Ted T

Prayers have been sent from Utah! Ted Throckmorton

The Rose is beautiful. Because your are giving it to your wife says you think that she is beautiful. And somehow it makes you not only a good craftsman, but a good husband! There are a lot of perks for being a blacksmith! The best to ya! Ted Throckmorton

Your family has been in our prayers, I am just slow in saying so! You said; "but i am now asking for more because we think that is the most powerful thing we can do for her. we love her more than anything and wish only the best for her thank you in advance GOD BLESS ED SOULE". That is a powerful request. My thoughts comes to Philippians 4:6-7 Bless your grand daughter and your family. Also to all who will be administerning care for her! Ted Throckmorton

Monstermetal When tragedy reveals it ugly face as it has, it would be easier to just pass by this thread and pretend not to see it. But even though we are not blood family, we become bonded in friendships that are held together by common threads of interest in Blacksmithing that makes us a family of blacksmiths. So this becomes a family matter and we cannot turn our backs on family! When mature people are made aware of this sorrowful event, the “the milk of human kindness” that has been en-powered to us by the creator enters into our hearts and it is only natural to want to help you and your family lesson your pain. But after all of these years, still no words come to my mind that would help! So with a heavy heart I have struggled to find words to say. There must have been a thousand thoughts enter and exit my mind. But nothing showed up in content that could be said here that would even slightly reduce the emotional pain you and yours must be experiencing. Do to the nature of my profession I have seen this type of tragedy many times. Even now I am aware of several families experiencing similar devastation at this time. And still I have no words that are meaningful enough to lessen the burden of morning. If I was near you, I would come and stand by you, no words need be said. The only thing that I know is that there are many wonderful un-seen faces of all types out here in I Forge Iron that sincerely care enough to stand by your side emotionally, they say very little, but their silence speaks volumes just because they have showed up! My the God of my understanding Bless You and your family Ted Throckmorton

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Ted Throckmorton

You and yours are in out prayers. Ted Throckmorton

Tee Welcome to I Forge Iron. I feel you have started down the right path to start with, and that is to attend classes. I beleive that attending classes is one of many good approaches to start into the craft. Over the years I have assisted several people who were older to get started in the learning the process of blacksmithing. I found it to be interesting to see which indivigles followed through on their own after receiving some basic instruction. To some it was a chance to experence something just out of being curious and the basic experence was all they wanted. No doubt many un-seen factors were playing out in there life's at that time that would allow them to continue or have to give it up! A few took to it like a fish in water, and others let it go like a fish out of water. Young people no doubt have physical strength and tons of energy going for them. Many also have the deep interest and abilitys that sets them apart in the world of blacksmithing. BUT!!!!! I feel the an older person has an advantage many times over a very young person when they take on the challange of learning the craft of blacksmithing. #1. Older people have had a lifetime of learning how to approch and solve problems. #2. Older people seem to receive instructions and follow through as instructed very well. #3. Older people usually bring to the table a varity of valuable experence's they have received while doing other crafts or hobbies that translate over very well in concept and also with the disiplane that will assist in the learning curve. When it comes down to it, Old or Young, this wounderful old craft seems to grab you, or NOT! I wish you the very best as you proceed. If you keep it fun, it will be! Ted Throckmorton

Prayers have been sent from Eastern Utah as-well. Tori Cottone, your self, and your band have been remembered, and will continue to be remembered in our prayers. With every thread of my understanding, I believe you have done the most loving, suitable and powerful thing that you could have done for your friend. And that was to ask for Prayer for him. I know that Prayer Works. Ted Throckmorton

Good Teacher, good students = Good product!

I am not sure what that means, but it has a good ring to it ! "Meat hods"... I am not sure how to use it in a sentence, but I still like the concept! I love this place!;)

Great as always! Thank you Lyle!!!! Ted Throckmorton

Steve, I believe that you are right on target. For the past few years I have not come up with a good enough reason that was more meaningful to me than the ongoing pain of arthritic knees, hands, and fingers to start up my forge. But this touching event won out. It ignited a compassionate spot in my heart, and so I will re-ignite a fire in my forge for this special project. The light came on as I read your post. I realized that your proposal is an excellent way (vehicle) that I, as well as many others may be able to express what the intent of our hearts want to say, but lack the vocabulary to express. Many times I have found that ACTION speaks louder than words. In this situation I believe meaningful action via forging (that we are capable of putting into practice with our forges) will express exactly what we wish we could say with words.[ I believe that the use of Steel, Fire, Skill, Sweat, Muscle, and Passion will communicate what many of us are feeling right now. Although it goes without saying, “I give my sincere condolences to Glenn, his Wife, and Family”. I also extend my condolences to the Blacksmithing Community that has been so deeply touched. Ted Throckmorton

