Ted T

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

Now this has got serious
What shall I do?

Just to be on the safe side, maybe I "BOB" just enough to be a fence
sitter "Bobber", and nobody else will notice.
But with this admission, all bases are covered!
A guy can't be too careful ya know!

As you may observe, I have spent more time "Bobbing" on
this post, than I have in my shop!

It is all about Priorities!

Frank, I see exactly what you mean now.
Now I can spot a "Head Bobber" with out any question!
Thanks!

Dennis, You are most likely correct!
Now I do not have to watch Dr. Phil!

I love this place. A person can still have fun after they leave the shop!

From what I saw, I guess I am not a head bobber.
Maybe I would be If I was not so old and tired! - - Or lazy!
Ted Throckmorton!

Frank, I have never noticed "head bobbers" before.
I have no question about the idea that there must "head bobbers" if you say there is.
What you say about anything carries a lot of weight with me. I trust in what you say.

I have never had hundreds of successful blacksmithing students to observe as you have done.
Now I am wondering if I am a "Head Bobber" and don't know it!

The best to you Frank, and thank you for all of your knowledgeable input!
Ted Throckmorton

For over 50 years I always used an open face coke forge.
I was not used to being restricted by the small openings of a knife makers forge.
I bought the Diamondback "Metal Artist 2-burner Forge"
The design of that forge gave me the freedom to increase the room I needed
when I needed more room to fit different shapes or sizes of material!
I LIKE IT!!!!
Good forging to you all!

Bingo!!!
You are on the job and it looks great.
The very best to you!
Ted Throckmorton

Wow!!!!! -
I will say it again!!
"Inspirational to say the least!"
Ted Throckmorton

Your site development is a class act.
You ask for opinion, here is mine!
I would have nothing negative to say about anything I have seen, and only positive thoughts come to my mind.
Due "only to my liking", I always like to see inside of the shop that someone uses to create
there products.
I know that you said; " My shop has no fancy equipment just an anvil, propane forge,
drill press and a 12" reversible disc grinder that my blades are ground on.
Of course there are also many files and other hand tools needed to make my edged tools."

But that is the magic of it. To see what a craftsman uses to create something as nice as the knives
you create, even though it is simple! ~ I truly believe it adds value to your product at some level.

To see inside your humble shop may motovate others who are beginning, and also make some of us
that are blessed with large and well equipped shops to keep our feet on the ground and realize it it the
craftsman his self, and not just the tools that bring life into the steel.

This is just a suggestion and a though Only!
From what I can see, you do not have to take a back seat to anybody!
The very best to you!
Ted Throckmorton

Mark,
Prayers will be "on-going" from here.
Ted Throckmorton
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