JimsShip

"By keeping anvil cool" is the inscription on a shirt I saw online. Being a newbie, I have to ask, is this really a concern?
I've never thought about it....

Fantastic video. I have a friend who recently lost her beloved pony, I think i'll try and make one of these from one of his old shoes for her.

Bad Creek, I understood the flattening of the head part, it was how to make the horizontal cuts at the had end I had a question on, but your suggestion did pay off! I found an old thread that stated after flattening the head, you cut it halfway and hammer it down so you can make the cut, the put it back in place afterwards.
I can't wait to try this! Thanks.

I see from that link that Marknagle made some from RR Spikes. Mark- When you cut the slits did you still keep the spike head?
I'd like to make one, but keep the spike head so I can flatten it to use as both a stand and a little votive candle holder.

Hahaha! It really would, but I don't think i'd be able to get that level of detail in a small touchmark, and there's always the chance of the Dali estate suing me for infringement!
My 4 year old son drew a picture of my big bald head, (it looks kind of like a mr, potato head. The drawing I mean, not my head!) that I think would be a funny way to mark my work.

Looks nice!

I had always heard it the other way around Frank (being American!) That the shoe should be mounted ends up so the luck doesn't spill out, then we'd tap it as we went in or out of the doorway for luck. Wasn't there more to this legend, something about how the blacksmith should forge it to fill it in the first place?

Thanks all. I did seach "Touch mark" the minute Curly George called it that, and found tons of info.
Now I just have to design it!

I've heard a few smiths here say they stamp their projects with their own mark, and would like to do the same for mine, but I have no idea on how to make the stamp.
My design would be simple, 2 letters intertwined, but I don't know how i'd create it myself.
Is there somewhere that makes them, or do you make them yourselves?

Final bid was $201.00.
Hope the buyer isn't too disappointed.
.

I was going to ask the same thing, regarding indoor shops. (For the record, I completely agree with the advise and warnings about using your cellar in the house as being dangerous)
My first blacksmith experiences were in an old recreated blacksmiths shop, that had only the front door open for fresh air and a large vented hood with chimney.
If I were to build a shop of my own, or say remodel the detached garage, how big a space would you all think would be a safe estimate, assuming of course there would be a strong vented hood drawing out the smoke?
How many of you have indoor shops?

I'd like to get $300 for it.

Stewart, I know you were about an hour away, right? You had invited me to a show you were doing, but I was unable to get away from the family at the time.
I would love to get together sometime and see your shop though. So far I'm just working out of a packed garage and my forge time has been extremely limited!

I already posted this, dude

You can see the thread regarding it's renovation here:


Please contact me if interested.

While looking around for an old wooden barrel for a Halloween display, a friend dropped 5 of them at my doorstep giving me about 30 barrel bands to play with, but i'm at a loss for what to do with them. I was thinking of using a few of them for vise springs, but I think the metal is too thin.
Any creative ideas for these?

I found tons of stuff with a search.
More than enough to jkeep you busy for a long time!

I agree with the whole making something from something else angle. Here's yet another great idea for the "to be done" book.
.
Thanks for sharing!

I was using naturals charcoal, not briquettes, and I do habe a bottom blast forge that I was cranking pretty steadily, so I bet all of what was said applies.
(I love the fire flea, and Devil's popcorn descriptions!)
I'll give it another try, at least to finish the bag, but luckily I have some coal ready to go.
Thanks all!

Ok what's the secret to using hardwood charcoal?
I've not had a lot of forge time, (I learned on a bellows run coal forge) and have never encountered this problem.
I tried using the hardwood charcoal today and every time I cranked the blower a bit to get the heat going millions of crackling sparks rise up and create a ruckus. Am I supposed to wet the charcoal, or soak it or something?
It wasn't at all like I expected!

I've only had a few classes to teach me and spark my interest in this hobby, and I left with a throbbing blister on my thumb. I wasn't even aware I was holding the hammer wrong, so lesson learned.
As far as hammer marks, as an amateur I'm still making simple projects and the hammer marks give them a more hand crafted look. (at least that's what I'm telling myself!)

Ok, I need to watch this, when is it on?

Thanks all for the responses. I think beeswax is the way i'll go for common items, It seems more traditional, and I agree it would retain the detail of the forging.
I guess you'd just dip it while it's still warm, hang it to dry, and then wipe off any clumps and bumps?
The nut allergy and religious alerts were great points, and something I never considered. (Although I'd love the warm smell of bacon coming from my new candle holder, I can see how some would be offended!)
For now most of my eating utensils will be made from RR spikes and whatever I can scrounge up since I don't feel my skills are up to stainless steel and titanium standards yet, but I like the oil ideas you've suggested.
Thanks all!

While sifting through the thousands of posts around here, I've seen a few comments that the way you finish your piece is as important as how it's made in the first place, but I don't see much on the different ways to do this.
I'm looking for your tried and true experiences with different types of finishing, and the results each have given you.
What would you use on eating utensils or BBQ tools?
Is spray paint or clear coat the best option for general items? (hooks, candle holders, etc.)

Since i'm new to this any and all suggestions or tips are welcome!

Ironswine,
I have a pretty good BP on how to make some really nice candlestick holders from CurlyGeorge. If he doesn't answer this post, let me know and I'll email you what he sent me.
Mark

Your work looks great! I hope to be able to do a show someday, but for now i'm just starting out with little gifts for friends and family. Do you have a pic of the hair pins? That sounds like an excellent idea for the "make this someday" book i'm apparently compiling! (and something I think my wife would like!)

Ebay is always a good choice, and my wife uses a site called Etsy. to sell her handmade items.