Raven Rider

I'm new to BS so I have a couple of old hammers but looking for a true BS type of hammer. I've read about the hofi hammer and tom clark hammers etc. My question is has anyone bought and used the "hofi style" hammers from Black Smith Depot? I saw these and wonder about this statement-- "Blacksmiths Depot brand - designed with the beginner in mind. In order to keep the price low there may be less attention to squareness. The heads are softer thereby saving your other equipment". Should I just wait and get a real Hofi hammer later when I can afford a $100.00+ hammer? I will be buying the DVD by Hofi too.

I'm new to this site and to black smitning. If anyone makes these tongs please contact me I would like to have 2 sets one for me and another for a friend. Brian where in Miss. do you live and if my friend and I could made it out to you what do you charge for a few days of lessons? I live in AZ so if we could get out your way we would want to stay more than just a day or two maybe 3-4.

yes if I had one. I still need to design it. Any input will be apprec.

Any suggestions on which Arc welding rod to use to attach the top to the bottom?

Got home from work and tried my 41/2" angle grinder. It work like a champ until I wore out my disc and only had one more that was near worn out. Only took about 20 min. not too bad for a little grinder. I have only a 1/2" to go so I'll get some more disc's and go at her again. So off to get the second fork and cut it up too. I have a friend that does have the torch and welders (Arc/mig/tig). I have a 110 vac mig but will go over to his house to burn some rod. I'll post some pictures when it's done in 2 weeks. BTW I will be gathering the proper tools as money and time permits. Thanks again for all the replies

I'll check it tonight thanks

I'm using the correct disc and it's a good one not Harbor Freight. I did bear down and down and down, it cuts only to a certain depth then stops. I will try the angle grinder 4 1/2" first and if it looks like it will work then I'll be off to get a 9" angle grinder. I would rather cut it clean with a grinder/hot saw but if it does not work I'll get someone to cut it with a torch. Thanks for all the replies.

Mr. Benitron1946 you have mail. Mesa,AZ

As stated in my other thread I have some forklift forks to make an anvil out of. I tried yesterday to cut one down with my heavy duty chop saw it only took a couple of nicks out of it before I gave up 1.5 hrs later!? Anyone know how to cut it? Torch is the only way I see now but I don't have one yet. I figure bu the time I buy a torch, gases and the other items I could of just bought a proper Anvil!

How did your Dad cut the fork?

Well it looks like my first anvil will be a Fork lift fork. The first place I call in Phoenix had bunches of bent forklift forks so I picked up 2 for $50. Should be able to make 1 anvil out of these two forks.

Thanks for the replies. I will join the AABA at one of their hammer open forge sessions. I have tried to call the guy that is advertising the anvils but no call back yet. Thanks again.

I'm just starting out trying this blacksmith stuff. I want to make some camp fire pokers and stuff and forge some knives and tomahawks,Etc. I have a piece of RR Rail 20" long and an old coke forge with a hand blower. Now for my question about an anvil I found - a very nice 70# anvil. I know this is light but is it good enough for a starter anvil. I would also like to do civil war reenactments (village blacksmith making camp fire equipment) would it be OK for this also? Thanks much to learn and read here. Last note I live in AZ and if anyone here from AZ has an extra anvil Please let me know.

That's what I thought it is the only thing that made sense. Thanks

I'm new here and thanks to everyone for all the hard work and information. I have a question about hitting hammers and other steel objects with a sledge hammer or forging hammer. I was taught never to bang two hammers together or things can and will fly off. I saw this happen to a friend. I have seen in videos of blacksmiths using a hammer to hit a cut off tool.