Anything that I could suggest has already been said! I will second the point about having a strong transition point just like when you are forging tongs This exibit illustrates an exelent teaching point espeshilly for new blacksmiths. And that is how to use a clay type medium to calculate the estimated amount of material (steel) needed when doing a new project. Your step by step layout of clay is done very well, and I feel is educational. It would be interesting if you had the time to show us the "order of operation" that you followed to forge the garden tool. And the end product. I am asking a lot, but I sure enjoy seeing the work you blacksmiths produce! Thank you! Ted Throckmorton

Coalfired Your wife and your self have been, and will be acknowledged in our prayers. I believe it is with wisdom and love that you have asked for prayer. I know that the “Intent of our hearts” are understood, even at times when we feel as though no one is paying attention to our needs. Ted Throckmorton <>< Duchesne, Utah

LDW; I cannot help but be impressed with the simple but complex diversity of activity that is simultaneously represented and captured in your photos that you so generously share with us. What I see in the photos tells me from the point of view of approximately 57 years of experience as a blacksmith, that all of this did not happen by chance. I am sure that other experienced blacksmiths must also have an appreciation for underlying ground work that it takes to make this type of event happen successfully, and that it is not by accident. To a common person’s eye when viewing a blacksmith at work, they usually see something that seems different, simple and interesting, as it should be if it is done skillfully. Most visitors (on-lookers) are realistically un-aware of the many hours of practice, sweat, money and discipline it takes to hone the skills enough to make it all look routine and easy. This is to “Alex”; there is no question that it takes many hours of practice, sweat, money, and sacrifice, in exchange for the desired prize of “skills learned”! And then, what was once considered to be sacrifice turns out to be “Pride of Craftsmanship”. And it all becomes worth every bit of money spent, sweat, burns, sore feet and arms, ball games missed, and black hands and faces. Plus you are a role model for other young people to follow! As I see it, this has been an accomplishment that required the skills of Brian Brazeal combined with the skills and assistance of LDW (AKA; Lyle Wynn), teaching an especially energetic and willing young man named “Alex” the skills of blacksmithing that makes it a win, win for all of us. That is because the entire blacksmithing community wins from this example of what can be done. I take my hat off to Brian who has so proficiently mastered the craft of blacksmithing and who is also able to effectively educate other people of like minds. And then to LDW for his skills as an accomplished blacksmith who doubles as a communicator via, posts made, and also for his skills to tell the story with photos. Bottom Line; again I thank you for what you do for the blacksmithing community! When I view the photos that you post, I just relax and enjoy looking at the background activity, the characters involved, the skills involved, the layout of the area (environment), and the activity that I miss so much! I hope it goes without saying, “Please keep doing what you are doing”. Many of us gain from it even though you may not hear from us. I could not resist thanking you all! So; “Thank You” Ted Throckmorton

NICE!!!! When you start out with humble tools, everything after that is just cream on the pie! I can see you have the feel for what your doing. Just keep it up! Ted Throckmorton

Clinton, Thanks for sharing how to make the door pull dye and the door pulls. They are very attractive to the eye. I enjoy seeing photos of everything “Blacksmith” which includes information about their family life also. BUT, in addition to that: “Thanks for showing a photo of your dog” There is just something positively special about a person’s DOG that is just hard to describe! If my dog would have had hands and arms, I know that she would have been my striker, and without any complaints. One reason I know that she wanted to help me was because when we went fishing, she would get into the water and drag my stringer of fish over to me as though she thought I had forgotten them. And then she would get so excited about seeing a fish jumping at the end of my line, that she would try to run on top of the water to get the fish (as she sank). Be it a good day or a bad day, your dog will always wag his tail for you, that is if he/she has one. Thanks again for including us! Ted Throckmorton

Please keep us up-dated as you progress with this job and how it all ends up!. I find it educational and interesting. We have some good people who make comming into this site profitable!

