Steve Shimanek

This is a shot of my first forge and one of my first RR spike knives, taken about 3 years ago when I started. The forge body was someone's throw away BBQ grill; I lined it with local clay and coated with Mizzou refractory, and used charcoal and/or wood for fuel. A 3/4" pipe with 1/4 " holes served as the tuyere, and a hair dryer served as the air source; a "T" fitting with a damper regulated the air flow. I used the forge (with one reline) for the last 3 years until I built my first propane forge from a R134 Freon can last Xmas. I will add more photos as time permits. Aloha, Steve

Welcome Steve - We all like pictures to enhance the story/ies - Do you have any laying around of your first forge and the three year journey, thus far, you would like to share?

Trevor

Aloha, Steve from Kauai here; I am a beginning smith and recently discovered IForgeIron through Don Fogg's website. I have been learning for about 3 years now, at first on my own, and for the last several months under the guidance of Ted Shanks. I have been learning some basic techniques and practicing hammer control. I started with a home made charcoal forge, built a propane forge and burners last Christmas, and have been buying and making tools. I see many talented people here and i thank you for the opportunity to view your posts and learn more about this great endeavor.

I learned how to TIG weld mild steel; that aluminum is forgeable; that you should never put your hand on the foot pedal of an air hammer to steady yourself while working on the next machine over; how to make a wizard head handle; how to make Jim Poor style tongs; how to heat treat S7; the difference having a hammer that "hits" makes; and that having a world class teacher within 25 miles from my house is priceless. (Thanks Ted!)Now if weekends were only longer........

Sorry if this is a sidetrack from the OP, but i live on Kauai and have found some material that looks like wrought iron but is pretty hard under the hammer like a tool steel; does anyone have any info on old steel like this? This stuff was from plantation days, late 1800s to early/mid 1900s. Thanks, Steve

I saw some of this type of engine at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA last week....never saw or heard of them before; pretty funny for an engine guy! Early 1900's technology....wow!