herchammer

I finally got my little make-shift forge fired up. Ya'll would laugh if you saw it I'm sure, but what fun! So far, I've just been trying to salvage the few pieces of steel I have laying around the shop. I've made a couple of hammer loops to go on the anvil stand, and a bar to use as a tong rack at the forge. I worked for a little while this afternoon on upsetting and drawing out. Oh well, nothing important to say really, just celebrating my little successes:)

Thanks for all of the information you fine folks provide!

I'm just getting started in smithing in general, and have never done any blades. That is a goal of mine, down the road. My question is: have any of you ever done a knife along the lines of the Sikes Fairbairn commando dagger? I love the lines on that blade, and the diamond cross-section looks like it would make it a challenge to forge. Just a question out of curiosity; hope it doesn't muddy the water here in this forum.

With much respect,

John

I'm a new dad (15 month old twins), and I have yet to set my shop up. I have the beginnings of a shop, and the desire, just lacking time.

The reason I wanted to post, is to say "thank you" to those of you who demonstrate at the various fairs, festivals and events around the country. You put the skills on display, and show folks that the art of the blacksmith is alive and well. I was at the fall festival in Arrow Rock Mo., over the weekend, and had my son and daughter with me. There were two smiths there, and I couldn't help but notice, that as my father held my son, my little boy seemed captivated by what the smith was doing. He was taking a heat, and and scarfing a piece of round bar; Grandad, and grandson both transfixed by the work. I hope to develop my skill to that point someday, and be able to demonstrate the art of what we do.

Thanks again, folks!

Those were some great photos, and, Wow! what a shop! The end product you put out for that shoot looks pretty nice too. Thanks for sharing.

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone's holiday is enjoyable, and safe. I would ask that you take a moment to think of those in harm's way abroad, in our nation's armed forces. I am fortunate to be home this year; I was not so fortunate last year. As many of you may know from your own experiences, there is little more lonely feeling, than being thousands of miles away, in a hostile environment.

TASMITH, I used that exact drawing. It's good to hear that the design works well. I'm anxious to get it back from the fabricator. I had him omit the legs on that design, it will sit flush on the hearth.

Well folks thank you for the input. I had looked at several designs, and really wanted the type that penetrated the wall and then went vertical, but that just wasn't going to work with my overall plan. Hofi, I actually went with a hood of the design that you show in the pictures you posted. Something I was curious about, was whether or not the one pictured has a smoke shelf in it?

Mark, Richard, thank you both for your input. As always, the questions I have, receive prompt and informed answers.

I know this has been addressed multiple times, and there's probably a blueprint for it, but here I am asking again. I have a friiend ready to fabricate a side draft hood for me, and I haven't the foggiest idea what dimensions I should lay out for him. The hearth is three by three. This will be the top venting design as opposed to Hoffi's through the wall design. So, here I stand hat in hand, AGAIN:confused:

Thanks All.

Hey there FinnR, 'thought I was close to your part of the country! :)

I picked up a hand-cranked blower and firepot this weekend! 'Drove just under 1300 miles roundtrip, so I don't know that you could necessarily say that it followed me home; more like it was dragged kicking and screaming. I bought these items on ebay and I've been blessed with another great find!

The trip was two-fold it also allowed a buddy and me to blow off some steam. If you're ever in the Twin Cities, and you're up for a little entertainment, you should check The Shout House Dueling Rock and Roll Piano Bar. It was a blast! It's not for everyone, but we had a great time.

I actually picked the blower and firepot up, in Wisconsin Rapids. It seemed like a fine little town, and the gentleman I purchased the blower from was very helpful. The drive from northern Missouri was pleasant, if a bit snowy, and we saw some beautiful country especially as we cut east on I-90.

Great responses,all! I'm never disappointed when I post, or read posts on this board.

Thanks!

I was wondering if any of you have ever seen a shop where the forge and a wood stove shared a flue? I am planning on doing this in my shop, and I'm wondering about the problems others may have encountered in doing this.

My interest stemmed from time with my Father and Grandfather. Grandad used to tell stories about visiting the town smith, and about the daily maintenance work done on the farm in the farm's smithy. My Dad, has a portable forge with a cast firepot, and a Champion 400 hand crank blower. That is where I got my start.

I haven't had the luxury of being near the forge, in quite some time. My job and now, newborn twins, take up much of my time, but I am making small steps toward building my own shop. I have the building,and I'm in the process of outfitting it. I recently purchased a 200 pound Hay Budden, in great shape, and will be picking up a Buffalo hand crank blower and cast fire pot next week. I'm gettin' there, I just ain't movin too fast.:)

I'll try to post these pics

Yep, picked it up this past Saturday. All I can say is " Whoa Baby!" It's a beauty, rings like a bell, and rebounds beautifully! I'll post some pictures as soon as I can. It doesn't really make any difference who the manufacturer was, but my curiosity is getting the better of me. :D

We're actually makin' a weekend of it. We've got several friends in the area. I'll post pics when I get it home. Thanks all!

I'm not the brightest guy, I guess. The auction number was in fact 250299873397. So ya don't think I got hurt too bad huh?

This was, in fact, the anvil from Texas. The number was 38006713229.

Thanks for the info, I knew I would find the answer here.

I was surfing ebay, (it's the devil you know) and I ran across a 200 pound anvil. The guy had no descriptive narrative other than it had a "021" stamped on it. I couldn't tell much from the photo, but it didn't look too beat up. I thought there was no way I'd win this thing, and put in a low bid.

Well, I won, and now I'm wondering if I just bought a 200 pound door stop. So, I'm wondering were there many anvils of that size manufactured that were junk?

Don't get me wrong, I know that there are folks heatin and beatin on anything hard enough to hold up to hammer blows, but I'm still curious about this.

I was talking, with a friend of mine, about being just that much closer to having a hobby forge up and running. He asked me how hot the fire gets. I had to kind of give him the deer in the headlights look:confused:. I just told him that I forged more by watching the steel than by knowing the temp my fire was at. I'm just a novice, haven't had the opportunity to work at the anvil nearly as much as I would like, in the past few years. I am, however, taking steps to remedy that.

So, anyone able to shed some light on my friend's question? I told him I'd ask you fine folks.

Can anyone help me identify this anvil. This was given to me, has a chip out of the edge, and cut marks on the horn. The tip of the horn is broken off, but this will beat what I had. The only markings that I've found is the number ten on the foot beneath the horn.

BentIron1946 just gotta say thanks on behalf of those guys. I appreciate folks like you lookin after those of us just getting started.

Sound advice Mr. Powers, thank you. My initial projects will probably be fairly small in size as I practice the various skills, and techniques, that I pick up. I will keep future projects in mind, but as you say, I can build forges to specific purposes.

Thanks to all of you who responded to my inquiries, I truly appreciate it.

John

I did a search of existing threads and came up with some different thoughts on firepot dimensions. I would still welcome your thoughts, and input.:)