myloh67

Blacksmithing is learning all the way to the end, keep it simple, listen to others, give humble a go, i'm trying.

One hearth i had 100yr +/-, side blast cast iron construct. This had a large square area, quite a beast. I had this up on sleepers to bring it up to a reasonable level alternatively my belt would have been up around my chest due to some slight modification of my anatomy. I think like Grant your arm needs to be extended fully when forging heavy section, with or without gantry, if not, you will destroy yourself physically within a half a day. I only have the one hammer and will have the anvil height pallet face set for 31.5 inches of the floor allowing myself to work large section with arm straight and with the lighter section..well possible yoga therapy . My opnion only .. men where shorter back then and that set the standard. Grant.. I met Paul Casey as I lived in Seattle for a spell back then and he was my tutor at the Pratt centre for a short course..decent sort! John N.. spec on massy manual was a big suprise to me but I am more than satisfied to have realised through my own inexperience the true nature of the beast. Some photos of progress with foundation. All the best Michael Found_Again - Blacksmith Photo Gallery Found_ - Blacksmith Photo Gallery

Just another manic monday.. I had the formwork for the hammer found pretty much all rapped up by sat and to double check everything was hunky dory, checked on the ram the mark depicting safe working height. Using this as my datum realized that my initial measurements based on masseys anvil pallet face height from floor of 26" was short by 2 3/4". Big wet fish on back of head, and all down to my own inexperience. Obvisously various heights of anvil were produced. It pays to take your time, measure three time and cut once here. Today i've saved myself a lot of heartbreak, and unfortunately heartbreak (ram housing break) has happened in the past. Forever open to learning. Michael

Making nails sometimes create a gasp, "its a nail". 1/4 inch stock, have your nail header on the ready, short taper, appropriate length and 3/4 way cut on the hardy, into the header and form the head. Its fun and kids enjoy to take part dressing the head. Michael

No John this house is definately not mine, how would you heat it? On a long weekend excursion through Wales in a narrow boat, i found myself scrunched up like an accordian trying to sleep in a bunk, me i'm 6ft2", the bunk..victorian design again. I ended up on the floor, we've come a long way since then..haha

Time is getting close folks. Found that workshop space I was looking for, all my tools are on site, foundation 6x4x4ft is dug out (gravediggers beware!!). On the move again - Blacksmith Photo Gallery I fabricated in metal the formwork for the concrete having taken template of its base casting. One tip I got was to sleeve my three foot long inch and quarter threaded rod inside of inch and 3/4box section to allow a some play. Also these hammers were designed when the average height of a guy was 5ft4" (something i heard John.. truth?!). Massey's spec states top of anvil pallet 26" from floor. I have fabricated a box in 2mm sheet bringing the top of found 6" above floor, im getting 32". Think ill ditch the zimmerframe in the hole for reinforcing:rolleyes: So have left a 4" void around the box. I've got fabreeka pads under anvil, concrete 40 newton, steel wall, 1 3/4 polystyrene, dry sand and the dirt. Hopefully all going well will see a pour early next week.

bending dogs from this material is an asset for sure

Thats great Bully, fair play to him. I have a four yr old son Ellis, he always asks was it is i am making and somtimes he'll take his favourite 150gram ball pein and belt the lard out of a cold piece of brazing rod on the anvil and tell me that its going to be a duck.

I have used 316 in the past and found hand forging it DEVELOPMENTAL to say the least. Like Frosty said tig welding, i also find the best. With electropolishing ..the initial finish resembles a chroming finish..so be prepared to take it further..!

Why is blacksmithing so addictive.. thats a good question and i will do my best to answer. For me its a gateway approach of expression. I enjoy technical challanges but mainly it enables me to decifer aesthectially between the things i like and dont like through the creative process. I love its plasticity and sense the infiniteness of whats available. A big and neverending learning curve. Long may we breathe..!

well done Bob I like em

This was a gift from a friend of mine, Alan Evans a top smith. Stainless steel 316. It gets good use here.. So does his ice cream spoon

Quango, ..nice key ring. Some anvils were in the past made by blacksmiths using wrought iron and tool steel face plates welded on, all done with fire welding heats by my standards totally off the wall and remarkable. I know that a lot of us know this. If it is possible a photo documented process of the key ring, or a drawing would be much appreciated. A jewellery version of a blacksmiths made anvil made by a blacksmith. Kinda quirky.

Fine methods and will consider them all. The pads I have for anvil are fabreeka, I believe are of good quality. Thanks again.

As soon as I find the appropriate space I have plans to install a well travelled 2cwt clear space. Manufactured in Manchester, England in '54 and commissioned by a New Zealand company at the time made its way back home for a spell and now awaits its new tasks here in Ireland. Scale working its way down under the anvil. Is there material that can seal the void between anvil and foot casting to keep scale out and prevent anvil from going on the cock? Cheers, Michael:)

Kind comments, thank you. Frosty the height is 6 inch tall, using inch square as parent material. Larger scale from 2 inch stock would be preferential.

Played around with material yesterday thought i'd post:)