Finnr

Prayers going out to your family from here! Finnr

Got Pete covered here too!! Get well fast buddy! Finnr

Just jump in and have fun. There are a lot of folks here and in local groups that willbe more than glad to teach you what they know. I got my start in blacksmithing hanging out with the smiths at SCA events because my merchant tent was set up close to them. My first anvil was a section of RR track and I used a couple of hammers I inherited from Dad. The main thing in my opinion is to try until you have success with one process and then add another. In short enjoy the craft , and like any other practice builds skill. Finnr

Paid thirty bucks for my vintage hand cranked! The old critter will drill about anything Finnr

Got three drill presses . Need a couple more! Finnr

Greetings from the Kingdom of Northshield. Welcome to IFI!. If you go to user CP and add your location you may find a member close by. THL Finnr Bjornsson

Ram: If you go here Internet Archive Search: blacksmithing You will find a lot of books for free download. Finnr

I have one of the HF B1 knock offs. It will handle 16 ga easily and with some effort 14. Though I wouldn't make a habit of using it on 14. Finnr

Sounds great Jose!! I will keep him in my thoughts! Finnr

If you can scare up a chunk of RR rail it makes a great starter anvil. Finnr

Not sure of the proper lube but I am sure that gas is a BAD idea. Use diesel fuel it's a whole lot safer. Finnr

The safest way is not to try. Is the inside badly rusted? If not I would give it a good scrubbing with diesel fuel and put it back together.Fill it up with a nice light oil and blow lots of air. The thing is full of oil slinging around so rust ain't likely to pose any problem internally. Finnr

Got you covered here too Stan! Finnr

Feel free to ask anything thatyou need. We have many very experienced and helpful people on here. Finnr

We vikings are repellent, repugnant , reprehensible, rowdy, and generally repulsive. Now that I have covered or good points I have to say that you have done a beautiful job again! Nice form and flow! pretty handle material and a very well done blade. Finnr

Check out the Blue Print section.There are several small very cheap to build forges there. Finnr

Those make dandy fire strikers!! Finnr

Beautiful Jose! And a beautiful gift Finnr

Take a peg saw a slot in it.cut the side of the slot down half the depth of the slot. Insert a hunk of a busted hand saw blade so it sets flush with the surface of the taper on the peg . Drill, ream. Finnr PS I build dulcimers and am WAY too cheap to buy areamer

That's a sweet looking forge there! The look on the face of the smith tells it all. Have fun! Finnr

Only if I drop a lit one in bed. Finnr

Just like casting pearls before swine ain't it Grant? Finnr

Cooter those are just plain darn good looking!!! Lucky friends! Finnr