tzonoqua

If you must work on the ground, which is an acceptable way of working in a lot of places in the world, then it's better to sit in a squat position rather than kneeling, it's really very hard on the knees to kneel. This can be a bit tricky at first, and takes some getting used to but a person can be quite nimble in this position. If needs be get a small stool, or whatever may be the right height to sit on.

I worked in India in this position and the blacksmiths there had small, what I would describe as "hard" cushions to sit on, only a few inches high. Whatever you do, make sure you are comfortable and not straining your back. Hammer control takes practice in the best of situations, and if you are in an uncomfortable position you will be making it harder for yourself.

Good luck.

Colleen

Nice! Can't wait to see it finished!

Very nice attention to detail!

There's a definite improvement there! Well done!

I've got an effective and simple hold down tool on my anvil. It consists of a section of motorcycle chain, which is nailed to the stump on the opposite side from which you normally work. Then it's draped over the top of the anvil, and the other end is attached to a square of steel big enough to put your foot into.

How it works is you position your workpiece on the anvil, with the chain across it. Put your foot in the "stirrup" to apply pressure, which holds the piece, leaving your hands free.

I bought my anvil with the "hold-down" attachment already in place, and it's really handy. Can be made easily from scrap!

Hi John,
I got the email through from BABA earlier with the details, and will be filling out the application form later this evening, once the kids are in bed!
Ta, Colleen

Very cute!! As always, your work is a standard to aspire to!

eeeeek!!! Ok, thanks for all these suggestions, it all sounds bloody complicated!!! Beth, don't worry, I am having a cold sweat just thinking about it!!

I have not yet even seen the staircase that my potential customer has enquired about, so until I have I don't know if I can decide which method might work best. I do like GiFerro's idea of the "jig" type way. And I now wonder if my workshop is even big enough to construct this... will give an update once I've been to visit the house.

Got an enquiry for possible job creating dragon themed handrail for a sweeping staircase. (Not quite spiral, large curvature)

How on earth does one measure the curvature accurately?

Bear in mind, math is not my strong point!! Am better at "freeform".... Hate to turn the job down because it offers creative expression, and I do like a challenge, but I can't being to think how I might approach it. Anyone got any tips, how to measure/plot it out??? Help.... :o

Bello e grazioso!! ( I relied on the translator on my computer for that, so in English, Beautiful and Graceful ) Love the classical simplicity and grace!

These statements are sooo true!!!!

In my house, I have a shoe rack, only made out of desperation of tripping over piles of shoes/boots/wellies. Anything else in my house made by me is either pulled from stock and awaiting rotation at galleries, or stuff I've made that I don't feel is up to scratch to sell. This was touched on in a previous thread... I would love to have lots of nice handmade furniture etc made by myself, but I simply don't have time, I generally sell what I make. I made a mental note a long time ago to make some stuff for the house alongside my paid work, but it never happens!!!
I am making another mental note to make stuff for myself!

Beautiful and yet strangely haunting. I like the rivet detail to attach the leaves. Can you explain the finishes, both the black and the brass please?

Frosty I understand... I have made a few razor sharp and torn jagged petals, not what ya want!!

That's a lovely little grill!

Looks great, one little tip though, if you look at calla lillies they usually have a little outward curled lip on the edge. Take a light ball pein hammer and tap the edges outward a little (but not too much you don't want to create a sharp edge).

Can't wait to see more!

Glenn, I'm curious, was the powdercoating applied over galv? I can't imagine having work powdercoated without hot dip galv underneath. In my experience the powdercoat won't absolutely cover every bit especially with deep recesses.

Neat. Why Wintersong, if you don't mind me asking? I love to know the story!

hmmm anyone know which one? Myloh, do you have any pics? would love to see some results of it.

I have a small 25 kilo anvil that sits on the floor that I use as an upsetting block, heat isolation is crucial, I have a squirty bottle of water for this with one of those "sport nozzles". Putting a short chamfer on the end of the stock you are upsetting can help too.

arftist, I do like this idea of using a press, what sort of press? Would be interested to hear about that further, I don't have one, but it's another toy, I mean tool that might make a nice addition...

I will agree, upsetting is upsetting, I find it can sometimes be a bit like a mixi rabbit, wobbling this way and that! But it does look so good when accomplished!!

Hi all,
bit of an update, Frosty, I moved my table to the window, really makes a difference. Still haven't made a proper mount for my post vice, making one to slot on to the anvil is a great idea for a portable set up , but I would need it there permanently and I'm concerned about it getting in the way of working on the anvil too. As you can see I'm using a pathetic little plastic bucket as a slack tub, so I think I'll do the drum mounting for the vice, just waiting for one to be emptied by the farm.

Finally got my big anvil moved in and got more of the flower finished. It needs some more leaves to balance it out, but I'm fairly happy with it so far.

Anyone ever done t-cut on galv? I've seen some photos of work that makes it look almost verdigris, am thinking that would be a nice finish to the flower. My clients originally wanted to go with stainless but after finding out how much it costs have decided to stick with ms, which I'm kinda relieved about!

I wouldn't bother with getting a contract, wait and see. I have found for myself there is usually a cash point/atm machine somewhere close and they can go get the cash if they want it. Those that would spend money on the card in an impulse purchase, are not that many, I always find shows are really a good showcase, have lots of business cards, because the big money is in commissions, and someone may see your work there and decide to commission something, sometimes months later they give you a call out of the blue. I don't honestly think I've ever lost a customer because they couldn't pay with a card.

more info on the Gretna Green, Scottish Blacksmith wedding tradition here... the bit relating to Blacksmiths is at the bottom of the page

Scotfax: Marrying in Scotland on Undiscovered Scotland

Yes, hearts! I have sold loads of heart hooks as wedding and anniversary gifts, and even made a large heart, with some decorative twists in it for a couple that was embellished with ribbons and flowers and used in the wedding ceremony. But like Beth I agree, anything hand made will surely be appreciated and cherished as a gift.

Hi,
I'm quite fond of the wire brushed look too. I like how it brings out the highlights while leaving the recesses dark, really nice on the flowers I do. I've just had to buy a new bench grinder with wire wheel, I decided to buy cheap this time, bought a Clarke one, it's not very powerful and I've found that compared to the old one I used to use which was a high spec industrial one, this new one being less powerful is so much better to use. When I really put pressure on it slows, and today I caught the edge of a piece I was working, which got caught and it stopped dead. Not sure if this is a new built in safety feature, but I was soooo glad it stopped!!
I've also used vinegar, it does work too, and vinegar is so much easier on the environment than other acids.

Take 4 pieces of round stock, point the ends, fold in half, and twist 2 CW and 2 CCW. Nest together and forge weld. BP0231 by Mike-hr

Practice does indeed make perfect. Although most will concede that perfection is elusive.

Behind any successful Artist are tons of discarded works, works that didn't quite make the cut, many, many mistakes learned from. Yes, there is such a thing as natural talent, but natural talent is wasted without hard work and practice.

Art is subjective, fine craftsmanship and technique are universally appreciated.

Yes, I love the bench too. Nice work