Mainely,Bob

How does this explain the common practice of "packing the edge" done at a dull red heat? I`ve also dealt with stonecarvers who swear that the tools forged to sharp and packed far outlast those just ground to refresh the edge.They refer to these tools as "firesharps".

What looks like a "boadaxe" with a metal handle may be in fact either a hot cutting tool or a deck caulking tool for wooden boats.Hard to tell without a close pic of the edge. The reason for the offset handle is to put your hands above the work and the end of the handle and the square to round section of the actual tool is so you can turn the tool to be either inline or 90 degrees to the handle.

Thanks for the prompt to the profile.Figured out how to post my info there. This forum is alittle different than the others I`ve been to but I`m sure even an old dog like me can figure it out. Wait till I try to post pics and you`ll find out just how computer illiterate I really am.That`s bound to be a wake up call,especially for yours truly. Mainely,Bob

Just found this forum while looking for power hammer plans and decided to join. Been a metal worker all my life in everything from factories to shipyards.I have strong backgrounds in welding,machining,forging,fab work,etc and have a small fab/machine shop of my own.I enjoy making or modifying tools and machines and rehabbing old iron. Hope to pick up some tips here and maybe be of some help in any way I can,hopefully you won`t pick up any of my bad habits.;^) Mainely,Bob