AKFrosty57

Thanks Mark, it's good to be alive and coming back online. Deb's been a rock, without her I'd be a statistic or at best a slowly recovering lump. I'll gladly pass along your best to her. Frosty

A micro forge? Care to explain just now necessary one is to Deb for me? It's good to be back in action sort of and my sense of humor is one of my most potent weapons against what happened to me. If I couldn't laugh at it I'd still be a wreck. According to Deb I was making jokes and wise cracks before I really came too. Seems one memorable incident I don't remember (darn it!) was when two cute young nurses gave me a shower. Deb sat right outside the bathroom door in my room while the two cuties bathed me. Deb says I didn't stop cracking wise the whole time including pointing out how lucky I was to be getting bathed by two such beauties while my wife sat in plain sight maybe 5-6' away and gave non stop encouragement. I don't remember it because only a small part of my brain was actually working but evidently a sense of humor doesn't require a lot of brain. Lucky me eh? Life is good brother, very good. Frosty

Thanks for the link Jr. At first I thought it was an episode of the Woodwright's Shop I saw from around the same time, early mid 80's that is. It isn't and it's a gem worth keeping for sure. I noted the check (crack) as well but that's why you pick a curved log so the grain is aligned with the direction you need strong. The steel makes for a nearly permanent fix. The Woodwright's shop episode was a little more educational because Roy is a pro at explaining the how and WHY of doing things a certain way. Heck, he even explained the check in the sweep of the runner, one of his had one too. My favorite part was when he went to a local blacksmith to do the ironwork. (go figure eh?) The blacksmith just took a couple measurements and started making the iron for the sledge. Well, Roy wanted to get involved so the smith said suit yourself Roy. The next thing you know Roy is asking the smith if doing something a different way wasn't really better. Holy moly the smith gave him a semi amused look like you'd give the village idiot when s/he started making suggestions. Well, the smith says to Roy, Suit yourself Roy, give it a try. It was fun to watch Roy try a couple alternatives, he isn't a bad smith but he was WAY out of his league. The Smith produced accurate, well made pieces in about 1/3 the time. NUTS! I gotta go, dinner's ready. . . Hey! What AM I saying NUTS for? Later guys. Frosty

Nice demo Mike, thanks. Quite a few years ago while visiting my folks in northern N California sierras they set me up to meet some local smiths at a historic mine smithy. As it turned out none of us were "qualified" to work in period as mine blacksmiths but we sure had a good time. Heck, they opened the park and there were tourists gawking and telling us their grandfathers were smiths. Anyway, the other guys were telling me about candle holders similar to yours but they were hoping I knew how to make them. Unfortunately No, I'd never even seen one but they had some pictures though and we spent some time and wasted some steel trying. The one I came sort of close in a useless sort of tool way I modified a bit. Supposedly they could be driven into a timber, a crack or hung over a timber. It had an element that was a spring that held the candle against the shaft rather than a socket. The modification I made was to alter the hook curve by folding the shaft, then forging that arm into shape and position. My thought was to provide a solid, straight shaft to hit with a hammer rather than a curved hook. I just figured it would be more solid and with the arm coming off nearly at 90* it provided a solid spot to use something to pry it out of a crack or timber. Unfortunately it was a clumsy failure as a candle holder and the local guys accepted it as a decent attempt. They were kind souls. I like your wood saddle Mike. I have a birch log close to the anvil in my shop but your saddle would be very handy for demos away from home. It'd certainly be better than trying to use the wood block like I usually do, I usually have too many things in the way I have to move first. Frosty

Ian: I don't know how much good it'll do but I'll be proud to submit my reasoning for maintaining a professional blacksmith shop, especially in a historic setting. I think the farm is a historic facility though I may be wrong. It's period could have a large effect on the products you make but I think talking to neighboring farms, ranches(do you call them ranches in the UK?) and other rural operations about what they might need or find sellable might be even more profitable. From my experience in Alaska, mostly near Anchorage, the state's largest and most modern city, I've found decorative, architectural and ornamental iron work sells best. However, there's a steady if smallish need for hardware like hinges, specialty floor grates, gates, fences tools and such. Anyway, like I say, I'll be happy to write my impressions of the value of a blacksmith shop. A little more specific information about the farm, it's neighbors and the visitors might allow me to target my maunderings a little better. Let me know what you think. Frosty

