marcusb

Hard to think the amount of metal thats went over that old girl.

Paul, I am bias, the cheap HB is mine! I use it regualry and it has lots of life yet, Plenty of ring and a straight back. Only reason I listed it was I found a substantially bigger one to replace it. I also have a nice champion 104 forge setup I would sell reasonable to

Curly, 350 pounds

This is my new anvil, I had to drive a ways to get it but the price was very good. Im very happy with it overall, I think it will be all the anvil I will ever need. Now to make some hardy tools!

I render tallow from deer and use it for a great many things, wood preservation/waterproofing, rust preventer, drill and saw lube etc. Plus side is it leaves your hands very soft, and costs nothing but a little cook time. Also last years with no refrigeration. I have a batch 3 years old good as new. For hunters out there its a option to consider.

Anyone who would put up with my million and 1 questions!

That was the deal of a life time, best auction price I ever saw was $1 a pound! That hammer is coming together great, looks proffesional!

Fiery Furnace, Scrapping the dermis layer off is the difficult part, try it sometime! I make buckskin occasionally, using eggs and lots of sweat.

Tanning hides aint easy! Tandy Leather has what you need

Heres one I got for a birthday present from my folks, need to build a bench for it.

the 125 pound HB i have has one, except it is facing towards the base, anvil has seen hard use, and you can tell by patina it is as old as the anvil, Im guessing it happend when the punched the hole

I have respitory problems, went to charcoal, now no problems at all

I have found that if I use store bought charcoal it sparks badly, more wood than coal. I make my own and thru expeiment have found that if it starts sparking much, generally you are giving it to much air. Really does not take much air with charcoal. Wonderful stuff!

I am going to rethink the Vinyl, just not worth the risk. I dont handle fumes well at all anyways, Back to the drawing board, thanks guys

I have discovered there is such a thing as dual chamber bellows, and would like to try my hand at building one. While looking at diffrent designs that use leather and canvas I got to thinking if pleather/vinyl would be an alternative. The only negative I can think of would be lack of fire resistance. If the bellows was located a distance from the forge would there be any danger? I am not sure if heat would travel back thru the ducts etc? I have a huge quanity of vinly upholstery fabric that would work great if it would be safe. Thanks for you input

One of the most beautiful areas I ever saw, and totally ruined by the crowds. Wish I would have been there when the smith was in the cove, wonderful place, would have been awesome.

Sounds like the going rate for a HB. Alot of the smaller ones have very hard faces and usually chip easily along the sides. I would suggest looking around locally. I found my 125 lb HB by word of mouth, got it for $1 a pound. Good luck, and be patient for deals.

I ma looking for some chisel steel to make lathe chisels etc. Any ideas what supplier I could go with. I was also curious if coil springs would be a acceptable alternative? Thanks Marcus B

Could you tell me more about this quad state gathering? Also what is Sofa? Thanks Marcus B

Hi Guys!!! First post on the forum. I have had a intrest in blacksmithing for years due to my other hobbies. Couple weeks back I came across a old beat up Hay budden(I think) #125 and a nice rivet forge. Anvil has alot!! of edge wear but a flat face so I figured it would be a good one to learn on and at a dollar a pound hard to beat. Sure would be nice to repair edges but from what I have read on the site its not really feasable. I have begun reading up on steels from books I found at the library and on blacksmithing techniques etc. So far I have learned I have a long way to go! I am picking up a couple drums this weekend to make charcoal barrels. My first project is to try and make some hardy tools then some punches. Well, better not wear out my welcome, Marcus Bratton