Ted T

I have been meaning to say hello to both of you (Jimmy & Richard) for quite some time now. But I keep forgetting to read my "TO DO" List. :huh: Good to see ya both in here. It means your both still kicking!

WoW - WoW - WoW! :) A Remarkable Find. As a blacksmith you were blessed with finding some fine tools. Now, bless some one else by using those same tools to create useful and eye pleasing products! Good for YOU! My best wishes to you as you contribute to the Blacksmithing Craft!

Thank You for your consideration to share this video with us. I have been at this craft for a few years now, and I have never got tired of watching the forging process play out in all of it's different forms. The forging process has a wide range of venues that would include a person found in his backyard using a brake drum forge fueled with charcoal, a hair dryer for the blower, and using a piece of railroad track for an anvil, right on up through all skill levels to, and including what is seen in this video. I find every level of the forging process interesting and productive. When I view the videos on "you tub" of blacksmiths using rocks to forge scrap steel into useful products and pieces of art, it humbles me. I believe that Forging (Blacksmithing) at ever level has it's own merit. Thanks again for posting.

I would also like to see the one you are describing. First, I suggest that you view this: Also here is a post that talks about portable shops '?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>> Over many years I have seen several different modified portable blacksmith shop designs, but not one of them seemed to be the "END ALL" of portable shops to me. So I am still looking also. The Farriers out where I live must travel to do their craft. Many of their rigs are set up well enough to do demonstrations of blacksmithing also. So I suggest that you Google for Farrier Sites for some suggestions such as this: Farrier portable shop I wish you the best in finding what your after!

WOW!! Very Nice! :)

George M. Because I was the blacksmith who donated a few orders of Prairie Diamond Rings, I have had a some people approached me who wanted to tell me of their personal stories about the Prairie Diamond Ring. One lady was actually given the custody (in a will) of the family horseshoe nail (Prairie Diamond) ring that was used by her ancestors who had crossed the prairie as I have attempted to describe. So it sounds like a true concept of history to me. It is my understanding that it is not appropriate to speak in any detail about a religious group on this site, but one may Google the key words and follow the trail of the web sites. I hope you understand.

Forging Small (Tiny) I enjoy this thread for the reasons of the gratifying challenge of managing heat control. Due to issues of health, coupled with the loss of muscle mass common to aging, I was compelled into forging very small items such as “Horseshoe Nail Rings”, just to start with. What seemed to be a simple task at first thought; of just bend a horseshoe nail into a perfect ring shape was soon overshadowed by the challenge of forging the blade of the nail into a decretive (eye appealing) band along with a pleasing pattern forged into the head of the nail. The reason I started to make horseshoe nail rings was due to a request made from a church group for me to make 136 rings for them in just two days. They called them “Prairie Diamond Rings” do to the fact that their ancestors traveled across the prairies of our country by pulling handcarts, and also in Horse and Ox powered wagons. They had to use what was available to them as a wedding ring, and that would be to use a Horseshoe Nail as a wedding ring. Due to my lack of experience of forging small tiny objects I immediately discovered there was a new learning curve for me to conquer. And that was that I had to elevate my skills in the use of Heat Control to a higher level. I found that my skill level to conserve heat in a tiny piece that I was forging demanded much more than just reservoiring heat (pooling heat within the part). But; I found it was the use of combining of several elements of forging skills used in combination with each other that gave me success. I soon discovered the following forging skills (aspects) should be in mastered, or at least considered when put into the practice of forging tiny pieces. · Banking Heat (storing) heat in the piece. · The use of heat Sinks for storing heat. · Pre-heating the holding tools. · Pre-heating the anvil face used. · Use of a “Hot Box”. A hot box is a small steel (open) box placed in the forge to contain small pieces of steel so they will not get lost in the coals, but will maintain forging heat. Note: Speed (skilled guided SPEED) is essential. · Dry Run (with cold steel) practice, Practice, Practice. · Each tool laid out (placed) for fast access. Please Remember: This is only my experience with forging tiny pieces and attempting to reach a higher skill level of using heat control. My best to you as you enjoy the rewards of forging tiny.

I believe every bit of experience and information you can obtain in life will add to your ability to be a stellar blacksmith. That would include all of the things you learned to do, and the things NOT to do. First: Is a question: How strong and committed is your desire to become a proficient blacksmith? How anyone (he or she) answers that question with their associated energy and actions will have a solid bearing on the eventual outcome. By learning the disciplines of other crafts and experiencing everyday life’s challenges, provides a person with an opportunity to learn how to approach solving a problem; and that can be a good thing. But that is true only if a person has paid attention. Blacksmithing presents a series’ of special types of challenges that are “only problems” if you are not trained properly in the skill of forging. I believe “Proper Training” is the key: Hopefully during a persons life experience they have learned the value of why a “process has been initiated and used over and over again” safely. The “order of operation” (The WHEN, What, How, How Many, How long, How hard, How Hot, and What Time is Dinner, and On and On) is all a part of understanding the “Order of Operation” as it is applied to any given process. Oh, I forgot; “And when is payday?” All of the techniques and values necessary to become a skilled blacksmith can be learned if given proper instruction and examples. Otherwise; you will learn that there is an “Order of Operation” involved in each process. With-in the arms of safety, use each skillset one at a time, and at the right time, or combine them when necessary as you are taught. Then you will experience success as a blacksmith as opposed to failure. My very best to you as you enjoy the process of obtaining the skillsets of becoming a blacksmith.

