Ted T

Jimmy Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to join in prayer with you. Prayers have been set in motion from our temporary home here in Utah. Ted Throckmorton

Braedon, AKA: "The Video Maker" Thank You Again!! I sat back, had a cup of coffee and just enjoyed watching you work. I liked the idea that you kept the video going for the duration of the time it actually took to get the marble hot enough to melt properly. The real time viewing gives a good prospective of how long it actually takes for the process to develop. For me, that was a valuable part of the video for me to see firsthand. During my productive working years, I was an industrial blacksmith. I was by no means considered an “Artist Blacksmith”. In those days I never felt the need to take photos of “jackhammer gats” that I re-pointed or re-built, picks that I pointed, fixtures that I forged, or damaged machinery that I straighten or re-shaped. During those years I was raising a family and money was an issue, so we only had a Box Camera until the Brownie Camera came out and was affordable to us. And finally the Polaroid Cameras came out. Just a point of interest: In order to develop the Polaroid film, you placed the film (encased in a developing sandwich that contained a pink developing jelly) into a metallic two sided holder and placed it under your arm (arm pit) for (x) amount of seconds to heat it up in order to finish the developing process. Many times the developing jelly oozed out onto your shirt! So there was not many photos taken during those years by me, but I now wish that I had. So when I see the Magic contained in the captivating videos that you and several other generous Blacksmiths produce for people like myself to watch, learn from, and just plain enjoy, I want you to know that I appreciate it to no end! Thank you again! Ted Throckmorton

Thank You for allowing me and others of like minds to visit you in your shop. To visit in another Blacksmiths shop and watch them work is real high on my priority list of things "I LIKE TO DO"! Please keep making videos because it shows your generosity for you to teach and share with other people. OooooooH, and I like to see them! The best to you! Ted Throckmorton

Dave, I truly beleive it is the kindest act you can do for your friend. It is a sincere act of un-selfish love that requires courage that is powered by duty, love, and compassion to do the right thing at this time. I have had times in my life that I was scared out of my witts to do what I was being depended on to do. But, I was more afraid to live with myself if I did not do what was necessary at the time! And I will tell straight out, helping my dog out (out of suffering) was one of the very hardest things that I have done in my life. In time (and it takes time), you will surly miss your dog for sure, but you will also know that you thought more of your dogs needs than your own emotions of seperation. Your dog will only be a thought away! I am posting again in this post only because I feel you need to know that your words of concern are heard, understood and shared by (I am sure) all others that have posted here! Please read very carefully all of the posts that have been posted. They may give you some supportive insight, and you will know that you are not alone! Please keep your mind on the positive side of the good you are doing for your dog, even if some tears leaks out here and there! I wish you and your wife the very best. Ted Throckmorton

That is AMAZING and mind-boggling to say the least! My brain had to check with my eyes again to make sure I was seeing what they presented. Would you tell us more about the event, the forge, and its functional use! Thank You for the un-expected! Ted Throckmorton

Stan, I am sure happy about you being on this side of the mountain. Now all you have to do is rest, take orders from "what seems like everyone", rest, exercise correctly, rest, take orders from what "seems like everybody some more", rest , and get well. Piece of Cake! Red Hot 77 said you were in the ICU, and wanted to get out! I have a heartwarming story about an “ICU” in Utah. I hope you could remember a famous Downhill Olympic Champion skier named Picabo Street, which is pronounced “peek-a-boo.”, Street. She was an Olympic skier. Born on April 3, 1971, in Triumph, Idaho. Once one of the leading downhill skiers in the world. In 1994, Street became the first American woman to win the World Cup women’s downhill competition. She earned the top spot again in downhill at the World Cup in 1996, but later endangered her dreams of Olympic gold when she injured her knee during a training run. Her recovery process—which included surgery and physical therapy—was long and difficult, but “Peek-a-boo” Street made it back to fighting form by the time of the 1998 Winter Olympics. All her hard work paid off. She won the gold medal in the Super G event. Now the rest of the story! “Peek-a-boo” was so thankful for the medical aid given to her by the ski patrol at the Ata Utah ski Resort which is near where I live, that she donated the costs to build a new ICU at the resort to help injured skiers. They call it the: “Peek-a-boo ICU” Got Ya! Go ahead and get better Stan. And I promise not to include any more bad jokes. Your friend Ted Throckmorton

