Steve Sells

I am forwarding this on behalf of my Friend: Hello All: I know I have been more than a bit quiet the last little while, I was dealing with the mess that my ex-wife left when she died this last 12th of February. I am still neck deep in that but I am coming out of it. Only a few more things need to be accomplished and that mess will be dealt with and done...However... The call that I and my new wife Sue have been dreading to get was received last night. Our newborn son, Dimitrios Ionnes Chrisoulasadides passed away from complications from Mediterranean Thalasemia, a genetic disorder that is not uncommon amongst folks of Mediterranean/Mesopotamian/Asia Minor ancestry. Born on December 06, 2007 in Las Vegas, he passed on April 10, 2008 at Sunrise Hospital's Newborn ICU unit.. He will be interred in the family cemetery back east. There will be a small family memorial. He is survived by his older twin sisters and his big brother. Needless to say everyone here is devastated. I just figured that you all should know what was going on. Personally I feel like I am surrounded by death and I feel responsible for his passing. I knew I carried the gene necessary for this to happen but I never thought that my new wife cold possibly have it. It wasn't until after we were together that I found out that she is 1/2 Greek and 1/2 Sicilian. So I will be "gone" from the list for a little time longer while we deal with another death... Dr J.P. Hrisoulas, COL NANG (Ret) Metallographer, Bladesmith, Researcher. Author: "The Complete Bladesmith" "The Master Bladesmith" "The Pattern Welded Blade"

Oh Yes... the southern Ohio thing. I do know about it, BUT thats the same weekend as the Metea Ren Fair I work. They moved the date a few years ago, when Fisher's event moved theirs to "our weekend" , and so now its are same time as the S. Ohio event. As the Only smith as this ren-faire, I don't want to lose my spot there :(

His post said edges plural, as did the quote I included above. And I am aware he is talking Oreo cookie (soft middle hard outer) that does not change the facts for forge welding. The bellows was made as a double to work better at events, as I am lazy when it comes to pumping that all weekend long. Blame Mr Moran as it was his, I bought it from him a few years back. If I could get away with it I would power it with hamsters in Wheels, those little guys have boundless energy. I will be at Tipton Indiana for the IBA thing first weekend in June, Don't know anything about quad cities, start a thread and tell about it ? I do not have all the answers, in fact I have only a few, I was trying to help a guy that stated he was having troubles in welding some layers. Some time back I wrote that at my web site to help people understand what is happening, Sorry if you disagree.

San Mai translates 3 layers, how is this NOT san mai ? and if you read my URL it was general info about welding the metals.

Welcome to the Site, there are a lot of people in many areas of smithing here. I am sure you will find many things you never dreamed of doing. I sure have.

Many Viking Swords had iron cores with the outer layers welded over them. It is hard to address your issues with out more detail. Using general terms is hard to understand, If the tool steel could be A2, its not gonna work, where as if the tool steel is W-2 it should be fine. Welding the sandwich should pose no troubles, IF you are experienced with forge welding, You didn't state if you have tried others welds or if this is your first time. IF first. did you clean it well enough? flux? correct temp? If you need a primer to help you get started, I have one I wrote at How to make Damascus Blades which explains forge welding and steel types.

Funny how every one is missing the simplest and cheapest way to get a flat edge. Files have been used for centuries, they didn't have Bader B-3 back then, and I didn't have one till a month ago. Even so I still love my files. I can file things and shapes I would never try to get with a power tool

He is experiencing a time-out.

Only if you LIKE sleeping on the couch Brother Frosty...:o

was it cleaned before ya tried? what it hot enough, what did you use for flux, how do you know it was L6 ?

IF you need a place to store a >300 pound anvil PM me. I have space in my shop for one I will feed it and polish it often

I use the cheap spray paint, ALSO I have statigicaly placed metal particles to protect the table from spatter. My freinds think this is just dirt and dust, but its a clever disguise. I use an old chisle to bump off whatever does stick.

Thomas, as for annoying the archeo types... I like your style, In service to the Midrelm,:D

George Washington's Mount Vernon - Blacksmiths' Shop this link is to the article about the restoration/rebuilding of George Washingtons blacksmith shop in Mount Vernon, it should be finished this year.

This is the pic I was sent by my client I have no clue as to origins, or time, but since his deposit check cleared, I am happy to do it for him. I am not sure if he is a re-enactor, but I was told he is big on RPG's. While I don't do pure fantasy, I liked this idea of a willow leaf theme. If this is way off of histotic design, please don't tell him until after I get paid :D

Nice start. keep up the good work.

I will post more pictures as I can get them taken. Before I can finish, I have to line my gas forge, so I can harden this blade as well as a pattern welded katana, as both are ready to finish and go to their new owners.

my little brother and his wife raise Morgans. they also have, for pleasure a paint, an arab, and a southwestern buro (looks a lot like me and little brother I am told) Why it is the people see you in a forge and assume we can shoe their horses? I dont mind helping my sister in law and brother. but they say they need size oo or 5 to replace what is on there now, or whatever and I get looked at funny when I am clueless? Just a fast rant.... I feel better now , Sorry yer Lame Pete, do we have to shoot you now ?

I had a nice show last fall 30 small blades on display in the glass case, nice cool morning at the Ren Faire, then the SUN came out, when that light hit them in the case, I had to put 8 blades back in the transport case. When the lunch crowd thinned out I went into the pavillion and started hand polishing the 'clouds' that appreared on my blades. lucky for me I do carry rouge and felt cloth in addition to oil and windex. dont forget the sun light too. it can show some strange things. I was very embarrased