Rick Barter

I have the Blacksmithing Primer DVDs and all the Blacksmith Journal DVDs. I like them all, but would recommend the Blacksmithing Primer for a beginner/intermediate. It taught me how to light my fire more efficiently and helped me to realize you don't have to hammer so darn fast. I liked how things were presented and discussed. I watch them quite frequently, actually.

I haven't forgotten nor will I. My wife was in the air that morning. She travels every week for her job (she's a big muckity muck) and since I don't watch much TV or listen to radio I didn't know what was happening until I got into work. I walked by the TV to grab a cup of coffee and everyone was crowded around. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Then I heard how terrorists were hijacking planes and they didn't know how many airlines were affected. Let me tell you it was the longest hour of my life trying to get in touch with my wife. Thankfully, she landed with no issues. I like JRs 'arrange the meeting' idea. Pity we haven't found the no good SOB yet. rvb

No problem. Shoot! I need to be checked on constantly! No telling what I'd get away with if I wasn't. :)

Here's my $0.02... I would stress taking your time. I always find that I mess up most when I'm in a hurry and beating the snot out of something without taking the time to look at it, plan what I want to do with it, and thoughtfully execute. Start out slowly and just do one or two hammer blows. You don't have to taper it to a point in a nano-second. Hit it a couple of times and look at it. Is it doing what you want? If not, why? Also, I find it helps to have a plan when I go into the forge. If I don't, I just spin my wheels and waste a bunch of time and coal. But, if I go in having sketched something out on paper or a least mulled it over in my mind long enough to have a clear plan on what I'm going to do, success is almost assured. One thing I've started doing and it has helped immensely is something Rand McDaniel says in his book/video. Get some non-hardening modelling clay, a hammer, and something to use as an anvil (I use a 1 x 6). Practice the different types of hammer blows. Practice with clay a piece you want to forge. It will help you "see" what's going to happen when at the forge. I hope this helps a bit. Good luck with your auto-shop class. Take advantage of every opportunity you get to learn and have fun! :)

Not to be a kill-joy. But, on what day will it be held? I think I know, but it doesn't say in the post. :)

Hey, Petyon. I didn't think you all were going. I hope to meet you guys up there! I should be there on Saturday. rvb

Sweet! I'll have to bring mine and have her sign it.

Nice pics PrimeTech. Thanks for sharing.

I just picked it up too. I have enjoyed it so far. I have to get my butt in gear and get on some of those projects. rvb

I am planning to go on Saturday.

My Aunt is home from the hospital and she sent the whole family an email. I figured I would let her give this update via that email: ------------------ 2006.08.30 Hey everyone, this time it's Pam!!! Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm home and doing fine!! I came home yesterday but was still a little tired when I got home, believe it or not. Today is better and everyday is just getting better. First off, I want to thank my children for the great job that they did in keeping everyone informed and for the wonderful support that they have been to Gary and I. Mom, you have been awesome as well. Along with that, I want to thank all of you. You have no idea what your PRAYERS, calls, cards, flowers and thoughts have meant to me. I am so lucky to have the family and friends that I have!!! Believe it or not, there is still no final diagnosis at this point. I have an appointment with the surgeon next Friday the 8th and hope to have a clue at that point. Until then, I'm just hanging out gaining strength for what is to come! (Not losing the weight that I thought I might.) Again thank you so much for everything and I will be speaking with all of you at some point!! Love, Pam

Very interesting. Did you use a power hammer, a fly press, or something else?

Here's a question I thought of while reading this thread: How can you make them so they're sized correctly for someone's finger. I have no jewelry making experience, but when you take a ring in to be resized, what's the process and would you do similar with the coin?

Great work all! I have GOT to get to a junk yard! Anyone know of any in the Louisville area? Heck, I guess I'll just look for Salvage in the Yellow Pages...

Thank you all for you thoughts. Some news... They found out that her cancer began from her ovaries and spread to her colon. They also found a spot on her liver which turned out to be nothing (Thank God). She came through surgery fine and will hopefully be going home from the hospital in a couple of weeks. She does still have a long, hard road ahead, but our family is trying to give her strength and together we'll get her through it. My sincerest thanks to all of you that took the time and kept her in your thoughts. It is VERY appreciated. I will keep the updates coming as I get them...

Tmone, I would think you want to make sure you factor experience and raw material into it. For example, the smith will need access to ore, coal or wood, etc. Also, if someone is just a beginning smith, they should not have the accuracy or the speed of someone with more experience. For example: 1.) A beginning smith would have a higher miss ratio and may damage the piece. 2.) A beginning smith would have lower skill and might not be able to heat treat material until they gained more experience. 3.) An experienced smith could get more work done in less time than an inexperienced smith. 4.) Smiths have different strength levels. Depending on the character's strength and constitution he/she may not be able to wield a 5 pound hammer effectively. You could adjust their speed and accuracy accordingly. 5.) If two smiths were working together, production could go up significantly. 6.) If the smith were to make more decorative pieces, he might fetch higher prices, but at the cost of time. 7.) If the smith were wounded or tired, his/her productivity could go down as well. These are just some general things to consider. I like Glenn's suggestion to you: If you REALLY want to get some insight, pick up a hammer and start pounding some hot iron! Good luck on the game. rvb

Try Larry Zoeller's web site: Burner Flares & Gas Forge Parts He has quite a bit of stuff.

Thank you all so much. Here's an update: She's out of surgery and in the Intensive Care Unit. It turned out to be ovarian cancer that spread to her colon and liver. Only time will tell, but at the minimum she's looking at a long, hard road to recover. But, she's an amazing woman and I know she'll get better with all the positive energy she is receiving.

Thank you for the explanation, Uri.

How is it holding it down? I see one end, but not the other. I'm having a hard time visualizing how it works. rvb

My Aunt is going in for surgery tomorrow. They've found more cancer in her and she will be having some of her intestines removed as well as a hysterectomy. Then she will have 9 months of chemotherapy. I thank you all for your thoughts on her behalf and for being here for me to talk to. Auntie Pam, we are all rooting for you. You're strong and loved. rvb

Yes, thank you for the link. I've seen Mr. Simmons on Forge and Anvil and I have one of the books about him. It's written mainly for kids, but still very interesting. Thanks again for the link. rvb

Congratulations, Chris!

That's AWESOME, Ellen! Very stylish. :)

Thanks, Ellen! I think I may have to cross-market these. It seems some people thing they look like sea horses! Not much use for a hoof pick on them, though. rvb