Ted T

DocsMachine,
I am in about as bad of shape as that anvil was.
After viewing the exelent results of your end product (beautiful), I was kind of woundering if there is anything you could do to re-store me! I am Old, and Rusty. And I have been banged on while I was cold causing me to be work hardened and brittle. My table top has sunk to my waste area, and my face is full of pits and dings.
Oh, nevermind, After seeing what I just wrote, I think I will just sit back here on the storage shelf and be a antique show piece:cool:
Thanks for sharing your work.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Hillbillysmith,
Plain and simple: I just like your knife!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Sam,
I Just found your photos today.
It looks like you could modify it to do what ever you want with it in the future as you said at one time. Simple is bliss in my book.
I like the idea that it would not take up a lot of room.
Thanks for sharing Sam.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

eburgblue,
Welcome to I Forge Iron.
You could have fooled me when you said "Have always been somewhat of an artist in various areas but not enough time to get serious about metal art. Time to change that".
I don't know about your time, but I do believe you when you said you are somewhat of an artist. Your work looks to me like you are pretty serious about your art. You have some very nice looking work.
I am sure you will fit right in to the fray.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

KevinD,
Your Smithy looks like a fun and a relaxing place to work in.
It kinda looks like a photo worth framing!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Although I worked in welding and blacksmith/welding shops during the day, at night and weekends I worked out side for about 21 years before I finally got me an indoor shop. I just covered everything with canvas.
When I was young it worked for me. But now (fast foreward 50 + yrs.) I could not withstand the cold and or heat:o.
I have a 30' x 30' heated finishing shop . I also have a 7' x 14' covered forge station (no heat). And finally I have an 18' x 28 foot steel building I use to store materials in (no heat).
[ATTACH]4244[/ATTACH]
This old photo was taken in about 1972
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Petersenj20,
I know that Glenn described what a tutorial was when he said "IForgeIron.com Blueprints are how-to tutorials for making tools, jigs, and projects. Currently there are over 500+ Blueprints on ... "
That may not help answer your question in anyway. He is speaking about how to get started and find your way around the IFI site I believe!
Also try looking in the "Blacksmithing Forum" Ref: Sword Tutoral. irnsrgn 11-15-2007 08:41 AM
by ApprenticeMan 31 903
Be Safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Mihai, AKa (Mende) AKA (Michael) AKA (Blacksmith),
I want to welocme you to IFI.
I have seen your posts, and thought you had jumped into the fray while I was on vacation because you seemd to blend in so well.
I see your a thinker, and with no doubt you are well on your way to absorbing the knowledge to master the craft of blacksmithing.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Thank You Dr. Dean
Your reminder about “Checking our Fire Extinguishers” is a very timely one for me.
I will be out tapping on all three of my fire extinguishers today!
One of the compelling reasons I stay connected to this web site (I Forge Iron) is for the timely insight that is shared by knowledgeable blacksmiths such as your self (Dr. Dean) Daryl, Glenn, and Dale who all makes very good points and that care enough about everybody’s safety to support this post. That is good enough for me.
I would encourage everybody to follow your suggestion about checking their fire extinguishers
For those who do not have a fire extinguisher, please consider what your needs may be to save your life, limb, and all you have invested in your shop, just in case of a fire.
Then, please act on your findings!
As Glenn asked: When was the last time you checked the smoke detector and/or replaced the battery?
I say this with over 36 years of experience as an investigator who has seen more tragedy than I could bear at times. That is what compels me to take the time and effort to encourage you (my associates) to be safe.
In fact, now I am going to go out and dig my water hose out of the snow and store it in an area where it will be dry and accessible should I need it.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Fat Pete,
I think you said it very well about the value of the use of "clay forming" as a blacksmithing tool.
This information is time tested and I have used clay for many years just as you have described.
I only wish new blacksmiths had a copy of this post to read as one of the first things to do when learning the craft of blacksmithing.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

John, AKA (JWBIRONWORKS)
For us who have had that same experience, we understand the feeling you are expressing and we know why you’re excited.
I am glad you are sharing your celebration of being appreciated by the general public. That same type of feeling has always helped fuel my subconscious drive and desire to produce a quality product.
Keep on doing what you’re doing, you must be heading in the right direction.
But, keep in mind the wisdom our forefather blacksmiths handed down when they said in essence:
There are two major sins in blacksmithing.
1. STRIKING COLD STEEL
2. NOT CHARGING ENOUGH
I am not proud of it, but I have been guilty of both them many times!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