It is Monday at approximately 11:16 AM. Here in Eastern Utah. I find myself comming into my office and logging into "I Forge Iron" many more times per day more than usual. I come in, in order to prayerfully, and hopefully find a "Positive" up-date on Stan. It has been since Saturday that the last (much appreaceated) up-date was posted. We just got an up-date: Thank you RED HOT 77 Now I know that tomorrow Stan will get his new pace maker. So now I am looking foreward to the next time Stan makes a Post! It goes with out saying that my prayers are continious! Ted Throckmorton

Big Johnson First things first, I want to welcome you to “I Forge Iron” I am new to making spurs, so anything I say comes only from that (very weak)point of view. I can say though, that I do my best to study out (in detail) about any new undertaking that I am going to attempt. So far I have studied everything I could find on the internet such as various “How To Do” articles, “I Forge Iron”, “spursandbit.com”, and watched the video’s on “you Tube”. I have also purchased a book by Robert M. Hall, and I also purchased DVD’s made by “Bruce Cheaney” from Gainesville Texas. Then just today, I sent for a DVD called “How to Make Texas-Style Spurs” that was made by Stan Gillham who is also from Texas. Now keep in mind that I am new to making spurs when I say the following! All of the information I have found so far says that what ironstein said in his post is arguably “RIGHT ON The TARGET” unless you are geared up with higher tech machinery! Please keep us posted on your progress. I plan on posting as soon as the Photo Gallery is up-dated in the very near future. Right now I cannot find half of my photos. I wish you the very best as you continue your journey as a Craftsman! Ted Throckmorton

Thank You so much for the wonderful photos. The photos were so well made that I got tired just by watching them. Now I need to go get something to eat and rest up! I joke about it, because I so respect that you would take the time to share your photo's with us. I have no claim to fame for being a stelar blacksmith, but I think I would be in the very top of the pile who "Loves this Craft" and "Enjoys the people who are in it". And I think that I would be a blacksmith Cheerleader if there was such a thing!. Thanks be to all of you who are in the photos, who took the photos, and to Glenn who provides an outlet here at "I Forge Iron" for people of common interests, purpose, and ambitions to congregate. Ted Throckmorton

Thank you for the up-date Red Hot 77 I would feel lost if I was not able to keep up with how Stan is doing at this time. Although I live hundreds of miles away, my thoughts bring this situation very close to me, and I am ever aware and full of hope which is reflected in my prayers to the one who created us; for Stan, his Wife, Family, Care Givers (who also needs the guidance of the one who created us), and his Friends! Ted Throckmorton

I go to Las Vegas several times a year, most years. I live in Utah.

That all makes sense Jeremy! That is as long as your are using HIS TONGS, It should be OK. What could go wrong with that?? :rolleyes:

Bless Stan! I am late posting, but my prayers have not been late! I will continue in prayers for Stan, his wife, family, and friends. I figure he may as well go ahead and get better and not waist a lot of time in the hospital. He has some smithing to do that he aint done yet !:)

Sam Thank You for Sharing, it is contagious! It is generous of you to share your up-lifting and positive moment in time with us SAM. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU! The common thread of metal working of various disciplines (even more specifically blacksmithing), is what brings us together to share our knowledge about the craft (s). And then over time, we start to develop relationships with other members who are found on this site. It is through our relationships with other blacksmiths, that something much bigger than the topic of blacksmithing develops that is of at least an equal in value as the topic of blacksmithing. And that is when we realize that that behind every person who forges steel for a living or as a hobby, there is a whole and living person who is experiencing the rigors of life just as we are. Sam your willingness to share your time of joy in your life has been as important to me as when “ironstein” allowed us to share in the death of his faithful dog “Chopper”. Both Ironstein and his wife (bless her) were distraught with grief when he invited the members here on “I Forge Iron” to give him suggestions about designing an urn for Choppers ashes to be placed in. My faith in mankind was lifted up a notch when I observed the response to his request. Each person responded from deep with-in their hearts and poured out expressions derived from the milk of human compassion and kindness. I could not have been more pleased than to hear the other comments and suggestions of compassion that had been expressed solely to lessen the burden of grief for Ironstein and his wife. Each responder (and those who did not respond) is special in my eyes. I am sure many other people felt the compassion expressed, even though they never posted. But I would like to point out what Nelson said about Chopper “the Pit Bull” “The look on your dog’s eyes is just pure love! And when I see that photo of Chopper on “ironstein’s” posts, it makes me think about the perceived hard exterior that many blacksmiths want you to see, but it is only covering the tenderness of many blacksmiths hearts that I know! Thank you again Sam, you proved how special blacksmiths can be by including us on your special day and providing the mantle that reflects the true heart of many blacksmiths. Ted Throckmorton

