philip in china

Here in central China it gets a bit cool. I want to make a wood burning stove as there is an almost unlimited supply of free wood here. Does anybody have any plans or advice please?

For smaller handles on other tools than hammers I use old maple drumsticks that I get from a guy who works here. Ethan, a five year old boy on site, has a tiny hammer with a drumstick handle and yes maple seems to work ok in that as well. So try it in a full size hammer. What have you got to lose?

I had the same problem sourcing an apron. I found a place that makes sofas etc. They had whole skins and were happy to make aprons to my design. They put leather straps on them. If they break I shall replace with some old judo belts I have got. (Great stuff for loads of uses). Look after your apron and it will last you years. I put dubbin on mine and also I wear it when we are cooking outside. Any grease from the food gets rubbed in as well! If you are making one make it as big as you can. A real wrap around one with plenty of length. You can always trim it down but you won't want to especially if you do much work kneeling.

Marc, That looks a really good setup. How much ring do you get with the anvil on all that steel? I shall also use the tennis ball. In fact will probably patent it so you will owe me ;-)