Ralph G Gilmore

Good to have another Canadian join, even if you are an Easterner.

On oil rigs we must wear fire retardent clothing. I use either PROBAN, or NORMEX III, extremely expensive, but what price is your life.

On the oil rigs I use a lot of extension cords some of the quite long, I roll them up and tie the roll with electrical tape, not always easy in freezing weather. Some times for convenience I make several rolls for the same cord ie divide the cord into sections and roll each section separately. The trick is to be neat and don't get the cord tangled. Once rolled and taped they can be stored where ever you feel they will not get damaged.

My slack tub freezes solid every winter and if I was to heat it the with an electic tank heater the cost would be phenonimal. I however once read that the makers of damascas steel would hold the knife up to be hardened by winter winds. I tried cooling in the really cold air, and in the snow. The air works well but you have to keep the steel moving in the snow otherwise the snow acts as an insulator. Oh yes I also built a wood fire under my metal slack tub probably the best solution.

Hi Everyone I am a practicing geologist slowly nearing retirement. I am also a hobby blacksmith with a shop at White Gull, Alberta.