Your not working hard enough if your cat and dog don't need hearing aids yet!

Hand Hammering I suggest that I would listen to a person who have worked as a full time blacksmith (making a living) "hand hammering" as an industrial Blacksmith 8 to 10 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week for over a period of several years; would be someone I would give full consideration too of how to hold and swing a hammer as a blacksmith with out injury to themselves. They are hard to find now day’s, although I believe that we have had only a few in here at I Forge Iron over the years. They had to work at a stainable pace day after day and with no delay time (rest) in-between heats while waiting for steel to heat. They were not paid when they did not work. As a result they could not afford to spend time off of work due to tendon and mussel injuries. Although most shops (depending on the time period) had some type of power hammer (be it human or a machine) that was also used, they still spent a lot of time at the anvil. Doing a lot of constant heavy hand hammering each day was normal. Not to be confused with doing light hammering as in the craft of Chasing and Repousse. Now days it would be hard to find someone like that because of our modern means of (making a living) forging makes hand hammering less cost efficient. Here is an example of how new methods of doing things made what I used to do to make a living non-Essential (Un-Necessary). Years ago they used to cut into concrete roads primarily with Jackhammers. The Chisels used in jackhammers (such as moil points and spades that we used to call “Gats”) needed to be drawn out on a regular basis. There was a high demand for this type of service and it was also a good (consistent) business. But then they developed the “diamond bit concrete cutting machines’. When they did, the demand for pointing jackhammer chisels dropped out of sight. Most Hobby Smiths (all-though very skilled) do not work for the long and demanding periods of time, and at a pace that used to be expected when you were hired to work as a blacksmith. But it used to be normal many years ago to do a lot of heavy hand hammering. Striking steel is not the same as hammering a nail. Striking steel is not the same as driving a nail in a horse hoof. I have read many opinions about this topic over the years. But come to find out that most opinions were not supported with “real-time experience” behind their opinion. Theory based on science and all of its disciplines should be taken into consideration for sure as you determine what works best for you. But theory by its self will not ever replace "true and tried successful experience" that trumps theory (alone) every time. Many; and I mean many highly intelligent people who have come before us have developed and honed every aspect of the forging process including how to hold and strike with a hammer for long periods of time with out physical injury! So this is my opinion and the sum of my experience: What has worked for me for many years (over 60), may not work for someone else. I would not even attempt to submit how I do it. Many have already described it over and over again. No sense of clouding the issue. It is up to you to take into consideration all that your able to find out about find what works for you and your situation!! “Pain and injury”, or “no pain and injury” will be your scorecard. Good Luck to you!

Consider modeling clay! :rolleyes: Just a thought that came to mind.

Nice to have handy!! Thank You.

My thoughts about “overnight” Master Blacksmiths IFI In this post we have enjoyed and hear a lot of views and opinions about this topic. Some of the views seemed to stand on their own by expressing a great thought or principal, leaving this viewer with the question of “WOW” what more could be said? “And then “another opinion is expressed that seems to give even more of a foundation to what has already been said. It seemed to build off of other opinions. That leaves me to say that over many years of viewing questions and opinions that are expressed on this site, that I am always impressed with the input generated by various experienced craftsman. I soon realized that most concepts discussed here have many dimensions that must be taken into consideration in order to see the full value of a solution. It seems that after given enough exposure to experienced minds the full pitcher soon develops. That being said; it has been my experience that the same principal is involved in creating a fully developed and a very well rounded ”blacksmith” craftsmen. There are many levels of skill-sets that need to be honed and fully understood in forge work. That takes time and a fully focused effort to obtain a high-level of skills. Experience is gained from having Experience! The cycle flows in this manner, it takes one year of focused perfect experience to obtain one year of focused perfect experience; and so on! “TIME” is the currency for exchange. Otherwise what you invest your time in doing, you will get back “in kind”. Example: I cannot play the piano. The reason is because I did not invest my time in Learning how to play the piano. But I have a friend that spent 5 hours per day. – Guess what! An example: During the Second World War the Marines would attack and fight their way all a across a small island and then call it a victory. But; because they did it so fast, they would wind up taking three more days to fight their way back across the island in order to secure it. And that is because they missed so much from doing it so fast the first time! Great Craftsmanship is a product of the sacrifice of your time, money, and determination that you spent to learn sound and tried forging skills, coupled with as much time as necessary spent at the forge accurately repeating the basics of sound principals until it meets your satisfaction. But your “Satisfaction” may be unsatisfactory to someone else. And there lies room for another discussion. Example: I have seen people who could play a tune on the piano that sounded good. But then come to find out that it was the only song they could play. They sounded like they were well rounded, but come to find out that they were only short lived and one-dimensional. Time and exposure will sort out the “DREAMERS” from that of true craftsman who have rightly invested themselves in the craft of Forging (One who is called a Blacksmith).

