Johnny Woolsey

When the height is adjusted it hits fine. I am taking it to Quadstate so maybe I get to meet you and you get to try it out!

Shawn, I am in process of sourcing the anvil. My current hammer has laminated plate that I had as salvage.I am trying to source a cast steel anvil for my larger hammer. Trying to find a spot in my schedule now as well...

Shawn, I will preface my response about folks that make there own hammers. We are usually super proud and our hammers are the BEST! I have a modified design from the plans I bought from Jerry Allen. I have plans to build a 150# version . Friction drive, adjustable height, adjustable stroke guided helve. The 75# hammer I currently have is quite controllable. The footprint is a lot larger than the uprights with the Dupont linkage.(And Clay Spencer is a hero of mine BTW!)

Try texas metal industries and look in handrail section. www.txmetal.com

Gladiator doubles as a workbench ....I could probably get by with smaller though...

I use a metal wax from Sculpt Nouveau. It is not cheap but dries quickly and has proven very durable. Your mileage may vary. J. Woolsey

Thanks folks.I did make a swage for my hammer Peter. I do as much as I can with the power hammer. I had 16 of the pulls and 4 of the wedge assemblies to make.I also made the hardware to hang the doors. I will get some photos when I am finished.

Exactly Jeremy. I found it mch more presentable than my attempt at pulling a tenon on the ends.

They are for barn style doors. The building is really just a party or get together place and the doors will be closed most of the time.They will screw to the doors and when closed the wedge keeps them that way.They will be at the bottom and will also assist in keeping the doors aligned where they come together. The doors get a pull inside and out.

Hello folks. I have been working on a project and thought I would share some photos. Rings are 61/2" and I started with 1 1/4 round.

Hello folks. John Woolsey in Bradyville, Tn. I am from the Rutherford County group. Bunch of really great folks in the AACB.

Outstanding Mr. Dillon. I finally found your Nashville sculpture at Macabe park. It takes on another feel when you see the scale in person.

Hello folks. I don't post a lot but I really appreciate all who make up this great group especially Glen and the folks who make it a class act. I wanted to make sure folks in and around Middle Tennessee were aware of our upcoming Conference May 16 -17 in Murfreesboro, Tn. Our featured demonstrators are Brian Brazeal and Elmer Roush along with many great local smiths as well. "Buzz" Busbee is the chairman this year and is really spreading the word and getting folks excited. I look forward to meeting some new friends and enjoying a first class Blacksmith Conference. Come on! Best Regards Johnny Woolsey http://www.appalachianblacksmiths.org/welcome/ I just deleted 3 other posts advertizing this, Three duplitates from the calander by 3 various people and others in two more places in the forum all by many different people. Posting once is plenty. We could conclude that is spamming by your group, please be aware.

I just read through this thread and there is a lot of good advice. Moving from a craft to a fine Artist brings some challenges. The fine art market has as large a variety of sales locations and owners and the quality varies greatly. The craftier locations tend to field patrons who are decorating as opposed to making a connection to the work and eventually to the Artist. These folks often become repeat buyers and sometimes friends.Those kind of things are difficult to cultivate at an antique mall. Make sure you determine the value of your work and stick with it. If your work is at a $500 price point it should be the same price to a gallery or to your neighbor or craigslist. You don't want to undercut your galleries but more importantly you don't want to devalue your work! People purchasing fine art are making an investment in you and your work. You will find out soon enough what the market will bear. Do not let folks discount the asking price unless they are making multiple purchases at the same time. I don't know that I really profit in the art galleries but it gives you street cred and helps elevate the value of all the work you do. Good luck and enjoy the journey!

Larry, if you could only have one which one would you keep?

Thanks for the info. folks.I have many Milwakee tools and haven't been let down. ( To the Moderators thanks for moving this to the correct section!)

Hello Folks, I am working on a job that I could really use a mag drill on. There a a lot of different brands and even more options. I would use with regular twist drills most of the time and would like to be able to use a tap also. Is there a brand or option to stay away from or a brand or option you wish you would have included up front? I sure appreciate any advice. Regards John Woolsey

http://adiionita.wor...cksmithing-zen/ I found this article very interesting.

I want to thank the AACB organizers and members for putting on a great conference! What a bunch of friendly folks! The demonstrators were informative , entertaining and inspiring. The dutch oven dinner on Friday evening was delicious and just in time after a great day. It was great to see everyone and to meet some new friends. Thanks again to all!

I will be there for sure. Great group of craftsmen with a really good Green Coal program. I will have a mess of tongs for the tool box,Ron. Look forward to seeing you all. Johnny

I think it is very difficult to convey emotion through a forum such as this. As someone who is more on the "baby steps" in my education I sincerely hope that those who have many things to share will continue to put information out here for all to learn from. And add to. And yes, to criticize. This helps us all to get a feel for how we go about our personal journey with this awesome craft. Thanks to you, David,Tim, and Glen especially for sharing your time and knowledge so freely. Johnny Woolsey

As many have said there are several members here that I always take note when they post and he was surely one of them and my personal favorite.I am missing him already. Rest in peace, Grant, and thanks. Johnny

Nice job! Seeing that Hardy insert prior to welding makes me want a similiar setup with round holes for interchangeable bolsters.

I would like to weigh in on the side of the guided helve (Rusty).They can be built as heavy and robust as we choose. They can also be made adjustable (height) very easily. My second Rusty style is about 75# and has about 2 inches of adjustment that can be done in seconds. I have tried to post pictures but can't seem to make it work here or the gallery. If anyone is interested I can email photos. Johnny