infinityblacksmithing

It looks like it would be a decent anvil if you can get it for a good price. I'm thinking its a farriers anvil by the shape of the horn, could be wrong though. Whats he asking for it?

I would think that with the shape of the ohm symbol it would create a pleasant sound as long as it is created out of thick enough material. Mild steel would be fine to use instead of having to heat treat tool steel. I would try and use 1/2" or larger material. When shaped heat the entire piece to orange and quickly quench to give a nice sharp tone. I would think that depending on where you tapped it it would create different notes. Good luck on your project. Aaron

I've got a block of lead that I test punches, stamps, etc. with before I heat treat them. I've also read in old blacksmithing books that it would be cast into the back of some repousse work like faces once they were roughed in to allow basically a backing plate when doing detail work. Aaron

Hi Everyone, I'm looking to find any smith's I can in Alberta, as I recently moved to Calgary. I have found info for the Northern Alberta Blacksmiths Guild (which I plan to attend the next meeting), is there a southern guild still? I have seen some info on it but nothing current. Hope to hear from those around. Good smithing. Aaron

I have not watched many videos on youtube, but I enjoy learning from the videos on artistblacksmith.com from David Robertson. I know the videos are on youtube as well, but when viewed from his website there is also a written explanation and pictures of the process. The website is free to join.

Really, I thought they were happy because they were no longer covered in poop. I guess thats just me.

The eyes are the screws used to hang them. I prefer using bright screws to have them really pop.

Here's a few examples of my version of a wizard head hook. Let me know what you think. I'm still trying to figure out how to get a moustache cut right, haven't had one come out yet.

Heres a few objects I've made based from the "real" horseshoe blueprint on anvilfire. There is of course the "real" horseshoe, a horse head hoof pick,a horse head hoof/boot scraper, and a horse head hook. I hope you all like them. Let me know

Here's a few projects I've been working on lately. There are a pair of end tables with glass tops(glass is 16" X 20", 20" high), my first attempt at a wine bottle holder (I like it, but its not decorative enough for me), a 3 scroll votive holder, and an abstract fire candle holder(or vase holder) the glass is 20"high. Let me know your thoughts on them.

Usually when I work larger bars, I organize smaller bars that need to be worked as well. That way I'm not wasting time waiting for the big bar to heat while I do nothing. Usually one large bar and two or three smaller bars at a time. Only works since I use a gasser.

Very nice Sam.

I've got a 199 lbs Hill that I picked up for about $1.50/pound. They seem to be good anvils. Apparently there are not to many around in North America. Mine has quite a bit of sway. Still good though. From what I've found they were made between 1830-1850 in England.

Where in Ontario are you? Looks like you found a good one for a good price from what I've seen around here.

Left'er be I did. I think it looked great. The air blower would be an intersting idea, but I am not very fond of cooked jack'o'.... errr..I mean... anv'i'lantern...uuummmmm....where was I going with... oh yeah pumpkins. If I do it again I will have to either leave more room or get a much bigger pumpkin to add a little extra in a way that would fit. I'm glad you guys liked it. Thinking about all this made me think that a blacksmiths shop could make a very good place to have a haunted house kind of deal. Would just need a good cleaning to make sure no kids got tetnus.

Finally a meeting I am close enough to attend and free to attend. Looking forward to finally meeting some of the OABA members. Are you going to be going Sam?

Hi All, We carved our pumpkins this evening, and I thought some of you might like to see the one I made. Can you tell whats been on my mind? I feel like it's missing something. Anyone have any ideas on what I could add in the space left?

I haven't tried this in the winter yet, but I like to make it liquid and "paint" it on. I will heat up a 5" piece of usually 1/2" stock and dip it in the wax, moving it back and forth till it turns liquid. Then I paint it on with a brush. I would think this works in the cold of winter aswell, would just need a thicker hotter piece to liquify the wax.

Although I have been told and read many many times that cast iron will just break if you try and forge it, I recently read in an old school book that was a high school teachers guide to blacksmithing that you can forge cast iron at a blood red heat. It mentions that at any higher heat it will break. I have not tested this yet, but it would be interesting to see if it works.

To comment on the cover with a light for the slack tub that someone mentioned. I learned about that idea from David Robertson. He has a half barrel slack tub that he puts a piece of plywood that a light fixure is attached to that sits on top of the tank. The light bulb I think he said was only 4 watts. Its just enough to keep the area right under the light melted, then as he works and quenches metal it melts more of the ice. The reason he does it is that the water holds a bit of pressure and if you just melt through the ice with a hot bar the water can shoot out like a geyser. I've never seen it myself. He figured out that it cost him $3/month. After all the hassel I went through last winter with my slack tub I'd be willing to spend $3/month to avoid it. As for the original question. I have a piece of 1/4" sheet that I bent to cover the anvil face the same as a cutting plate. Just heat it up to orange and let it sit on the anvil for 5 or 10 minutes. Seems to work for me.

I personally would not spend $12 on a used 2lbs hammer unless I really wanted it bad. I usually pick up used hammers for $1-$3 each at the flea market. Sledges are usually 5-7$. I find the antique stores around charge alot more for everything since they seem to know what they actually have. The one I like to go to has a 30lbs post vice selling for $165 firm, they won't budge on the price even though they've had it for 2 years. I have picked up 2lbs cross peins for $15 brand new from TSC, to give a reference to price. Good luck on your hunt for tools, I don't think it every really stops.

Got 5.14 in 120.64 on the second try. First time around was trying to figure out what everything meant and got 12 something in 160 something. Very neat test. Was pretty happy the first circle I got it dead on, that faded once I got to the second circle.

Never till my hand bled, but finger tip between hammer and anvil sure bled alot after the finger nail decided to try and go through my finger. Never going to try and straighten 1" rings held in my fingers again.

I'd be there loading it in my van right now if I had the money.

Just thought I'd post this in case anyone was interested. Came accross it on kijiji, advertised in Oakville area. http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-tools-equipment-Blacksmith-Anvil-Forge-and-Tools-W0QQAdIdZ235440491