Jim, you have my prayers for yourself, your children and the departed. Being in a similar situation I understand your feelings fairly well. We are all different though so I can't say anything other than , I'll pray for you all.
Finnr
My self, I'd pick up some other silverfor rings. That's a real pretty piece and it's a shame to melt it down.
There are several great sites on Jewlery work. (Which I don't have on this comp) that should be a big help with casting.
Finnr
A fill with ATF may do the trick. Dump the old oil fill with ATF, run the blower for a while and dump again. I use 10wt oil and MMO in mine and am real happy with how it works.
Finnr
the only ones I am using now for the majority of my work are hammers I forged myself ranging from one to 2.5 pounds. A couple larger cross peens for heavy work and of course an assortment of oddball hammers for other things.
Finnr
Anvilfire is Anvilfire, this is IFI. Each site will have it's own rules, regulations, and quirks.
To me it's a lot like comparing apples and oranges. Go with what you find suits your needs the best.
Finnr
so far I have used the shovel one time . To replace the one I slapped together quickly when I first started because I needed a coal shovel. The other shapes get a lot of use though. I am highly impressed with the SFC block i bought .
Finnr
Excellent job! It looks great. My personal preference is to leave a good bit of contrast between the wire brushed parts and those not. I think it adds interest to the piece.
Finnr