Jerry W.

Great news. We'll pray that his progress continues..... Jerry

m brothers, Check out the link. Could you make a Stake Anvil out of it and set it into a stump or other type of base??? Anvils and Anvil Types Jerry

Mark, Look up balconesforge.org It is the local blacksmith organization. They meet once a month. They met this past Saturday in Austin. They are a great group and very willing to share their knowledge and experience. Jerry W.

Take a look at the Jantz Supply Catalog. Page 64. Cat. # ET1 and ET2. http://www.jantzsupply.com/documents/pdfcatalog44_000.pdf It is a Jewelling tool made to be used in the drill press.

It is best to keep the majority of the combustibles well away from your work area. It would be best if the lawnmowers and gas jugs were stored in a building totally separated from the garage and living areas. This would be a good place for any propane bottles or chemicals that need to be stored also. If flammable liquids or electrical equipment is involved the ABC extinguisher is the best and safest route. These are a good start but, if at all possible, I would want water and plenty of it. In most cases you will still need water when you overhaul the burned area to complete the extinguishment. Schools and businesses have fire drills for a reason. Situations such as these are much more survivable when we plan ahead.... Jerry

We'll keep you and your Papa in our prayers.... Jerry

I might repair it as a showpiece or display item. I would not want it to be used as a working tool. That could make one ugly projectile. Jerry

There are several makers of the burners. Gas forges was at the Balcones Forge June meeting. He sells complete gas forges, burners and regulators to make your own. I don't know if it will burn with butane. It may just be a matter of changing an orifice. Maybe not..... Jerry

A good addition would be a handled tool with a hook to pull them back out of the ground when it is time to pack up..... Jerry

Out of curiosity, yesterday I stacked up a bunch of fire brick and used a small propane torch as a burner. I wanted to see if I could use it for small work. I let it burn for about 30 minutes and it was not near hot enough to forge in. I think I will invest in a proper burner. Jerry

--- Peor ---

Manual frame page. This is a page out of Bob Engnath's book. The chemistry section. It is well worth a look. He has a lot of information. Much of it very entertaining. Jerry

It is great to see one person helping another. I have found that in the Blacksmith community, there is a lot of that going on. I hope that one day I can help others as I have been. Thanks, Jerry

We will pray for a successful surgery and recovery... Jerry

--- Knife ---

--- Whetstone ---

Olive oil in a spray can. As long as the wife keeps getting it, I will keep using it. Works Great..... Jerry

Bentiron, We will keep you in our prayers. I understand how you feel as I have been off of work for over a month now with a back injury. One thing that we can do is to try to educate others. You will not stay young forever. Wear your eye and hearing protection. Watch your lifting techniques. Don't try to be Superman. Get help when you need it. Appreciate good health when you have it..... Jerry

When I was very young, we went out to my Great Grandmothers farm. When we got there they were in the process of killing about 200 chickens. They had a large cast iron pot boiling over a fire and had a very efficient assembly (or disassembly)line going. Most memorable though was the smell of the boiling feathers. As far as I am concerned, if they are up and walking, they can stay that way. If they are in the freezer or on the plate, that is good too. I will keep working so that I can buy them ready to cook. Dave, keep up the hard work. Jerry

--- Rawhide ---

Even a blind hog finds an acorn every once in awhile......

We have an Old Favorite Receipts book from Castroville, Texas. It has recipes and history from the area. First settlers were from Alsace-Lorraine and others from France and Germany. Mostly Catholic. This is printed on the inside of the back cover - Shooting the Anvil The anvil played an important part in the days of the Castro Colonies. On the farm and ranch it was used in making tools, keeping the old tools in working condition, shodding horses and repairing horseshoes. Then, of course, boys will be boys, and they soon found out that by placing black gunpowder and a fuse between a block and the anvil, lighting the fuse, and running like mad, they would have a very loud explosion. Soon everyone was shooting the anvil on special occasions: Christmas, New Year's, and especially when the Bishop came to town. In the Quihi area the farmers, one after the other, would shoot the anvil as a warning to tell all that the creek was rising or flooding. It says that the last time they shot the anvil was February 19, 1975 at the One Hundredth Anniversary of the founding of the St. Louis Society. The cookbook is published by the Castro Colonies Heritage Association. I know that this is not earthshattering news but, thought it was interesting enough to share. Jerry

Looks like a lot of fun. The last on is a good reason that I shouldn't..... Jerry

Yum, Jerky....

Along with the books you may also try the blacksmith organizations in your area. I have found, at least in our area, that the blacksmiths that attend these meetings and events are very sharing with their knowledge and skills. Good luck, Jerry