jcvdag Welcome to I Forge Iron.
I believe you have taken the right steps so far in your pursuit to find instructions on how to get started with the blacksmithing craft.
1. You found the I Forge Iron Web site.
2. You provided the location of where you live.
3. You ask for help.
For a quick start, I would suggest you follow up on what the “KeyKeeper” suggested, and that was; “Go to home page, and follow the links there on getting started. Tons of info for you there”.
By providing the location of where you live, I would bet someone here will suggest where you will find a blacksmith or a blacksmith organization that may be located near you.
As found on Main Menu, Getting Started, Looking for a blacksmith group near you---click here, = GS0002 Blacksmithing Groups.
My search for a blacksmith organization that may be near you produced the following:
The Connecticut Blacksmiths Guild is a non-profit affiliate of ABANA. Contact Bill Sheer, sticbs@aol.com or 860-536-0679
I feel the sooner you find a place where you could have some hands on experience; it will answer a whole lot of questions for you real quick. But, then it will create a whole set new set of new questions. It is just the normal learning pattern.
I would like to suggest that you keep in mind the following advice and warning that is published by Glenn Conner who is the administrator here at IForgeIron.com, when he emphasized the following: Note: permission was given to quote.
> "Blacksmithing is dangerous !! Everything you do is either hot, heavy, sharp or dangerous".
> "Personal Safety is a personal problem, you need to protect what you want to keep".
> "What you get out of it, depends on what you put into it. There is no substitute for hammer time. There is no substitute for reading to learn, and there is no substitute for the knowledge gained by working with folks more experienced than you are".

Here is some advice Finnr shared with us. “You got to earn your burns”.

Here is some advice that Finn shared with us. Note: For my personal notes, I modified what Finn said for my own understanding.
“There are no shortcuts in life”, if someone tells you otherwise they are most likely ignorant, lying, or trying to sell you something.
The closest thing to a shortcut in life is if you receive some exceptional guidance, but even then it usually takes a huge amount of time, effort and determination to achieve most things that are worth while and that will stand the test of time.
If you want to develop skill you will most likely pay for it in time, moneys, and energy. And most often other sacrifices are involved.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Ed Caffrey, ABS Mastersmith'
I also welcome you to IFI.
Hopefully you will willing to become instrumental in raising the bar of excellence of the teaching/learning process that I anticipate will be endless here at IFI.
I have observed that on occasion there are differences of opinions that causes slight skirmishes to ensue about who is correct about a certain procedure or concept used in the blacksmithing craft.
With your added expertise coupled with the other blacksmiths of quality who are active here at IFI, it should help in smoothing out disputed issues even more quickly.
Again, Welcome!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Sword Makers,
I am not a sword maker. But I would bet my neighbors backhoe that this will be a busy part of the forum in time.
After reading posts from sword makers and visiting some sword making sites, I get the idea that sword makers are kind of like knife makers on steroids.
I say all that in jest. I feel the demand of interest in swords and sword making will warrant this new addition.
I wish the best to the “SWORD MAKERS”.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

AMY,
Welcome to IFI.
You are in good hands with Finnr.
As the "GREAT FINNR" said; "Ya got to earn your burns".
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

HWooldrige,
Thank You for making a lemon into lemonade for us!
Two good things that have come out of what happened to you are that;
#1. You will be able to work again another day.
#2. You have enough respect for your fellow blacksmiths to take the time and energy to tell us about it. It takes courage (to say the least) to share your experience.
Do to my experience in running crews, I would not fire you if you worked for me. In fact I would keep you on the payroll and make you the safety advisor for the shop. You would be more experienced and valuable to the shop.
The reason is because I would bet all my tools that you would never allow what ever lead up to the event to happen again.
As an investigator for 36 yrs. and a “sometime OSHA consultant” I have seen the results of a lot of bad things that happened so fast that it has overcome even some of the smartest, best thinking and well trained minds.
It just takes a small mental blip to create a failure in judgment on occasion.
I believe a lot of people do careless things and get away with it due to the timing of the event. But when you do the same careless thing at the wrong time it will bite you.
An example: I watched a twin engine plane crash due to the pilot forgetting to lower his landing gear. The pilot turned out to be the Head Pilot in charge of Safety for Western Airlines.
After 36 years of being called out (day and night) to all types of what most people call accidents, I have become to believe that none of us are immune from the possibility of violating our own safety standards!

I believe that reminding each other over and over and over again about safety is a critical part of the SAFETY PROGRAM that is found here at I Forge Iron.

