost me half as much. What's driving up cost, is it transportation/fuel? What are you seeing in your area?

As far as what to look for, I like the double horn anvils, very versatile. And of course, large, lot's of mass. Also, I like a wide face. These are just my personal choices and that's why I chose the Nimba.

My Nimba has been a great anvil. I would recommend it to anyone. They are expensive but worth the money I believe. http://ironclad.shutterfly.com/44

Not sure where your located but try to join your local or regional blacksmith org., your local smiths are a great resource for learning and equipment location.

I agree with you Bob, much more soul. I too like the old iron better.

I was forge welding once and the spray hit a person in the eye who was standing outside of the shop at least 20 feet away. He was okay thank goodness. Now I'm careful who's around and turn my back to on-lookers when forge welding so that the spray ejects in the opposite direction.

Rang the anvil three times today as well, now I'm watching war movies and shows (Band of Brothers) which has become a tradition for us.

So, has it already closed shop? For those of us who payed up for a year are out of luck I guess... :(

I love watching that video. Those guys sure can swing a sledge! I have hammered with a sledge in a four man gang before, I couldn't imagine it with 10 or more.

Nice anvil and what a really cool....tool rack. :D

Cool show, I watch it often. It's amazing some of the methods used to manufacture items.

I have turned steel black by simply burning bee's wax on the surface, more by accident at first. Heat the steel up to a temp. that the bees wax almost catches fire. Sometimes though I cannot get a consistant finish all over the surface. Perhaps a little practice. I'll try it and see if this works. Also, I have turned steel somewhat black by heating the steel to a yellow and using a wire wheel. I wouldn't consider both of these methods the best way, just accidents I have made in the past, however maybe worth experimenting with.