Thank You! Daily; we see new people become interested in the craft of blacksmithing. They are looking for simple but understandable instructions. I am sure that over time, many people (old and new at the craft) will benefit from your simple, but well thought out and performed video. Please Keep making them. I wish you the very best as you continue!

caintruckrifle; Just for your information, Deloy's blacksmith shop is located in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Deloy recently passed foreword ahead of us. But his well qualified son "Doug" is running the family blacksmith business now. I see that you live in Utah, and it would be worth your time to visit his fine shop if you have an opportunity! He also made keepsake type traps that was for sale, and also gave them to his friends. Ref: My very best to you as you find out more about forging traps! Ted Throckmorton

Just for fun, take a look at Deloy's trap! :) '?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>>

John McPherson :o WOW! My Swage Block that is about that same size weighs 172 pounds. No telling how much that anvil weighs :unsure: - Must be 1,000,0000,000,00 pounds (or so) at least! I am speeeeeechless to see how powerful you must be! I want to drink what ever you drink! :) Maybe I could get to forging again! I would bet your arm could catch on fire just like the guy in the commercial and it would not bother you either! Thanks for the awesome photo! I got to go get my wife to come and look or she won't believe me! :D

ausfire, I feel your pain!! I have been at this craft for just a few years and I consider myself a legion in my own mind :rolleyes: , but; I and have similar issues that you described. I keep renewing my commitment to myself to keep well organized as I work. But many times I find that my intentions of precise organization are short lived after I am interrupted by well meaning people who demands my attention. I used to have people pop in and want a quick job done. First thing you know I would have tools out that I did not want to put away so as not to take more time. I find that if I am only working on one project, I stay pretty focused and organized. I am able to think ahead in the process that I am doing so I will pre position my tool’s or put them away as they need to be. Glenn has given a good suggestion and I believe it would work for a normal mentally healthy person. But, I say again; that I find that distractions by visitors or people who interrupt the process and ask me to do a quick job for them throws me out my good intentions of keeping efficiently organized. I wish you the best at keeping your ducks lined up in a row! :)

NICE!!!!! Just keep it enjoyable and Forge Forge Forge! Looks like you are making good memories! That is just the cream on the pie when you include family! My very best wishes for you as you move forward in the blacksmithing craft. Ted Throckmorton

Jan WELCOME to I FORGE IRON! Sounds to me like you will fit right in! Enjoy the process; then you will stick with it! My best to you! Ted Throckmorton

If you hunt Rabbits, use a Rabbit gun. If you hunt Elephants, use a Elephant gun. If what you do works for you, use it. Otherwise; use what ever process and material that is required and acceptable to meet the job requirements. Time is money, and money is time. I would suggest keeping it simple and basic; Just as Basher just suggested. It has worked for me over many years. I enjoy all of the views (pro's and con's} that have been expressed. That way we all have a chance to improve. I have seen many different blacksmiths who seem to apply the same process, but have a slightly different result. I think basic training, years of experience, and the demand of the product has to always be considered in these discussions! My best to all of you!

Due to health issues, my forging days are few. At this time I am giving away and selling all of my shop tools. I have given away 4 anvils in the past three months, but I need to sell the others I have. I actually have a 150 pound Emerson anvil (never been used). I got quite sick right after a got it. It would be of no value to you due to shipping charges. I paid way over $800.00 for it, but I am selling it for $600.00 I am suggesting that you wait a little longer, save your money and consider buying an anvil that weighs at least 150 pounds. I found that at least a 150 pounder was stout enough for most work that I did when I was in business. I wish you the best of luck in finding one. Save up a little more money for a short time, and be happier for a long time! :)

Thomas; Please never quit talking to us. You have taught me a lot! And you have been a large chunk of the I Forge Iron back bone. Thomas, when you post I know that it is always worth viewing. I hope the person who said that would please consider what I Forge Iron is all about! Here it is in a nut shell: "We attack problems" But not people! I give that same consideration and courtesy to you, from me! I hope you will consider viewing this site as a tranquil place to learn and share ideas; that has no room for personal confrontation.

You asked:Does anyone have any advice for working with hollow stock? Safety note: When quenching a pipe or hollow stock make sure you do not aim the open end of the pipe in your direction. :o I have seen water and steam shoot out the end of pipe stock when quenching. Be Safe and have fun in the process!

WOW - :) Thanks for passing on the info Glenn!