Thomas Dean

DILLIGAF, hopefully it is just loose on the shaft. Hand crank? If so take the outside cover off and there is a set screw on the hub of the blades, tighten it up. Sounds simple I know but check all the easy things first!

Howdy right back atcha! I HIGHLY recommend joining the Saltfork Craftsmen and Artistic Blacksmiths group there in OK. A FANTASTIC organization with some great smiths. They have 3 regions and if you are so inclined you can go to a meeting nearly every weekend of the month! As for here, if ya got a '?' just ask, there is someone out there that can give ya an answer. Also, when you get a chance post some pics of some of your work, we all like looking a pictures. BOG

Welcome Berty. Checked out your site, very nice. Would like to see some more of your work! Glad you're here. You'll find this place very friendly and full of answers if you only ask.

Thomas P. What's a "Stater Fair"???? are they fun?, do they have cotton candy? a really fat pig? wondering minds want to know!! HEHE

Thomas P, I have a friend that sells this type of rasp snake for $35or$45 each (cant remember exactly)....ya might think of upping yours some. I saw them whilst out there back in Sept. and they look great, well worth that price. Although I personnally like the snake without the bottle caps. Just twist the 'tail' a couple times or so then flatten out the top and bottom giving a pretty realistic rattler look.

If you ever decide ot attend a blacksmithing school look at Tom Clark's school in Potosi, MO. Web site is www.ozarkschool.com I was there this past May and Highly recommend it. There are other schools around that are just as good I'm sure, or they wouldn't survive! We can be a nasty bunch sometimes. Wish you were closer as I have several leg vises and anvils I could sell you to help get you going. Just keep you eyes open, they'll show. A rule of thumb around here is to pay about $10.00 an inch for a vise smaller than 6" jaws, seems the 6" vises bring more around here. Good Luck! I wish I had started when I was your age. ( that would be nearly 30yrs ago!)

I found the book "Little Giant Power Hammer" by Richard Kern on Amazon.com for $30.00! Well worth the $$. This was back in July that I purchased mine. Also go to www.umbaonline.org and you can purchase a DVD-R for about $5.00 +$2.00 shipping that has Fred Craylor and Sid teaching a class on rebuilding a LG. This was videoed in 1992 I think but is a good source of info. Shows most everything but machine work.

Prayers are going up for you, my friend. Also for Dawn.

Update on Mom. She is with her LORD!! The angels in Heaven rejoice her homecoming as do we. Thank each of you for lifting her and my family up, (please continue!)we have felt the strength of GOD's hand on us through this time. Thank you friends.

Please remember my Mom-in-love when you talk to the MASTER. She is in her last days. I am a very blessed man to have had 2 God loveing Moms. Thanks folks.

Sweet! I have about 200BF of aromatic cedar that I plan to make into quilt boxes/chest. Will forge all hardware also. Plans are to use NOTHING store bought. You have just put me in a bind to even come close! Beautiful work! I'm with Sandpile, wish you were closer...