I.R.B.I.

I had a real bad day in the smithy yesterday as shown. I thought the hammer didn't sound right so I shut down to check the die keys. Everything tight except for the sow block. I tightened as I always do. Pulled my work from the fire and with the next half dozen blows this was the result. I was so speachless I couldnt even curse which under the circumstance was a miracle. So I emailed Sid, drank a lot of rum and cried myself to sleep. I will post some pictures as the repair gets under way. I just hope it can be repaired successfully. Right now I feel like I have had a death in the family.

You can also use potasium permanganate mix it with water and you get a dark purple mix. When applied it will be purple but as it dries will take on a brown hue, if you want it darker just reapply to that area. I use a dobber so you don't get a solid color. Just brush it on and let it dry adjusting the color as you go. You can then rub some finish into the antler wax ect. To buy potasium permanganate just go to Sears and go to where the water softeners are. It is used in iron removal systems. Virg

I had the spring on my 50lb LG break about a year ago. I am lucky enough to still be able to hear fairl well and the hammer made a sound that just wasn't right. I shut her down and on inspection found the broken spring. It never left the hammer just snapped but stayed put....Most fortunate as there were 3 others standing in close to the hammer. I ordered my new spring from Sid and went to work on my guard. Still hav't put one on my 25lb LG so still not too bright i guess.....