Hoary

I've made one tong or something that looked like a tong.... anyways, I bought a few from Ebay and even though I got one interesting looking tong that is highly adaptable, I got stuck with a farrier's nippers and something that resembles a nut cracker with a reign at the end... but my point is, even though I see pictures on the blueprints with instructions I still couldn't grasp the idea of the tongs until I actually held a real tong, then it kinda clicks. anyways I think I'll be making more from now on :-p

If there are there's a gentleman Selling two blowers and a forge for $200 (or atleast that's what he quoted me on.) His location is bristow, Va. here's the link to see the add. His number is posted in the add. I hope this helps some one Cheers! Hoary umm I guess it would help to post the add.... http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/tls/827697406.html

Well, it's been a while since I cruised the forum just to catch up on things, but I've seen some incredible works from more of the mature smiths here and my jaw is completely caressing the floor from where I'm sitting. Anyways, I can see my work (which is very basic due to skill level) but it's very common things and lacking imagination. Not that I'm trying to reach beyond my skill, but rather looking to open creativity, but I lack the ability to look beyond the box so to speak, soo I was wondering if anyone would like to share their inspirations for creating their art?

I think jack hammer bits are made of carbide... I believe that's a manufactured metal and I know that there's alot other manufacted metals, but I had my doubts if that could be forged. But, my doubts are only based on my inexperince, soo.. if it can be done let me know and I'll get into some bits of my own. :-p

Welcome aboard!!! Well I use charcoal I make myself, of course I'm sure I waste alot more than needed to make it, but you know. I basically get my fire pit ready and burn a load of wood and when I'm finished for the night water it down and what's left from the fire I use as the coal. Now, the common practice of it can be done by using a 55 gal drum loading it full of wood setting it on fire and as it drops below the lip of the drum you place a metal sheet to kind of smother the flames and let sit till the drum is cool. but a couple of things to remeber in this or any method of creating it make sure you never use excellerants ( gas, lighter fluids ect.) as it could make the end product toxic or put you at unessesary risk of getting injured, also whatever you burn it in make sure you know it's origins. for examples drums that used to carry any oil or chemicals, probably not a good idea unless you have a proffesional clean it out, and containers that are galvanized extremely dangerous b/c of Fume fever. I hope this kinda gets you gears turning, but as Glenn says research it in this great library of information! Good luck.

so if you would catch one on the ear wouldn't it make it sound and feel painful at the same time.... ok that was a bad one...

hehehe I count on gettting burned everytime I fire up, I think the worst I had was when I was was trying to pick up some metal that was baking in the fire with pliers (before I had bought/ made my tongs) it so happened that when I was about to clench the pliers to get a good grip on the metal a piece of my charcoal popped and shot a piece that got caught between the handle of the pliers and my thumb and index finger. It happened so fast I didn't have time to react to the sting until both my thumb and index had a nice little bubble. Good thing I had lavendar oil near by for quick relief. :-p so there's my bone headed burn story.

Another game that I love is Elder scrolls Morrowind/ Oblivion that has had the blacksmithing skills, but I don't think I was interested so much in how it was done, just the possibility that it could produce. You know, what you could dream to make. It wasn't until I happened by a Smith demonstrating in a celtic festival that the reality of the skill and finesse of the trade shown through and since then I've been head over heals about the trade, I found VA guild then by then I found Here and have been filled with more than enough information and leads to expand my knowledge and experience. I think that's what I love about it all, the sound of the blown fire the smell of hot iron and the sweat and soreness that accompanies sucess or sucessful faliures :-p Aside from personal growth, I don't like the idea of a blacksmith becoming as mythical as Paul bunyon or john henry to my kids. I want them to see the real and be fascinated with it. IT is a beautiful thing this trade. Just want to pass it on. :)

I'd have to say romance is the reason why he so persistently asked. Think about it, as many have said movies or video games have produced the idea of adventure in uncharted territories, given them a sense of purpose but nothing "real". Finding a blacksmith in real life has given him a glimmer of hope of connecting the two together, his chance of a romantic journey and escape from the "rat race" so to speak, but it's most unfortunate that the mojority of these people end up accidently stabbing themselves or others with this idea :-/. If he is really persistant in it tell him about ARMA get him to the right people and probably the right bladesmith for the job. So in a way you would create something without ever having to lift up your hammer. -Cheers- Bobby

Well the one that you could do is the middle choice I guess, the basic is to buy the second is to sell at liesure and the third is for serious business working. the 2nd and 3rd choices require you to pay like 2. some odd percent for withdrawing the money into your account.

not taking a chance to prove my method is right, just trying to find the best way to preserve what little I've got and to exstinguish any threats to everything the right way. That's all. :)

While just surfing the internet, I happend to stumble over a site for building box bellows. I think it's absolutely ingenious!!! But then again, i've never even used one before so I don't know any draw backs. If anyone has please I'd like to hear some feedback. over all it seems like a worthwhile project to complete for over all education.

Not to sound too clueless, but I'm not quite understanding "pulling the fire from the pot?" I know not to put out the fire with water b/c of something of creating acid from the ash and water to eat at the pot... I just usually let it run it's course and die since I'm outside working, but as Glenn mentioned that runs great risk of something happening while being unattended.

A hot cut? you know,take two blades attacht them to swivel with the bottom blade forged welded to a piece of square stock to fit inteh hardie? Kinda reminds me of those old fashioned paper slicers but for metal. That's if you haven;t already beat me to that idea :-P

well I'm proud to say I have just finished the first forging of the year. Well... it wasn't too bad, I finished my pot rack details, but as far as the actual rack hook stock.. I accidently ended up forge welding them together the heat was so intense. I think I was being too cocky since I finally acquired my anvil that I was trying to fold and weld flat metal stock together to just practice get a feel for it, then put in my stock for the pot rack hooks after I cleaned up my attempts for the folding. but in short I have a 1 inch piece of metal that looks more like a half shell of a muscle and 5 welded together pieces of 1/4 round stock, a forearm lightly dusted with blisters from dragon's breath and ash and a coal forge almost garranteed to have tons of clinkers... was it worth it? I was a little embarrassed at my attempts today, but I'm excited I did attempt and fail, gives me somthing to work on, I mean if I could do it overnight than what's the fun of smithing?