What type of fuel do you use? Step #1. Do not get discouraged Step #2. Remember exactly the conditions of everything you have done to this point so you can correct it. Step #3. Ask your self some questions: a. If you use a coal /coke forge, remember the conditions of the fire you were using. b. where did you position the steel in the fire?, in the oxidizing or the caberizing zone? or the sweet spot? c. Did you bring your steel over to the anvil and place your steel peaces in place for welding quickly, and without heat loss by aligning the steel quickly or placing the steel on a cold anvil? d. Was you fire clean and clear of clinkers? e. Was your steel heated up "Uniformally" and hot enough. f. Was your steel clean? g. Did you flux properly? Step #4. Do not get discouraged. Now forgive this question, but it is very important. Was your first hammer blow a firm (non-rebound) dead hammer type blow ?? If you hit it to hard, the steel reacts to the rebound as does the hammer, and will not allow the weldment to occur properly. It needs that critical quick moment of firming force to allow the steel to merge. Think in terms of a FIRM,Well placed, deadblow type of first strike. - - Now that is only my opinion, but It changed how I welded!! I have seen a blacksmith from the UK who takes two peices of mild steel, and slaps them togeather and creats a weldment that is strong, and that is with out flux! I watched Bob Patrick very carefully, I was all eyes. He has practaced so much that it is a second nature process with him. I agree that you should find a good blacksmith to show you how to do it correctly. It will save you a ton of time, money and frustration! Good luck to you! Ted Throckmorton

Josh, I am pleased that you are considering to learn to make spurs. I have decited to learn how to make spurs also, about two years ago . But with your post, I have been "spured on" to go ahead and put some action to my thought! I also ordered "How To Make Bits And Spurs" by Robert M. Hall through Barns and Noble this afternoon. I have also bought and studied video's (or DVD's) from Bruce Cheaney ~ The art of spur making Vol 1 & 2 Phone 1-(940)-668-8607 to order by phone. Here is a URL to a site that will also be helpful! http://www.ehow.com/how_6824012_make-boot-spurs.html Make it happen! your friend; Ted Throckmorton

Here is some information that may be of value to you! The rules that govern life seem to imply that you will only get out of something, what you put into it. Same is true with learning the blacksmithing craft. It will cost you time, money, burns, and sweat to learn the craft. All depending how far you take it. Here is some places that I suggest that you contact to get the ball rolling that is near you. * Beginners Workshops: http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/Workshops/Blacksmithing.aspx *Golden Hammer Forge 6600 Kopp Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597 1(608) 849-7879 Or, *Blacksmith 2000 Fordem Avenue.Madison, WI 53704-4600. BR 1 (608) 280-2750 Or, * Wisconsin Iron Works • Pewaukee, Wis USA • 1-262-370-6200 Wisconsin Iron Works We make custom ornamental branding irons and other useful steel products made in America. We also make old fashion cannonball gate keepers, door stops and openers. Each project or item is handcrafted to strict specifications and quality standards. Hand bent out of high quality American Steel and welded by experienced artisans. Your personalized brand will be a work of art. I feel you could get some information from the above people that could at least head you in the right direction. I wish you the very best in your journey! Ted Throckmorton

Rory; Very Nice! Very Nice in deed! You sir have a buckett load of skills! 1. Metal fabraction skills. 2. Skills of thinking and reasoning for lay-out. 3. An understanding of the order of operations. 4. Add Persistence and self-esteem of a Craftsman to the mix, and just look at what ya created. It is still exciting and somewhat amazing to me when I see a physical product created, that started out as only a thought (from only a thought, to physical reality). It may be that this satisfaction is one of the many benefits of time spent in honing your skills as a craftsman. You will never give away more than what you will gain by sharing your skills with us. Please keep up the good work. I appreciate it, and no doubt others have also! The reason I wanted to make my comments to you is that “You” and others of your generation will be the ones carrying on the banner of excellence in the metal working and Blacksmithing craft. And you are doing it well! Ted Throckmorton

Prayer has gone out from our home that is located in Eastern Utah for Roseann and your Family. Big world, but a much Bigger God. Ted Throckmorton

Prayer has been sent for you, your family, and Father from Eastern Utah.