Larry, In the early 70’s I worked for a county government as an industrial blacksmith/welder. Three days a week I had to schedule time to re-point and repair jackhammer gats. For the sake of this note, please humor me while I just refer to them GATS! This was back in the early 70’s (about 40 years ago), to keep this simple, I will just call them gats. Because I worked for a government, they would never throw anything away and we would be required to get every bit of life out of each gat. So as I write this, please keep in mind that maybe we are not talking about the same requirement s to save trashed out gats. This is the issue as I see it for you. There were several different types (or styles) of gats. Due to the different designs, lengths, and thickness of material, it took a different amount of time to re-point or repair each type of gat if necessary. Minutes count when forging for money. Each extra minute at the hammer means that extra fuel is burning also. To meet the demands of the work that needed to be done, I had to be on the top edge of learning how to manage fire time vs. forge time of each type (or style) of gat. They ranged from concrete breakers, moil points, digging chisels, etc. on through asphalt cutters, that we called Paddle Gats, which many times we would have to re-build because they would use them to pry with and damage them. I would manage my time accordingly so I would always have steel in the fire that would be ready “at heat” after the last piece was finished on the hammer. I would always keep some smaller work available to integrate quickly into the forge if there was a delay in between the fire and the hammer. Other times when I would have to re-build a paddle gat, I would have a welding table set up close by so I could run build up pass’s in order to keep my time productive time in-between heats. There was never any toe tapping time in-between the fire and the hammer! The reason I bring this wordy and lengthy explanation to the surface is because it took more time to re-point or restore different shapes or types of gats. That would also mean more time and fuel would be consumed. For that reason, I suggest that you take a trial order of Jackhammer Gats (Bits). Make an (exploration) days run that would be representative of what the demand would be if you accepted a full order. Keep an accurate record of the time it takes to do each and every type of gat. You will learn what your capacity limits are for positive productivity! Do the math for cost / benefit ratio!! With that many gats you will surly make a dent on your availability to accept other jobs that may pay higher. Again, do the math based on hands on experience to make sure it will be worth your time. When I did that work, I always left the shop at night exhausted, and I was in good shape! Best to you as always! Ted Throckmorton

I feel the Brothers of Blacksmithing have given you some good direction. I would like to add my $0.02c worth also. I think you will find that the general attitude of the people who are active on this web site want you to succeed as well I do! I Forge Iron has enough information available to help you get from a question to an answer quickly. It is all about investment. If you are willing to invest your TIME, ENERGY, and MONEY into studying, and then learn how this sight works, you will be rewarded with the knowledge you seek. I feel that a lot of the “I Forge Iron” site users do not know how to access all the information that is available on this web site. One area would be how to get into the Archives. Once you learn how to gain access to the archives and see what is available, you will be pleased that you took the time and effort to do so! Here is a sample of topics that would help you: #1. Lessons in Blacksmithing Advice and Acquisition http://www.iforgeiron.com/page/index.html/_/lessons-in-blacksmithing/lessons-in-blacksmithing-advice-and-acquisition-r118 #2. Lessons in Blacksmithing Mistakes that beginners make http://www.iforgeiron.com/page/index.html/_/lessons-in-blacksmithing/lessons-in-blacksmithing-mistakes-that-beginner-r119 Hook up to some hands-on help! If you are able to find a (SKILLED) blacksmith anywhere near you, it would be a great saving of cost for time and money in the long run! Also try to find a blacksmithing organization to hook up with. Washington: Here is one that may work for you. North West Blacksmiths Association - NWBA Whatever you do, make SAFETY “YOUR” FIRST PRIORITY as you learn your skills! I wish you the very best! Ted Throckmorton

I love it! "A blacksmith on a box". Now which one is Brian? and Which one is Alec? Just kidding! I guess I should have said Who is teaching Who? Whenever you post photo's, it is like eye candy to me. Thank You! Ted Throckmorton

