LarryM

Hi Neal Welcome to IFI. You'll like it here lots of friendly folks at this site very helpful. I just wanted to invite you to chat room. Check out Gallery section good ideas there too. Again welcome. BE Safe LarryM

Hi Jeff I think I may have an answer for your question. I looked in old Woodcaft catolog. It shows wood carving sweep shapes along side a scale. It appears to me that a #1 is dead flat. #2=1mm Dish #3=2mm #4=3mm and etc. I would only be guessing but may be your answer. Happy Hammerin Larry

Just short message I thought might be useful to some of the more inexperenced members. This is a subject that you don't think about until it happens to you. Just so you know any uncover skin exposed to arc welding rays will be sunburned. This is especially true with MIG and TIG welding. Because there is less smoke involved with gas shielded welding process. I think? I always use a bandana or old T-Shirt around my neck to cover bare skin. Long sleeve shirts a must. Protect yourself with leather sleeves, or old cotton jacket. Work Safe Larry McCollum

Just short warning I once had to take my daughter to Doc the remove metal sliver out of her eye. I believe she got from my clothes. Because she was never near my job at the time. It also had a rust ring. Larry McCollum

Hi cantab My name is Larry, I live in western Colorado. Just like to say howdy back, and welcome Iforgeiron you are going to like this site very much There is a gold mine of knowledge here. If you have questions just post them here you'll get lot of ideas. The people here are very friendly so don't be afraid to ask. Don't forget to join us in chat lots nice guys to visit with. Work Safe Larry McCollum The only dumb question is one not asked

Hi Mammoth, I'm Larry to answer your question yes medium carbon tools work very well. Also just so you know medium carbon can be harden in water quench. It is alot more forgiving than some chome moly alloy and higher carbon steels. When you quench it, it will be fairly hard outside and tough in the core. BE SAFE Larry McCollum

HI BSing, I agree with Aaron don't waste your money. Get a Lincoln or simular buzz box welder 200 amps or more. You may not know it you can cut with stick welder. You turn it up to gouge out metal with stick or carbon. They also make what's known as a carbon arc torch that you can used to heat steel to forge ,bent and braze with. So keep looking for something like that for starter welder. Above all BE SAFE!! Larry McCollum Try not to spend $10 worth time on $.10 job.

Welcome David, Hello David, My name is Larry I also just joined. I live in western Colorado. You're going to meet alot of nice,informative folks at this forum. I have a coal forge I use in backyard. So have not been able to blacksmith much this winter. I can log on this site and dream thou. Join everyone on chat. See Ya Larry McCollum

Welcome Bsing, I'm Larry McCollum, glad you decided to join. I also am a new member joined this month. Just a word of advise you don't have to spend alot of money to blacksmith. Save your $400 for material and fuel. A R.R. rail or heavy machine part will work just fine. On the subject of coal forge go to blueprint check out 55 gallon drum forge. Cheap and works just as good as store bought. BE SAFE!!! See ya around Larry McCollum P.S. Don't forget to join us on tuesday night for live Blueprint demo.:)

Woody, Just a note to let you know I and family will keep you and grandaughter in our prayers. GET WELL SOON ANNALISE!!!

Hi Jim, I'am Larry to make ferrules for wood handles you can cut them with hacksaw. But it is hard to keep cut straight. So the best way to cut is with a tubing cutter available at most hardware stores. You will be able to cut copper, thin wall electical conduit. All of which make very good ferrules. I have some I made with chrome tubing they look pretty good. If use your ferrules on turned handles the sharp edge can be file smooth while still in lathe. Then polish with sand paper. Be Safe!! Larry McCollum

Welcome dav, I'am Larry I live in Clifton Colorado. I also look forward to seeing some of your work so post pic soon.

Welcome glowell, you are going to like this place people are friendly, and eager to help. Also will answer question you have LarryM

Hello Bear, I think it is a log dog that is use on a saw mill carriage to keep log from rolling. The screw end, was put in hole in deck carriage. then hit with hammer to set in side of the log being sawn.

Hi Scott, Just a tip that works for me. Run want to buy ad in local newpaper. You will be surprised how much material you get that way.

Hi John, The one piece of advise that I will give you to ALWAy!!!! Wear YOur Eye Protection. Glasses doing general shop tasks Face Sheild when grinding, Power wire brushing. I have worked in and around many shops. And take it from me I have wittness more eye injurys than any other.

Hi People, I'am Larry I have been visiting your site quite a few times you guys really made some pretty neat stuff. There aren't any local smiths that I can find on the web or phone book. So really am excited to visit.