For what this may be worth to you! Propane Gas Line into shop I ran into a problem with installing a fixed gas line into my shop! Our code says that I have to keep my propane tank out side. I have to keep the tank at least 3 feet away from a window or door, and 10 feet away from an electrical outlet or appliance. I also have to run the gas line through the wall with/(in) black pipe. It requires a regulator, Gage, and shut off valve on each side of the wall. I am using a 100 pound tank. So I designed my shop to accommodate this issue. PLEASE DO NOT keep any tanks inside of where you have an ignition of some type going. Such as welding operations of any type, cutting (sparks), grinding, or forging. I had a tank vent when the tempters were only about 70 degrees. That was not supposed to happen, but IT DID! If that tank had been near where I was forging, I suppose I would not be here typing to you. It is not worth trying to beat the code. It will help keep you safer! You will do yourself and everybody who cares about you a favor to learn and understand all that you can about using propane! Please be safe! ~ Ted Throckmorton

Ironstein; I just wanted to express my condolences to you about your dog. I would suggest that you make a hollow anvil of appropriate size. I would make the face of the anvil to be the lid with the hinge (inside) near the table. Then I would make a hardie tool to set in the hardie hole to use as the knob for the latch to open it with. --- Just an idea only! My dog and myself lived alone (I mean alone) for twelve good years. She got so sick that I had to consider her needs above my needs and feelings to have her put out of her misery and suffering. So I took her to a vet that was located 130 miles away. She was a Vet that my dog was not afraid of. When the Vet gave her the shot it did not go well. It took almost 2 minutes for her to go. The struggle she was going through to live, just about killed me as I held her. The Vet said she had never experienced anything like it before! I had to drive back a 130 miles out to my farm alone. It was only her and me living alone for 12 years with no one to talk to, I felt guilty about it (real bad). So; I had to study about why I felt so broken about my dog’s death. After volumes of reading I came across a few things that helped me through the process. I want to share them with you if it gives you any Solis at all. 1. A dog does not have an agenda. It pretty well lives day to day responding to “Cue’s” from its owner. Otherwise the dog keeps no calendar! So basically "gone today or tomorrow" would not make much difference to them, but only to you! 2. I have had people chide me because I had her cremated, and she will be dumped in the ocean with me when I die. Several people said she was “ONLY “a dog! What’s my problem? I finally found an article written by a physiologist who said the following: When you grieve the death of a pet, you are grieving as much as it had been a human for this reason. You are grieving the loss of a “RELATIONSHIP”, not JUST an animal! Example: When you look at the obituaries in the news paper and do not see anyone you know, you just turn the page and keep drinking your coffee as nothing had happened to all of those people who had died. And that is because you did not have a relationship with them. BUT, if you see a friend’s obituary in the paper, your body and emotions respond at a level as your relationship was with that person. And so it is with a close pet! 3. The kindest thing an animal’s master can do is helping it to die if it is in severe pain and cannot get any better. The animal depends on that! I truly wish you the very best, I know it is not easy! Ted Throckmorton

Thank You! What you teach us is so appreciated. There are several other blacksmiths who are of your caliber, such as brianbrazealblacksmith, and Hofi (just to name a few) who so un-selflessly and freely give priceless information about the blacksmithing Craft that it just blows me away. That kind of generosity cannot be measured in money in my opinion. It is priceless, but not held as cheep by any standard. Grandpa Jones who used to be on "Hee Haw" wrote a song. At the end of the song it says "all you take with you, is what you gave away". A Gold miners Mule sometime carries a large bag of gold on its back. But it does not appreciate it because it is not of a real value to the mule. But to the miner it has all kinds of possibilities. I liken people who are advanced enough in blacksmithing (Miners) who understand the value of what men such as you and others that I have mentioned provides for us! I mean “Thank You” That was nicely done – I took note of the concept! Ted Throckmorton

First thing: Thank you! Second thing: I second what Curly asked! Last thing: Thank You Again!

I have read nothing but good answers and opinions in my opinion. After I have read the posts, I come away with the ideal that most responders are in common agreement that a person should ask themselves the following Question Question: "What type of use will I be doing mostly with this Anvil? It makes nothing but good sense to know what your needs will be first! BUT! Now if we were to vote on a size range to use as a non-movable shop anvil for general use, as oposed to the portable (floater) anvil, I would vote to obtain an anvil starting in the range of 150 pounds, upward to approximately 250 pounds. Thank all of you for your input! This is a great place to for me to learn! Ted Throckmorton