unkle spike

Glad to see you back here Frosty, you have been missed. I for one, and many people thought of you and Deb and prayed constantly. We thank God you are will with us. Take care, and prayers will continue on my end.

Or long enough to form a jaw on each end, then cut apart and assemble.:)

Very Nice Work.

That's where you have to make the choice. I forgot to add that I am only a part time hobby smith/metal worker, so base my opinion on that. Probably the best advice is "get the best you can afford". My Dad uses Milwaukee full time like Glenn said. I know he occasionally has them "rebuilt" for around $25, and they are as good as new.

Well if you're not buying a HF, I guess you made up your mind. I have a mix with one Dewalt and a Makita in the stable, they all get the job done. As far as the HF grinders, I have 3 of those, two years old or older, and they are still going. I like having multiple grinders with different wheels on each. Also I have a 7" HF for when I really need to "hog some stock off".

Big hammers are nice to have. I think the first thing you have to determine what the "average" size of stock you work is, and purchase a hammer in line with that need. Most people I know have a hammer in the range of 50lb, think about it, you just may have to take a heat or two more. I think control is more important, and if you do many different kinds of work, quick change type dies are a must. I just do mostly drawing and reducing with my hammer, so one set of combonation fuller and flat dies is all I need. The other thing to consider is how much you are going to use it, a full time used hammer will eventually need parts, so you need someone to supply them also.

The best work starts with an idea, bringing that idea to life is where the skill comes in. Seems like you got it covered, welcome to the site.

Trenton, or could be a Haybudden, check for an "inspectors" number on the side near the heel.

Prayers said. Hope all works out for you, glad you found the trouble before it was too late.

Been REAL busy, but finally got one of my hinges done. Mine is a plate hinge, riveted for strength. I made it out of 3/16 plate, I would consider this a "heavy" hinge. Now if I can get the other one done.... Needs some more finish work, but I know Tom has been waiting to see it.

At our last meeting we rang the anvil 3 times for Mike Ameling. 3 slow taps near the tail end......with the right anvil, it is a bit haunting.

Glad to hear it was a good time, maybe one of these years.... And Dale, with your one wing in a sling, that only leaves one for beer, so the camera would have to be head mounted and triggered with your teeth, so we understand. Now get some rest so you heal up....

Prayers said here, hope your family can find some comfort in this difficult time.

Tom, YOU STOP WORKING RIGHT NOW AND GET SOME GLASSES ON ! Yes I was yelling, don't know if you normally wear them, but please do....hate to see you get hurt. Got to see your video, but my Windows 7 won't work with Adobe Flash Player so I got no sound and I am too bushed to figure it out at this time, will work on that tomorrow. Can't post mine yet, they are still in the ugly phase of construction, will get some up when they get closer to finished.

I need one of those to chop the weeds down in my ditchline by the house....

I make and use "flatbar" tongs, I can whip out a set in about an hour or less, and they are pretty simple and straightforward.

Most bathroom scales go up to at least 300 pounds, far under the weight of that anvil, you could check it there.

I use Olsen brand blades from Tractor Supply, and lately have had great success with the "Super Cut" 10-14 TPI blades from Harbor Freight. And take the time to align the blade according to the book. This is the replacement table I built, it clamps in the vice, and uses one of the bolts that hold the factory supplied table. They are slower than a chop saw, but for me I prefer it over the mess. If I am in a hurry, or it won't fit the saw, I use a cutter wheel in either my 4" or 7" grinder.

Safe Travels gents.

My Grandpa used to say "We aint building a piano, it IS blacksmithing isn't it?"

Mine weighs 165 pounds, cause I weighed it. Most bathroom scales go to 300+ pounds, so it is safe to lay an old rag on a bathroom scale, and gently set the anvil on it. Heck even if the wife won't let the scale out of the house, you can buy a cheap one for this, and get a fairly accurate read on it.

Unicorn, I think it is a prestige thing....I say as I lean on my 1820-1835 M&H Mousehole anvil.....and grin.

I bought my first one a couple of weeks ago, and being the cheap bugger I am bought the cheapest one.... You NEED the ones with the layers sewn together in circles from the center wheel out, less fuzz and keep there shape better. This one: - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices NOT this one: - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

The anvil will ring here also for Mike, Rest in Peace.

Those are REALLY nice. Very good job forming the jaws on them. I agree with others an indepth blueprint would be nice.