Marksnagel

My prayers for Mary and the family during this time of loss. Mark <><

What is your general location. There may be a smith near you that could help you get started. Mark <><

The vine is fine. As others have said, if it works, mission accomplished. As you progress, make modifications to your liking. As it should be, we should be the hardest critic of our own work. It is what causes us to continue to improve.

Merry Christmas to all. Have a blessed New Year!

Every journey begins with a single step. Good for you! Keep hammering and you will learn something every time you light the fire. Thanks for posting the pictures. Mark <><

I really like the look of the rivets. Thanks for the ideas! I will be sure to try this. Mark <><

Those are great! I have made a few and never liked the way they looked. You nailed it. You inspire me to try again. Mark <><

Go to reply #3. http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/18586-fredericks-cross/

Prayers offered for the family and friends.

Are you saving any coke from your last fire? The coke starts a lot quicker than raw coal and in just a little bit you are heating iron. As you work slowly add coal in from the edges as it cokes up. Just a thought. Mark<><

Really beautiful leatherwork. My leather apron is very lightweight and allows for plenty of movement. I only wear it when I know sparks will be flying though. I have certain clothes (100% cotton) that are designated "work" so burn marks are the norm for them. Cuffs? Too restrictive for me and hot in the summer. Plus when something hot falls between the cuff and the arm, you will have a tougher time getting at it. But there are so many different likes and dislikes out there among us that what works best for one may not work well for another. Like I said at the top of my reply, you have some really beautiful leatherwork and I imagine that your blacksmithing reflects the time, thought and detail that you have shown. Mark <><

My first anvil was a piece of RR track and my second was a coupler. Both were given to me by the railroad company. I still use both in conjunction with my anvil. The coupler will serve you well. It has a lot of different surfaces which comes in quite handy. Mark <><

Good job! Welcome to IFI ! I would be amiss if I didn't warn you about a potential danger I would like to caution you about the use of a galvanized tub and any other parts that are galvanized and may come in contact with high temps. Galvanized is basically zinc that has been adhered to the steel wash basin/bucket. Zinc is a heavy metal and when heated gives off poison fumes. Bad enough to kill you and anyone that breathes it in. Your parts may never get hot enough to burn off the zinc but there is that chance. This is not something that you can just avoid the smoke. Your design looks good and I am glad that you were able to heat and beat on some iron. Please don't let this warning cause you to lose heart in your blacksmithing adventures. Mark <>< I am others will chime in with more exact info as to the evils of heavy metals.

Good job! You can never have too many punches, chisels, drifts, etc.

Beautiful cross brothers, keep up the good work!

Prayers for A.D. and Mary being sent.

Glad to have you back!

I ask my fellow IFI members for their prayers. My wife Patty has two MRI's this week in conjunction with her cancer and her spirits are low. We have been battling this for 9 years now and she is getting tired of the fight. While being healed would be on the top of the list, I would just like her to have some peace of mind. We know who is in charge and that is why I ask for prayers. Also, my older brother David's lukemia came back last week and this morning he passed away. My son will make the trip to NJ with me for the funeral on fri so that is a blessing. So to sum it up: Peace for Patty, peace for my brothers family, and travel mercies for friday. Thanks for prayers and God Bless all. Mark <>< ps. my shoulder will probably need rotator cuff work done in the near future. Pray it hangs in there long enough to get everyone else straight.

Very nice Daniel. Mark <><

Brian, welcome to IFI. Glad to have you here. You are in good hands with njanvilman. The possibilities are endless, pull up a stump and set a while. Mark <><

I have seen them made out of the drum from an old washing machine, or a truck brake drum or wheel rim.

Great set of drawings and pics. Thanks!

Man o man, I've got 8 bills. Too bad they're all ones :P . But Cleetis is right. Keep on asking. That's how I got mine.

Don, you have made a (one) solid point there. :P Let us know how the blower turns out. Mark <><

Hey Don, Before you try this make sure that the blower is NOT plugged in. Spin the motor by hand and listen for any grinding scraping sounds. If it has sat up for a long time the brushes may sound kind of rough. spinning it by hand may clean them up. Check all of the power cord. Look for frayed insulation or dry cracked insulation. If it looks good and spins freely then I would say give it a go. If you still feel concern prior to plugging it in, find a motor rewind shop and have them look at it for you. PS. a "Couple" of questions is 2, not 6. :) Just kidding. Ask all you want. Mark <><