Larry H

mild steel needs no annealing 

thanks Kathy, he's in our prayers

I have a bobcat also, I bought a S52S wire feeder, just plug it in. if you are looking for an electric mig, the 220v is the way to go, 

as for the multi process machines, I know for sure the  cheap  ones  aren't  all  that  good, check out you tube, I've watched some reviews on different machines, worth looking into

I just finished analyzing my hammering in my human face video and realized something about my self, all the techniques i've acquired from the other smiths i've had the honor of working with come into play.....I use two hammers, 2 1/2 # rounding, 1 1/2# straight peen, throughout the  video my hand placement varies, end of handle, middle of handle, 2" from the head, full wrap grip,

and thumb on top grip..... go figure. My point is this, after more than a few years at the craft your brain will store things that come out when you need them in your zen moments, you know, when you're in the "zone". Once you are less tense with the hammer in your hand, your grip will loosen, hold it often, flip it around, get used to it. try to tap something quickly, you can't do it if you death grip it, also loosen your wrist, otherwise you're just pounding. just my way...it works for me

do a grind test to determine if it is in fact cast iron

What part of "upstate " are you in ?

In april, peters valley, sponsored by NJ Blacksmiths,   May 3 4 5, Northeast Blacksmiths at Ashoken with Frank Turley.

 maillemaker I'm almost at a loss  for words, I suppose with your vast experience, you have all the knowledge you need and it  would be no use to try tell you anything. Do whatever you please....its working for you. If you read his post, he's not comfortable with it

you didn't mention what size hammer you are using, and i'm not a fan of "choking up " holding near the head...if you have to do it, the hammer is to heavy, also try to " warm up" your arm with a light hammer on small things, make hooks or nails, it helps.

I spent twenty years working and learning with smiths who spoke sporadic English, it will work

trace a squirrel on a plate with soap stone, follow it up with a hard wire and a torch, beef it up with flat stock, all done

you can make cups from pipe, I usually cut the pans out then dish them over a ring made from a 3/4 round bar with my rounding hammer....( a guillotine tool makes it easier and faster than a straight peen, for the cups )

I like it ! ! ,  maybe a few different sizes..like a feeler gauge,.....attached with a chain.... push the pin through......... Viola! ! , 

I like the way you think

Homeshow, you have the right idea and attitude, it's a kind of on the job training, working for free and getting skill in return, I'm guessing if you do act that way, he will miss you when you're gone, good luck.

Want to learn.......for free ?.  Find a working smith, offer to work....FOR FREE !!!.  The best way of learning is by doing, I worked for free for a year....then I had to pay for an engine for the smiths truck, then another year for free. When I went to school the instructor asked me  "why did you come here ? you already know this stuff". So if you can find someone who could use free labor, and the time thing works out, ask.( I worked nights, so a few days a week I sacrificed sleep for skills.)  There a lot of repetitive tasks that can hone your skills......( wax on wax off , ha ha ha )

hey Mark, looking good, brass is tricky

Learn from your local group or a smith that is adept at an item you are interested in, procure the material to produce ten of that item, make ten, by the eleventh one you should have a grasp on what doesn't work, or you should have it down

how did you clean it ?

I wasn't saying to make legs out of 3/4 I was saying to use the 3/4 or 1" as locator pins to stop the gear from moving, not that a 300 lb gear will be easy to move, and four legs are in order, Not three. Just my opinion , and you know what that's like.

Drill 4 1" holes 1" deep in the gear, weld a rod to a plate to your leg. This will give you removable legs that won't fail

I've seen tailgating......but I don't know how it works. There is so much going on , so many demos I don't think you would want to spend to much time  standing by your truck trying to sell, but I would bring plenty of cash, there is a lot of stuff you will want ! ! 

here is another unique opportunity to preserve history. 150' spiral staircase in the high bridge tower overlooking the east river, Newel post...stairs...giant supports...view from the bottom looking up...view looking out the window, another spiral stair 40' above that ( no pic ) sorry, I forgot to rotate

I've done a whole lot of work in a 12x29 shop for ten years or so because I had to. Its very cramped, once your tools are in, you have to go outside to change your mind. although it can be done, Its more work but I would get some friends and have a "barn raisin' " . Keep in mind,  nothing makes people forget your name faster than needing help " barn raisin' " I hired a framer by the day and I'll tell you what, its worth every penny having a pro run the job. Go with the 16' wide....at least, and good luck

I have to chime in again on this. Ian Lowe......( from Ians world tour ) came to my shop, I mixed up a batch of Super Quench. Ian heated a 3/4 bar of mild steel, made a chisel,  quenched it, and cut off a piece from the same stock. Not a mark on the chisel. If that isn't some kind of proof, nothing is. However......there was no hardness test, just a work test.

Prayers for Patty...and you as well, the power of prayer is real