larrynjr

Not that I'm any help in IDing an anvil but it's harder to tell given the size of the image. Got one that is larger? Sorry, just went to your gallery page and saw the larger size picture. Again I'm no kind of expert but to me it looks almost cast iron and not cast steel.

Does anyone use this type of band saw? What are some of the drawbacks to a hand held type compared to any other type? I was considering buying this one from Northern Tool Northern Industrial Portable Band Saw but wanted some second opinions. Thanks Larry

Jimmy, I'm glad you found the tong progression picture useful. It's been invaluable to me. I've have also experienced the wrist tiredness that you mention, I think part of it is not being used to the weight but a larger part is overgripping the handle. Hofi recommends in his BP BP1002 Hofi Hammer Technique*-*I Forge Iron - Blacksmithing and Metalworking to hold the hammer very loosely, to the point it's almost going to fly out of your hand as you swing it. As I'm still nursing my neck back to heath, I haven't been able to try that technique but plan to as soon as I can hammer again.

Sorry Colleen, I didn't mean to hijack your post and turn it to one about kilts. If I do end up getting one of the kilt variations it won't bother me if it's hemmed. No one but a true Scot would know the difference anyhow! Returning your post to topic though, I'll have to pass on trying to forge a thistle till after my neck gets better. I'm thinking even when that happens any attempt I make will be pretty ugly creation indeed. For now I'll leave it to better smiths than I to show their craft.

Can't wait to see the pictures! Are you taking pictures as you go?

If making them into smaller hand hammers doesn't work out, you might be able to turn them into hardie tools.

I like the price of Amerikilts much better than what Utilikilts wants for theirs. Seems like a lot of money for something to wear. I've big bucks for cold weather gear but not for something that is mostly a fashion statement. I like the additional pockets that utilkilt offers but not for $250 +. $98 for Amerikilts is much more reasonable.

An 8# hand hammer seems very heavy to me. But with my shoulder / neck problems, my 2# seems heavy at times!

Are any of you familiar with these? UTILIKILTS : American Made Utility Kilts for Everyday Wear I don't have one but they look very interesting. Humorous opening video too!

great looking whale, Sam. Keep it up.

Happy Birthday, keep on hammering!

Those are some great shots of the weekend build Chris, thanks for sharing those!

My wife calls this the blacksmith porn site. Why look at naked people when there is some much bare steel in the world?

Got the results back from my MRI today. There is definately some bulging in the C4 area and some inflammation in the nerve roots of C5. The doc thinks that PT would be the way to start. I thought that going to get an opinion from a neuro-surgeon would be a good thing as well. So tomorrow I start PT and I should get a call from the NS hopefully by next week. Overall the pain is down from last week but still taking it's time and I really want to get this taken care of once and for all.

Thank you all, I feel like I should know something now........................... nope! Still learning! On to the next thing.

I know it's lame but I wanted to celebrate my 100th post and first entry as a "senior member" Talk about your Senior Moments!

Do you listen to the Bob and Tom show? I used to but the local station changed formats and now have no way to listen locally. Haven't shelled out the $$ to download directly from them.

Welcome, you should find everyone here extremely helpful and friendly. I've been very happy with the atmosphere and willingness to share. I made, hopefully my final move last year, as well as remarried. I may move my shop around some but plan on staying here.

Welcome from Washington state!

I went ahead and got the quote for a 12" x 20" x 1/2" plate. It was around $11. My wife and I have started getting our taxes together and we discovered that the raise I received in July, dissappeared in Sept. when they applied the State cost of living increase. So if they do the right thing, I should get all that back income. I might be able to buy both the steel and a mig welder!

That was great, thanks bipolarandy!

That would be great, I'll keep checking back. Thanks! Larry

The Ag / shop teacher here where I work has said I might be able to use the school equipment but I haven't been able to catch up to him to check it out with him yet. I was just double checking the finances and I think I may have to wait till end of month payday before I spring for the steel. I might be able to get my own welder at the same time though.

Is there any video of one of these in action?

Must be NICE!!! Hard to beat Free.