Marksnagel

Hey metalhead! You can take make new hardy tools to fit and/or trade with someone. I would look at it as an opportunity to make new tools. You can also taper the ones you have to fit. Mark <><

You hit the/a jackpot. $25 and a thirty mile trip? Me thinks you've done well. Fire up the forge and have fun. Mark <><

I agree with Jeff. Make a stand and turn it on edge for greater mass. Should you put a swayback in it from overuse (a good thing), you will have three more sides untouched just waiting for you. Mark <><

Very nice. I am sure that your will like it very much. Glad to see that young blacksmiths are getting together.

May your blessing be blessed! Prayers for the family. Bring her to the fair this year! Mark

Warranted

I pray that the Lord continues to bless your family and gives you comfort throughout this healing season. Mark <><

Cool! i like it and so will your mom.

Have a great time!

Almost no law enforcement officer in their right mind will ever use a knife in a fight. Rule # 1 of a knife fight: Everybody gets cut. But every officer needs to carry a knife. There are countless times when a good knife is needed. That knife looks great and will serve him well. Nice job!

I have 4ea 5 foot diameter WI wheel that were given to me by a friend. He wants me to make hinges for a log cabin he is going to make. I also have 2ea 6 foot wheels. Oh lucky me!

Howdy Ryan, Glad to have you onboard. There is plenty to learn here. Lots of people from all walks of life and all levels of competency. Tonight at 10pm eastern we will have what is called BP's. BP's are blueprints that an admin type or their minion post in the chat room for all to see, talk about and learn from. Show up in the chat prior to 10 and there will be people from all over the planet. Good chance to make some friends. Hope to see you there. Mark <><

Welcome to IFI. Lots of great info to be had here and lots of people with experience from the bottom right to the top. All are glad to help and you will most likely make many new friends. Some from the farthest corners of the world. Although it's a globe and I know there are no corners but you get my drift. Every tuesday at 10pm eastern (us) there are what is called BP's or Blueprints. Come to the chat room and an admin person or their designate will post links to blueprints of how to make things or just good plain information. Plus its a good time to meet other smiths from all over. Lots of good ideas get hashed out there and even some nonsense chatter. The company is good and safe for all ages. Glad to have you here, Mark <><

Ditto what Pete said. You can get the pipe, cut and weld together or take the expensive route and get threaded pieces and fittings. Local hardware will have what you need or should be able to order it for you.

Gundog, I really enjoyed your video. You put a lot of effort into it. I would like to suggest that you wear safety glasses all the time, not just while welding. Handling the hammer with a gloves hand has really bad control issues. I place the hammer on the anvil face each time so it is always where I expect it to be when I want it. When you can replace the plastic bucket. All in all I think you did a great job with the video. You are well on your way. Those with more experience than I will gladly offer advice. Mark <><

Great pics! Does an old guy good to see young people hard at work doing something worthwhile. Thanks! Mark <><

It looks like you are off to a good start. Keep on keepin on!

Frank, the last sign in, er, germaneeze/dutcheeze made me laugh out loud and I needed a good laugh. Thanks! Mark <>< Das ist von gooden sinen!

I'm happy for you Sam and a little envious but the envy will pass. Enjoy it. Some day, Lord willing I will get a new one but until then I will be satisfied with what I have. Happy hammering!

Good for you Wolf! You have a great anvil. There are a lot of people that wish they had what you had. Enjoy it and post more pictures when you make things on it. Mark <><

Very nice looooooong twists Colleen. They look great.

Frank, I agree. It was a good show but I just couldn't imagine that much molten iron pouring that freely for so long. And that must have been one heck of a smelting pot. The strikers looked to be striking the floor or air. To the uneducated eye it was cool (hot) looking. Looking forward to the games.

A dremmel tool will put in more imperfections in the face than before you start. The file would be your best bet since you have no other power tools. Is there a machine shop in your area or a friend with tools?

Dixie, Prayers for your mom and your family are being raised from North Carolina. Mark <><

Nice catch. I'm looking for a portable forge. My forge is stationary and I have been approached to do 3 demos this fall. I can make one but would rather pick up a "real" one. You've done good! Mark <><