David Gaddis

Everything I have done so far has been with good intentions...but mixed results. Yesterday I used some coke from a project 25 years ago. Since I know nothing there is ALL to learn. Well the coke idea was a bust! Maybe too large or too something...never could get it going really good. The pieces I had were about grapefruit size so I reduced them with a hammer. Still not good enough. Then I opened the holes in the tuyre / firebox...still no good. Hopefully I will get coal this afternoon or tomorrow. I am building all of my tools, I think. Not good enough heat for the metal yet...unless inside the shop with oxy/acet or welders. This week has been busy...forge..hardy tools:cutoff, spring fuller, spring swage 1/2in, multi-position bender forks, 1in swage block...weather will be cool this weekend

Thanks for the replies....I look forward to reading them. Also..any other input. There are others that are in need of this info too.

Yesterday Iw as visiting with someone on the chat room about repairing the fac e of an anvil He informed me there is a section on anvil repair on IFI. Being new to IFI my lack of experience in negotiating the website I have not located such a site / discussion. So how about info on re-edging, gouge repair etc. Thanks Yall.

Thanks for the info, as I am new at this form of work. The rod I was using was longer than the shelf for the forge so it was place at a diagonal position. This was the first thing for me to put into the fire and it was too big for me to handle properly. With re-shaping it became the base for a cut-off hardy, my first tool to build. Hope to acquire coal in a few days as the charcoal does not go very far. And of course I will use bigger metal if I use this one to destruction. Thanks for the info, yall.

i am looking forward to meeting them..they live two towns over from me...here in Ms. His buddy Lyle was telling me some of the difficulty in making such a item. Lucky you, I think.

Building my first forge and using charcoal until I get my supply of coal. I got this 4150 1.5in dia shaft hot in short order. The air control is a coffee lid covering the air inlet. The fan will be remounted vertical soon. The tyre is 4in pipe and the fire box is welded 3/16 steel. A replacement will come when this one burns out. No tools as of yet, except shop hammers, post vice, anvil, etc. Plans are to build all my necessary items as I need them. The hardie hole is 2.25 in an imported cheaper anvil. Still looking for a good 200 lb one that I can afford.

I built this trapezoid from 3/8 plate and filled with sand. Handles are on the side to hold small tools and for lifting. The anvil has not yet been attached to the stand..maybe tomorrow.

Over here in Mississippi we use it as a in-line weight when bream fishing..best for ultra-lite gear...Use 3 1/2 crickets to catch nice size copper nose bream. One fish feeds the whole community. Good only if hot so eat fast!

I am interested too, if available. Please pm me. Tn is travelling distance for me if the timing is right.

Although a long way from you I am trying to be there...from middle Mississippi. What time do you start? gadrockinc@bellsouth.net

I am new to this forum and live in Forest, Ms. Interests are old age techniques such as b'smith where power may not be the important element. Other interest are meeting others in the same idea group and would like to attend some somewhat local demos. Hopefully a full b'smith shop will be added to my other shop equiptment. Maybe just have a cup of coffee or a visit. 601=946-1201 cell

Now I am a newbie to this forum. I am David Gaddis and live in Forest, Ms. At some time in the near future I would like to visit with blacksmiths from Mississippi and surrounding areas to see what is going on. Or give me a call 601-946-1201