Mark Emig

Hi there, Does the gum nut need to be stainless also? What series stainless do you prefer for the leaves? Best wishes to you all, Mark Emig

First off, if I am correct,you are asking what a professional blacksmith is. I am a full time working smith. I have a fully equipped modern shop-air hammer, plasma cutter, mig, tig, lathes, milling machine, etc. I am what I call a general blacksmith. I do everything from fine hand forged railings to fireplace doors to sculpture to general fabrication and repairs.I also do the cut and paste railings cause there's a need and it pays. When I started I had grand ideas about being a blacksmith doing purely forge work. The cold realities of the word set in and you have to eat also. I was at last falls 3 day conference in Ashokan and had some conversations with full time well known smiths. They all said that they have had to do almost any job to make a living. I talked to Bob Bergman who made the comment that when he was starting out looking to make a living at this, he saw that the people who were able to work a reasonable work week (40-50 hours) and actually make a decent living were people who did it all. Bill Gichener was well know for saying "Never take down your welding sign." This is just the experiences I have had-if you can make a decent living doing just pure blacksmithing, more power to you and please tell us how to do it and make money. Mark

Thank you all foor the info. I'll let you know what happens next. Mark Emig

Hi All, I am in need of some help with patern welding. My son is 15 and a wants to do some pattern welded blades. I want to encourage him in any way I can to work in the shop, so I thought I would ask you all. I am a skilled black-smith, but have never done pattern welded steel. I can forge weld, so that shouldn't be a problem. The problem is, what is a fairly simple (if there is such a thing! ) pattern to start with? I need some advice on material types,stock sizes that you start with and such. I have a fully equipped shop-screw press,power hammer,hydraulic press etc. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Mark Emig

Hi there, Check out Mcmaster Carr-I think the website is Mcmaster.com-they carry all kinds of belting and the materials to lace the belt together, Mark