Marksnagel

At 19F below zero even brine will freeze unless it has a really really high salt content. Over time the salt will settle to the lower levels of the tank and the top level will freeze. Mark<><

Nice looking pieces. Glad you got some forge time. Thanks for posting. Mark<><

Here are some pics of my 55 forge. It works great and I'm really pleased. Using Coal. It took me about 4 hours to build but if I had a decent sawzall blade it would have taken about 3. Easy to build, good plans on BP. It's a brake drum forge with a 55 gal drum for size. The pics are poor quality sorry. Cell phone. If I knew how to make them bigger I would have. Mark<><

I also remember on my inlaws mobile home that they had pipe heaters under the trailer. It was a strip that went on exposed pipes under the trailer. Kept them from freezing. Might look into that too. May work in a box cozy like Sam said. Instead of a light bulb maybe the pipe strips. http://www.heatersplus.com/pipes.htm I do not know about this company but a quick google search came up with these. Some just wrap around the pipe which could probably be used on an anvil. It's a thought. Or not. Mark<><

God is Good! Glad to hear the good news, prayin that she has a speedy recovery and that your family has peace. Mark<><

Glad to see you are forging. Really glad to see your son helping. Really, really glad to see he has eye protection of sorts. Keep safe and it's a lot of fun. Mark<><

Granted here in NC it doesn't get really cold until Dec/Jan (single didgets for bit) but my shop it under an oak tree. Hopefully this winter I can have a small shop. Pat that is one sweet shop. Enjoy it. Mark<><

Use the same idea for marinating meat before cooking. Less marinade wasted. This has a lot of uses :)

Not owning a real anvil I do have one advantage. I am using an old discarded train coupler knuckle that has two holes that pass completely through. The first thing I heat in the coal forge on a cold/cool morning is a piece of 1" round stock. Placing this into the hole heats my "anvil" up nicely and every now and then I just heat up the bar again. Every cloud has a silver lining. Well, almost, still wish I had an anvil. Mark<><

Thanks for sharing your resourceful thinking. This will save many of us on vinegar. While vinegar is inexpensive, its worth a lot more when you run out. Thanks again, Mark<><

Since I am a bit of a scrounger, I used RR spikes. They are a little thicher square but they turned out nice. This weekend was the first time that I attempted to make any and I am hooked. They are so simple to make. The wife loves them. Thanks for posting the plans John. Mark<><

I am so amazed by those of you with immense blacksmithing knowledge, that you are freely willing to share it here on this site. You are the reason that the art of blacksmithing will not die out. I get energized everytime someone wants to share their knowledge and experiences. There are so many things that hold the attention of people these days that are not lasting and have no value in life. This is not one of those things. This is a great art,hobby,trade and i am blessed that you are willing to share. Thank you, Mark<><

Larry, I see nothing wrong with that coat rack as a gift. If people want bright and shiney, then the place to get it would be wally world. I think you did a fine job and I would be proud to accept such a fine gift from a friend. Mark<><

I like the idea of having things serve a double duty, especially when you are out in the field. But I question the use of the pin as a striker. It seems it would be like wearing baggy pants and having your belt buckle also serve as a can opener. Novel idea but nobody wants to lose their britches while opening a can of beany weanies. It probably will work great so long as the owner is not as uncoordinated as I am. Good luck, Mark<><

Thanks so much for sharing you recent "win" from ebay. A lot of people wouldn't have shared as you did. I was really glad look over your scans. Too much of our history seems to get lost. Thanks again, Mark<><

Denise and you are in my prayers. God Bless. Mark<><

Your brother Anthony has been added to my prayers along with your family. God bless you all. Mark<><

Hey Colleen, Sorry to hear that you had surgery. First and most important is that you are in my prayers. Our house is no stranger to surgeries and I can tell you from experience with my wife, do as the Drs tell you. Don't push the work or the time to heal. Listed to your physical therapist. One of the biggest blessings that someone can get is to help another person. So when people offer to help you, do not rob them of being able to help you. My wife is one that would rather do it herself and that usually has adverse effects on her healings. So take it easy, let others help you, heal quickly. Mark<><

Dale, Tell Bully that he is in our prayers for a fast recovery. Mark<><

Dave, I've got to say man, that is one pretty weld job. I really like the way you are progressing and the fact that you document everything and share your knowledge with us. Thanks. Mark<><

I really like it. Someone once said, "less is more" Yours is very easy to look at and functional. Thanks for posting. Mark<><

Oh man Infinity! My gut just wrenched when I read your post! :blink:

There is a show on one of the learning type channels called "How it's made" or something like that. It is neat to see them use machines to make the items but what always amazed me was who designed the machine and tools to make the thingy. The tools to make things has always held my attention more than the actual product. Thats why I look forward to making my own tools to make my own thingy's. Why buy a tool if you can make one. We will all have our limits but we can push the envelope a little too. Happy tool making! Mark<><

Glad to see you are swingin a hammer again. Your work looks great! Mark<><

I think they look great! Nice work. Practice makes perfect.