Marksnagel

Welcome to IFI ! Look forward to seeing your work.

Nice work! I really like the spike on the end. You're not that far from me! I'm Durants neck on the Albemarle Sound. Keep forging ahead! <><

Ok, forgive me for this: If your anvil is made in China and you keep spinning it around trying to see which way is best for you, can it become dis-oriented? Again, sorry. Mark<><

Not that I would ever wish anything bad to happen to anyone but I have a stump ready and waiting should he shoot one into my yard.

As neat as that was and as amazing as that was I have to admit that it pains me to think that the anvil could be damaged. ie horn broken off upon a hard landing, etc... There are a few of us out here that would love to have an anvil. Or maybe I'm just whining because I don't have two anvils to rub together. I reckon it's his anvil he can do as he pleases. <_<

Great find in the woods. Much the same way as I got started. Beautiful kids, God bless you and your family! Mark<><

I really enjoyed your web site. You did a really good job. Looking at your gallery i see that you are a true artist. I look forward to seeing more. Thanks Mark<><

Thanks, now theres something else to add to my list! No really thanks. I appreciate you posting the pics. Really nice work and yes, I'm glad that my list grows with such cool things as these. Have a blessed day. Mark<><

Good Logo. Good luck with your new career! <><

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Hopefully these thieves will learn a trade while they have time on their hands. At least learn of and from the Master Carpenter. Lock your stuff up smitties. <><

Good question Curley, I am looking forward to the colder months as my forge is outside. When I started forging this last winter/spring, I had that problem. You are right, if anything I need a bucket of ice to stand in now. Almost don't need a fire some days. ;)

I made contact with a guy at our local rail yard. Really small yard. The guy hooked me up with an old coupler knuckle that works great as an anvil till I get a "real" one. In the case of the railroad, the old addage "Easier to ask forgiveness than permission." doesn't work. Go the permission route. However I have found a stray spike or two maybe kinda near some tracks or something. ;)

As Jose said, there should be a local blacksmith chapter somewhere near you that can help. A lot of people like to ride horses and they live in an apartment. You need to go to where the forge is. You will probably get responses from members that live near you that can help you out. Hang in there buddy, help WILL arrive. <><

I will surely give this a try. With your pictures, details and dimensions and the input from the other members it should go well. Thanks to all for sharing. <><

Hey Tim, It works really well. There are still 90deg edges and curves available. I'm new at blacksmithing but so far it does what I want. I figured if I didn't like it the new way I would put it back the old way. I can use the pin holes in the ends to bend rods too. I thought about putting a heated rod in one of the pin holes to warm up the anvil and keep my work from cooling too fast. Good idea? Bad idea? What do you think? I'm still in the kindergarden of smithing.

This is a coupler knuckle from a train that a new friend gave me to try as an anvil. I previously used an old piece of rail but that had a lot of limitations. I used it laying flat but soon after recessed out the top of the stump and turned it on its end to give me a flatter surface. Until I get an anvil it will do and I'll probably still keep it because it works so good. It weighs @80 lbs. Use what you got. The forge also has a blower that our farmer landlord told us was out back in the scrap area (farmers storage field). My son cleaned it up and got it working great. It's from Lancaster, PA and has a 1909 patent # on it. The best things in life are free.<><

Mike, I really like the crane. I cook with dutch ovens when I camp. Everything from homemade bread to cobblers and stews. I have been looking for just what you have made. Thanks for sharing your work with us. I will add that to my long list of things to make. It will be near the top of the list. Again, thanks.

Since I am new to this craft I am getting so many ideas from all of you craftsmen/women that my brain is going to overload. I really like your mason jar candle holders. They are on the top of my list. Thanks for sharing. <><

I found a supplier in Southwest Va but he is retiring and may no longer supply coal after the the first of the year (2011). Reginold E. Brothers Co 313 Riverview Drive Suffolk, VA 757-539-2341 It is bituminus and burns really well. You can get it in bulk or bagged. Doesn't deliver. I think I payed @ $5 for a 40lb bag.

Really pretty. I think I know what my next project will be. Thanks for the post and pic.

Nice looking knife! Always glad when home made items are put to use and not in a case.