Paul42`

You might want to look at some of the patinas available for stained glass work. I've seen copper, black and antique brass... probably more out there. You will still have to apply a finish and I wouldn't use these chemicals on anything that will come in contact with food. Utensils can be seasoned with cooking oil or lard and heated... same as any cast iron cookware - gives them a nice black shiny finish that is safe. Hope it helps! Paul

It's never "dumb" when you get to chop & modify!!!! Sounds like a blast to me - looking forward to seeing the final outcome! :D

Nice job.... are the bullet dents "real"? :lol:

Thanks everyone! Bent... I was thinking of a hood, but this is only day two of having things up and running...lol. There is a ceiling vent almost directly above the forge and I do have a C02 detector in the garage. It has gone off once each day so far, but I just open the door a bit wider and the alarm stops beeping. I might try a fan just below the ceiling vent (blowing up and out) and see if that makes a difference. BTW... the other half of my shop has hardwood flooring! It was removed from a school gymnasium in 4x8 sheets with two layers of 3/4" plywood underneath... both the brick and flooring were no cost and that's a price I can never pass by...lol!

Very impressive... I've got a LONG way to go...lol!

Finally got my garage/shop in order and after a few years I've accumulated enough tools to get started. Two burner "Blacksmith" model from Diamondback Ironworks... very happy with this forge! I didn't make any of these tongs, the red ones were rescued from the old waterworks plant in Chatham, Ontario which was in operation from the turn of the century until the 60's. A previous employee didn't have the heart to see them sent to the scrap yard and he saved them before the plant was demolished. He also wanted them to go to someone who would use them and NOT an antique dealer...lol. Picked this up from a local farrier... I have now idea who made it though. Here's my first two projects in my OWN shop.... Leaf key ring bob... BBQ made from railroad spike... Hope I posted these pics ok.... looking forward to all this forum has to offer! Paul

Awesome... thanks for sharing this! :)

PB Blaster is a great product for controlling rust!

Beautiful work!

Excellent - I really like it!

Looks great! I love the trivet.

My question would be... "Who cut the horn off and why???":o

I have two daughters (7 & 10)... the older one is almost more excited than I am waiting for the new forge to arrive - and that's with Christmas just around the corner!!!!! She just helped me lay a new brick floor in part of the shop and kept saying "this is so much fun!" Personally, I'm still hurt'n from moving all the bricks!:o

This is one of my goals as well... I've done my share of stained glass windows and always thought that metalwork would blend in extremely well. Here's a couple of windows I've done...

I have daughters too. What an awesome gift - my wife would have a bird if I came home with a pellet rifle though...lol! You'll shoot your eye out! Who knows, maybe Santa will bring one some Christmas... I'll just play dumb, I'm good at that! BTW... Very nice knife!

Hey John... just realized that we've already been in touch. You had emailed me info & pricing on your swage blocks about a week ago. Do you know when you might have any of the 60lb'rs. available???? Thanks!

LOL.... I'm the same with cast iron cookware too! Keep bring home things I find, when I REALLY don't need them. :o

New to forum here and forging as well. I took a weekend course and this was the piece that started my new obsession...lol. (Never quite finished it, but one of these days.) After quite a long wait, my shop is now almost ready to go! This is a great forum and I'm looking forward to spending some time here. Paul

Thanks.... I joined in 2008 and attended a couple of events, but I let my membership slide for 2009. I almost() volunteered for editor of the Iron Trillium, but they found someone before I had the chance... lol. Was thinking 'bout signing up again, but being recently unemployed (after 16 years with the same company), I'm counting my pennies.:)

Thanks all. I took a course with Rob Martin at THAK in Floradale... near St Jacobs. Had a great time - excellent course too. BTW - I ordered my gas forge from Dennis @ Diamondback Ironworks - hoping it gets here before Christmas!

New to metalwork & forging. Took a weekend course and caught the bug... Interested in ornamental & artistic work along with more practical items like campfire & cooking accessories. I've slowly been turning my garage into a shop and collecting tools for a while now. Just ordered myself a propane forge and am anxiously awaiting for it to arrive. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait! Yes... I know I could have built one but at the rate I've been going, it wasn't gonna happen too soon! I'm also into vintage cast iron cookware - collecting, restoring and especially using it! I'm just south of London, Ontario in St Thomas.