Blacksmithing; Types of forges and Fuels used Fe-Wood, You certainly pose an interesting question that I feel has a many far reaching opinions and options that would no doubt have many practical and sensible answers based on various factors that govern each individual’s mode of operation. Over the years I have met in-person, and read several posts where some blacksmiths have expressed an exclusiveness of how their operations reflected that “their methods, types of tools and equipment was the only right and proper way to forge”! I agree with them 100% if it works out for THEM, but to be inclusive of the whole blacksmithing community at large it seems doubtful. Due to so many factors that affect each of our lives and experience, we obviously have to make do with what our circumstance and life choices have allows us to do at any given point in time. That would include the type, Kind, and Size of forge we use, which would include the general type of fuel used also. When I think about all of the different configurations of people’s blacksmith shops that I have known, I cannot help but be reminded of the video’s of the African blacksmiths http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx5s_P_EUys&feature=related And the Burmese blacksmiths http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxNd1wCrXoM&feature=related If we were to look amid both ends of the spectrum between a modern large blacksmith shop which contains up to-date blacksmithing equipment, Verses a third world blacksmith operation who is using a rock to strike with onto another rock, we would see that we have come a long way! I know of several blacksmiths who have invested and sacrificed everything that was important to them as a means to develop and build a large modern and well equipped Blacksmith shop. The requirements of what it took to produce their products determined the size and type of “heat sources” such as forges (Gas or solid fuel) or Induction Coils, power hammers, presses, plasma cutters and computerized water Jet cut out machines, shears, and specialty forming machines The blacksmiths who determine the type and kind of forges and fuels used around the world are so diverse and they range in description from a very small backyard operation who uses a “hairdryer powered ~ 55 Gallon brake drum forge” that may burn coal, coke, or Charcoal, and is used by a casual hobbyist blacksmith who makes a knife on an occasion. And then all the way up to a very large and well equipped shops with highly trained professional blacksmiths. No question the rock strikers would love to have what is so abundant and available to us at this time. But even the rock strikers would have to make a decision about the type and kind of forge and fuel to use based on (but not limited to) some of the following criteria; 1. Finances. 2. Skill level (professional or Hobbyist). 3. Your Initial training and experience and opinion about the types of forges and fuels you have used. 4. The size and nature of your product as a limiting factor to how much open area is needed (in or on) a forge to correspond with your needs. 5. The availability of equipment in your area. 6. The availability and costs of various types of fuels in your area. 7. Issues of visible emissions (city v. Country location) and Building Code restrictions. 8. Noise. 9. Availability and opportunity receiving training. 10. Time. 11. Whatever you can talk the wife into letting you buy. Note: there are many other issues to consider such as flux eating out the lining of a forge, controlling ambient heat in a shop, Scale, and so on! That is just a few considerations I have had to deal with in my day! I feel so many of you who have posted, have also hit it on the head about the things to consider when choosing what fuel to use. Forge Design: Why I now use Propane Gas. I have used coke for about 55 years (to date). But then due to the high cost of coke which is no longer readily available to me, I have switched to propane gas. But then I ran into the same problem as Old N Rusty. Usually a small gas forge also has a small opening. The opening may be of sufficient size to begin with to insert your stock, but after you bend or enlarge the material; many times it will not fit back into the forge opening. I was disgusted with the small gas forge because the small opening will no longer accept the material I generally use, so the small gasser was no longer an effective and useful forge for my needs. DESIGN CHANGE; To solve the problem, I have purchased a “Clam Shell” style of gas forge. I am able to open up three sides if necessary, or I can close it up into different stages and use it for a Farriers forge, or close it down further and use it for a knife makers forge. My Clamshell propane gas forge pretty well meets my needs now. But back in the day as an industrial Blacksmith, only my open faced coke or coal forges would have worked for me. There is a lot to think about when you are just getting started. Good Luck!

Thank you all! I believe there has been some good advice given in this post that will be useful to me because I needed to hear about it. Usually buy the end of the summer my hands and forearms (under arm) look like an African porcupine. On occasion I collect a goodly number of steel splinters that imbed in my fingers tips from working with steel. But I am more likely to accumulate wood splinters that imbed in my hands and under-arms from working with rough cut timber. In addition to splinters, I fight dry skin cracks that usually form outward from around my fingernails, especially on my thumb and pointing finger. So over the years I have used Tweezers, Tape, Glue, Magnates, Band-Aids, and Lotion to draw out the slivers and heal up the cracks. So now due to this post, I will buy some “PRID” (drawing salve for slivers) for only about $4.00 dollars. I will also soak my fingers and hands in warm soapy water. All of that being said; I am a little weary about putting my finger in an induction coil as Grant suggested. I will just wait until Grant demonstrates just how it works so I will do it correctly

Yancey So much comes to mind as I read the reason of what your prayer needs are. So without explaination, the very best thing I know to do is to say; "Prayer has been sent" Ted Throckmorton <><