Did you notice the thread about “So what did you learn the HARD way”?
I feel that question generated responses that were akin to Safety Lessons.
I found it to be very informative and useful for a heads up for me.
Again, Thanks for the heads up.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Travis,
Welcome to IFI
Virginia seems to be a prevailing hot spot for blacksmiths.
I am impressed and pleased with all I saw on your site.
I believe that at some level a lot of seasoned blacksmiths seem to feel a sense of obligation to promote the blacksmithing craft by assisting or grooming new blacksmiths.
I am sure you must get a great deal of satisfaction when you see the hook sink deep into a newly developing smith.
I have listened to Mike of Yesteryear Forge light up with satisfaction recently when some young men became one with the craft at a recent hammer-in.
I applaud I Forge Iron, The Blacksmith Guild of Virginia, and yourself via the Tidewater Blacksmith Guild, for providing a place for sharing and developing the skill of blacksmithing without exploiting the people who are entering the craft.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Steve,
You have a web site that has been very skillfully put together.
Not only does the quality your work look excellent, but I believe one of your most impressive operational high lights is that your son is included.
You are a very fortunate man to have a son who is interested in your passion.
And your son is fortunate to have a father who will spend time with him and mentor him.
Oh, I almost forgot; Welcome to IFI.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

What I have learned The Hard Way?
I learned that I should not just trust what any, and everybody says.
I have learned that I have to be responsible for any information that I use.
Most everything of a technical nature that I have learned through out my life time was taught to me by someone else. The methods used were via books, class rooms, or individuals coaching me in some forum or fashion.
The things I have learned on my own (through trial and error experience) sometime had a lot of pain or an un-necessary expense attached to it.
I say the above to say this;
I have learned it is very important to find out if the information being given to you is factually sound, or if it is just someone’s un-proven opinion being given to you as though it is factual! I am a prime example of what I say the problem is. I used to trust everybody!
I believe it is up to each one of us to make sure that what is taught to you is accurate information. That takes study (research) time and effort, but it is also wisdom.
It seems like mostly young people (as bright as they are) are in such a rush to get to the goal post, that they become vulnerable to hearsay or someone’s un-proven opinion.
I believe each one of us must take the time and effort to confirm that the opinion of someone else is a safe and a correct evaluation of what is being said.

I would rather be hated for who I am, than be loved for who I am not!
Please be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Lukebailey, I welcome you to IFI.
First thing right out of the gate that I would like to ask you; "where do you live?
When you provide your location information up front, you would be surprised at the results you may receive. You may live very close to some other blacksmiths or a blacksmith guild and not even know it.
A general region is usually good enough especially if you live in another country.
But if you feel comfortable about providing a name of a city or a state, it is usually a more helpful tool for the members to use.
All you have to do is just go to the top of the forum page under USER CP and then to EDIT PROFILE and then to the bottom of the page and type in your location and save.
I hope you will keep in contact and let us know about your journey as a blacksmith.
I believe I speak for a lot of people who use this site; we would like to view your blacksmithing photos!
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

David (AKA) Conan 568
Welcome to I Forge Iron.
David, I would say your new IFI shoes fit you perfectly already.
I am often amazed of what each new member of IFI brings to the table.
Some smiths like your self who are experienced and have already mastered a certain area of the craft offers new view points that open up new parameters to some issues that seemed to be already etched in stone.
Then there are the new beginning smiths that walk through the doorway of IFI.
A lot of them start with only one tool, and that is desire!
I have followed the progress, and have been plesently suprised and pleased of what some of the new smiths have achieved in a very short time due to the expertise freely given on this web site from smiths like your self.
The steepness of the learning curve levels out pretty fast for the new smith due to the valued and freely given expertise shared on this site!
We become family helping family members of the blacksmithing family!
Glad you are aboard.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Sam,
See what ya stared!!!!!
You opened up a can of "valuable soulutions, ideas, and some fun conversation".
It don't get any better than this.
Be Safe!
Old Rusty Ted

Glenn,
You make some very good points that fine tune some already very good ideas.
The air pump I am going to use in the shop is quite an expensive unite that I purchased for treating sleep apnea. It never did me any good; all it did was choke me. The newer units compensate for the problem I had with it.
Because I could not use the unit for its intended use, I changed its job description to that of being an air transporter to my welding helmet!
Thank You for your valued input!
Old Rusty Ted

Frosty,
I almost, not quite, but almost feel guilty for receiving such good ideas from your self and the others who help me out on a regular bases.
I put these suggestions and ideas in my “memory parking lot" so I may draw upon them when I am ready. All ideas that will help me improve the environment for cleaner air is much appreciated.
Thanks again. That idea of a downdraft welding/cutting table seems to hit the spot, and will add onto my ensemble of measures to improve my air quality.
Be safe!
Old Rusty Ted

JAFO, Welcome to IFI!
Hobbyist or full time blacksmith, skill is skill, and this is a good place to keep one foot in the door for good information.
I suggest you go for it as though you were a full time blacksmith. What you put into this craft is given back many times over. Little effort in = little satisfaction in return.
Ya got to earn your burns! As the great "Finnr" would say.
Please forgive my aggressive suggestions in advance. But I love this avocation of mine, and become a little pushy with the concept, but only with the best of intentions.
What ever you do, "Do It Safely"
Old Rusty Ted