Ted T

Point and Counter Point.
Thank you all for the instructional POINTS, and COUNTER POINTS. After over 50 years of blacksmithing, I am still looking for information that will help my game. In fact I believe a lot of newer and younger blacksmiths become proficient in just a short time due to all of the opportunities, equipment, and information now available.
Because of blacksmiths like your selves, I receive new ideas regularly on how to approach, and improve my skills.
My biggest fear is that I don't want to out smart my self by thinking I know more that I really do. I don't want to miss out on anything because of my ego.
I believe all information provided has value to me. A lot of it has to do with preference and work style habits you want to become your standards.
Thank You!
Be safe, be safe!
Ted

Rusty;
Sounds like you have taken the first step. Just keep taking the next step, and the next step. You will be there.
I am new to this fourm. As I have become more fimiliar with this site, I become more exicted about what I may learn from all of those who are willing to help.
Blacksmiths like yeasteryearforge and blacksmithtech were waiting at the door for you. This is a good place to start.
Be safe, be safe!
Ted

proudwhitetrash, welcome! Do you have a forge or heat source of some type yet? I started in a universal shop. I was standing out in the open air universe (outside). You may consider creating an open air shop that you could cover with a tarp after you work, just to start with until you build a shed. I did, and I know several people who do this to this day. It would at least get you started. Good Luck!
Be safe, be safe!
Ted Throckmorton

Cain, we all live close to you via this fourm. I would be exited to here ideas you may add to this fourm in the future. When I first started into blacksmithing in 1955, there was not much information about blacksmithing.
I felt pretty much alone. The blacksmiths I trained under did not say much.
It was look and learn quick. Now days we all live close and are able to teach each other. Glad you are aboard!
Be safe, be safe!
Ted Throckmorton

Larry, I am always happy to associated with blacksmiths who are just starting off. It sounds like you’re in the right place. I mean attitude wise as well as belonging to this forum. I am also amazed at the talent and generosity of those willing to sharing knowledge through this form.
Remember to enjoy the trip. That would include times when you are adding to your pile of shame (your junk steel pile of burnt steel etc.), as well as building things that fit into YOUR HALL OF FAME.
Be safe, Be Safe!
Ted Throckmorton

This looks like a simple but effective design for a HAMMER RACK. I have just started over again in the blacksmithing business. I have the oppertunity to rebuild most of the supportive elements for my new shop. It's nice to be able to have access to other peoples ideas. It helps me maximize my efforts.
I am going to build me a hammer rack based on your example. I plan on adding another tier for tongs and add wheels. I may even add mud flaps just for the heck of it! Thank You!
Be safe, be safe!
Ted

Very well put!

Mr. Smith, Thank You. What a gift to have people like you who will share their knowledge with others. Thanks Again!
Be Safe, Be Safe!
Ted Throckmorton

jwallweyfoundry, Thank you for your response. I also take every thing slow nowdays. The doctor told me to hop up on the table the other day. I told him he had to be kidding. I said I would struggle up-on the table, but not hop up on the table!
I believe your approach has wisdom written all over it. Let the other guy make the mistakes for you.
Be safe, Be safe!
Ted

Nice! Happy birthday to your forge.
Be Safe, Be safe!
Ted

Glenn, I hate to see that happen. I look to this web site for correction if I need it. I try not to be right, I try, and want to be correct. Thank you for being observent for the best good of people like me who is in the learning process, even after 50 years.
Be safe, be safe!
Ted

dido ~amen!
Ted

jwallweyfoundry,
I know you are experienced in foundry work, and you most likely have other skills. I believe a person often carries over good, as well poor practices onto the new skill they are learning.
I write this note as just a reminder to you. You most likely know most every thing I will say, but I feel it is important enough to say again, and again, and again.
From what I have observe about the people writing in on the web site, I don’t think they would allow bad advice from someone that may be dangerous, or lean toward bad practices to go un-checked. I feel this is a place where the watchdog of accurate information is on guard.
As you start into blacksmithing, please take the time to make sure what you learn from other people on the street is within the realm of good blacksmithing practices. Over the years I have had a lot of “good”/ bad information given to me by people who meant well, but they “didn’t know that they didn’t know”.
. You said “I think i might build a small gas forge soon since my foundry needs to be rebuilt and I will have some time this winter”.
It sounds like you may be inside welding etc., and then trying out your new gas forge.
Based on over 30 years of experience as an accident reconstructionist and a sometime consultant to OSHA, I would suggest a few things to keep in mind.
I have either seen or know about people who have been killed, injured, or screwed up in some way because they did not learn or apply concepts of safety along with the welding and blacksmithing work processes. YOU OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU to do it right!
For some examples: I know of more than one blacksmith who did not secure their anvil properly relative to the work they were doing (bending cooled off steel). When the anvil would start to tip over, they would try to catch it.
The operative word is “try”. Other words used is “leg and foot injury”
Others have forgot and left a hot cut in the hardie hole and have seriously cut them selves.
1. Safe practices need to coincide with technique. Always think of the possibilities.
2. I suggest you read about propane safety, and actually comply with the guidelines.
3. Become familiar with proper ventilation and fume extraction concepts.
4. Avoid cutting or welding GALVINIZE unless you use extreme safety measures.

I know this is lengthy, but I would rather be looked on as an old man ragging on you about being safe, and possibly placing a subconscious thought in your mind that may help you, as opposed to saying nothing.
Be Safe, Be Safe!
Ted Throckmorton

Howdy fom East Texas! and welcome to IFI! Glad you came aboard and lookforward to learning from you. Where ya from?

Thomas, I live in eastern Utah. 110 Miles east of Salt Lake City.
Duchesne, Utah You might say I'm quite a cool guy right now. It's about 10 degrees out side.
Thank you all for the friendly greetings.

Hello, 12-18-06
I would like to introduce my self. My name is Ted Throckmorton. I just stumbled onto this web site and found it to be something I would like to become affiliated with.
This is a short version of introducing my self. I wrote a very long “first” version of “Hello” and scared myself to death with my ramblings after I read it. I attribute it to years inhaling products of combustion. I hate to waste anything, even the smell.
I have been at it, first as a hobby, then as a profession for just over 50 years.
I found I still have so much, much more to learn from “everybody”. I need all the help and advice I can get.
My passion is promoting shop safety.
Keep Safe, Keep Safe!
Ted Throckmorton