Steve Shimanek

Has anyone heard anything about the status of Thomas Trozack and Phoenix air hammers? My friend ordered parts several months ago and has not received them, and the company doesn't seem to be answering their phone. 

Good job, there is a lot of satisfaction in making your own tools.

There are different grades of carbon steel depending on the cable and its use, as well as different strand combinations. Many cable types are suitable for blades; some types you may run across are referred to as Plow steel, Improved Plow Steel, and Extra Improved Plow steel, which refers to the carbon levels in the steel. Higher carbon levels contribute to a higher hardness potential for blades.

its all good.

Yeah that is a cool video which I have seen before, but I am not sure why you needed to post another persons video on my thread.

Nice hammer and nice forging, Mike! It was great having you visit, hope we can get over there sometime. Aloha, Steve

Try Woodcraft, they carry some stones and you can buy online.

I am stunned at this news....was hoping it was a mistake. I was planning to get in touch with Grant to get some dies made.....this is so sudden. Prayers for all......

That looks great, Justin! How did you do your polishing> The hamon looks nice and frosty.

That's awesome, Grant!

I had surgery 3 weeks ago to repair a torn rotator cuff on my left shoulder; still pretty sore and very limited range of movement. Can't do much, which is driving me crazy.... Who else has had this done and how long did it take before you were able to get back to pounding metal?

Thanks for posting this.

howdy, welcome to the board!

Something else to consider is that your blade may be getting unevenly heated,causing the warping. I have a similar setup with the tube like you and had some warping not apparently caused by anything else i could see. Maybe try to make a jig to hold the blade up on edge when heating and see if that helps,asssuming all other factors are correct.

Why not take the scale off the bladews before you temper so you can see the actual temper colors on the blade?

:D You are welcome and stay safe!

I wish i was closer to NJ so I could see this in person. My mentor has a Bull that is trying to destroy itself when the head goes up; I would love to modify his hammer with your adjustments. Excellent work! Any chance you will make fabrication instructions available? Aloha from Kauai, Steve

If this is an approved modification, there should be a MWO (Modification Work order) on file with the proper procedures. If no MWO exists, Ric's advice is excellent. Steve, former Army Ordnance captain, Tank and Automotive Maintenance, several lifetimes ago :)

Can't wait for the book......

Thanks for the comments guys; I am going to work on the polish of this piece some more and so am withdrawing it for sale at this time. Aloha, Steve

Nice work!

Herre is my sword length heat treating forge made from an old 100 pound propane cylinder, with 2 inch cerawool lining and soft firebrick for a floor. four tube blown burner.

That is a very impressive first effort!

Just finished this wakizashi, 15 1/8 nagasa, 21 inches overall, 7/16 inches sori, 1 1/8" motohaba, 3/16 " kasane, shinogi zukuri sugata. It is at about 85% foundation polish, with some scratches and a couple of minor scale pits left that will be reduced in finish polish. I am hoping to focus more on forging new blades than polishing so I am hoping to sell as is. PM if interested. Aloha, Steve

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