That's a good first effort Mark. It is symetrical, well balanced and even. Hammer marks, they tell me two things, first as said dressing your hammer will help. However, all of them are of the same orientation, the same edge is hitting. This tells me you are holding your hammer a bit cocked so the face isn't striking parallel with the anvil face. A little practice and attention to the effect should train this right out of your hand. Frosty

I thought the video looked like the drawing equence. It's sure easier to follow and I'll be taking the laptop to the shop when I'm in shape. Thanks for the good thoughts Brian, the response to my accident from folks on the forum was and is a bit overwhelming. I know it made a really big difference to how well and fast I'm recovering. You guys are the greatest. Frosty

That'll make a fine smithy Doc, there's a lot to be said for a round shop, mainly it really aids in production flow. I'm really glad you didn't get too close to those power lines, especially the transmission lines. Frosty

I saw mine from hickory boards, though they're slightly different than the Hoffi pattern they're the same in spirit. Frosty

I didn't. Before the Great White . . . Birch attack I was pretty much inexcusable. Thanks for asking though. Frosty

THAT feels isolated David? Have you considered shopping for work and a place to stay here? We have plenty of big lakes and like to keep the Canadians a bit farther off. Okay, if you're Canadian take a breath, I'm just joking Frosty

Oh YOWZA spagetti and mooseballs! Part of the trouble with drying time could just be the relative humidity but it could be the type of clay too. I prefer plain old fire clay myself though I keep hearing good things about bentonite. I'm glad it's working out for you. 45 mins for a 17 mile commute? Good grief man I'd be thinking about mounting some ordanance on my commuter! Before I retired I had a 50 mile 1 way commute and it was under an hour each way if I made the stoplights at either end and I thought we had bad traffic. So, why don't you shop for a job and house here? Frosty

Sweet deal brother, I'd give a hundred bucks for it if I had to mow lawns to afford it. You lucky dog. Frosty

Seldon: Buddy has been in my prayers since you called. I can't say how happy I am to hear he's improving and I will keep him on the list till he's recovered. It was good hearing your voice, I hope you can make it out for a visit. Frosty

They're on the list here. I can also attest to how hard it is on a spouse to have a loved on in trouble. I don't know how Deb made it really, it HAD to be the prayers, good wishes and general support she got from people across the country. Thank you all, you've made more difference than you know. Now, hopefully I can return the help and ease someone elses path. Love and hugs, Frosty

That's stunning. Prayers of thanks are on the way. Having only gotten this notebook computer figured out well enough to post to the forum late yesterday I find myself a bit overwhelmed by how many friends need prayers for the all too often tragic events befalling them and theirs, I can't tell you what a blessed relief it is to offer up a few words for good news. Truly good news. Give your mom a hug for me will ya? Frosty

Cliff: There isn't much I can add to the excellent suggestions already made. I know I would be honored to be so remembered by my brother smiths. I came darned close a few weeks ago myself and am amazed and humbled by the outpouring of prayers and good wishes I feel in my heart have played a big part in my survival. It may be a while before I can get Deb to let me go to my shop but I will say a few words and ring my anvil for your father Warren then. Peace Brother. Frosty

That stinks Mike. Prayers on the way. Look at it this way, at least you didn't lose your job the way I did, it should hurt a lot less. Frosty

Oh that is heartwrenching Jerry! I am literally speachless. Prayers sent for all involved. Frosty

The whole danged bunch of you are on the list here. You have my sincereest prayers your medical teams are as good as mine were. Frosty

That's tough news Joe, you're on the list. At least they cought it in time and I can personally attest to how well modern medicine can work. Be well brother, we're pullin for ya. Frosty