John Martin

Interesting article, really liked it.

Good idea, when I have a properly built shop, ill try that.

Ugh, i gotta clean my this sunday. lol. nice setup and nice clean, organized and efficient shop. lol

Good job John, keep it up, have you tested it out yet?

I use a wood stump, a swage, and my anvil.

Those are really nice. I like the BBQ fork the most, what size stock did you use for that?

That's a really nice rose. I would love it if I had made that one.

Yes, the cathedral anvils are very, very rare. I would love one.

IFI puts up with anyone who wants to learn. I'm sure(know) about a year ago when I joined, I asked a mlot of questions, many people helped while I think I annoyed a few. But ask away. Can't really help you with the forge though.

Thanks racer3j, for doing this. I am glad that nate dj's sons got them.

To be honest, that is ONE GREAT LOOKING WELD. You say this is only your 2nd attempt at doing it by yourself, well Id say anyone would be proud of that weld. Great job, keep it up.

Welcome kenG, ask away, everyone here is very helpful.

Lol. That has to be a little heavy. Lol.

I will be re-vamping my coal forge, for a much larger one. It will be portable, but my main forge, if I design it right, and buy the right firepot, it will easily outlast me. I have access to 2" thick firepots. )) But while I am building this one, I will also be building three more smaller ones. I was wondering what size table I should go with for these ones. I was thinking a 24" wide x 36" long table. I also will not be using ash dumps. My current coal forge operates without a ashdump. I literally cut mine off. I have found mine much more efficient by doing so, and it keeps the the tuyure very cool. I can hold my hand around it. But I was wondering if anyone as any pictures or anything for smaller coal forges, that extra people could use. Each one of the three will have a anvil, vise, and forge. Lol. But back to the subject: They will be powered by one champion 400 electric blower. I think it could do six forges if needed. LOL. Each forge will then have an airgate to control the mighty blast. 24" Wide 36" Long 32" Tall 2" Lip, 1" Lip parallel to firepots. 2 Tongs racks. Side and front. These will be side-draft chimneys. I do not know how fast this will be done, or anything like that, but I wanted to get a head start on it, by getting my plans down and set.

That seems like a much more simpler and more efficient way Sam. Can't wait to see the how-to.

That's cool. I haven't demoed yet, but I can't wait to talk to the younger people of the group.

Installed Sabre. So pretty sure it works good. Lol. Well, I am done to one hot chisel. Hmmmm.... maybe time to clean the shop??? Already lost two of 'em in my scattered tools and what not. Lol. But I'll get pictures of the nail header and hot cut tomorrow, all of the hot chisel are the same. But I'll try to find the other two. lol

Sweet chris, good luck with your teacher. I finally found mine and visited and forged with him for a long time last night.

What tools chris??? Sorry, don't know which ones your talking about.

What? Did you burn it out? Lol. I am not suggesting that. Did it really just slide out?

It looks very productive. Blown or aspirated? Forge Welding capable??

Today, I'm gonna sqaure the handle up, do pineapple twists, reverse twists, all kinds of little things to it. :)

That brick is really great. Again, way to go.

Highlander, those would make real nice scroll tongs eh? Just round the jaws.

I met for the first time with my blacksmithing teacher. Man, he is seriously euqipped, and the in the middle of the mayhem sits this 476lb anvil. He's got three power hammers, everything. Lol. Well, we made my first shovel today, as well as some leaves. I was there from 2-6, first two hours we just talked. Lol. Here is the end of a good day of learning: Pictures attached, that leaf makes its way through the pictures. His name is Michael Garrett, and he runs the Black Hammer Forge. He said he's a member on here, but I forgot to ask what his username is, so you might be able to find him. He is one amazing blacksmith, he does mostly ornamental work, but man does he do a really, really good job.