RGraff

I used ceramic media of varying shapes (depending on the geometry of the part being tumbled).  Worked well on steel scale. 

Not advocating this particular vendor but the link illustrates what we used.

http://www.vibrafinish.com/vibratory-media-ceramic-sp.html

Not smithing related but...In a former life I serviced and opened locked/malfunctioning safes, vaults and vault doors.  It never failed.  I'm on my knees, eye to the borescope, and some know-it-all will invariably stand over my shoulder and proclaim "Where's your dynamite?" and then guffaws as if he just came up with that one and I've never heard it before. Then he wants to know where my stethoscope is and why am I using such a small drill.

I'm getting fired up just typing this. 

Oh my goodness.  What a beauty.  Well done sir.

Nice work j.w.s..  As a noob I'm always looking for other ways of doing things.

Can you show an uneducated wannabe what a ribbon burner looks like?

Excellent news!  Thanks guys.

Can elk and/or deer horn be too old to use for knife handles?  I have a good selection I was rummaging through yesterday and came across some elk horn that is quite old (24 years) and bleached white due to being stored outside for a time.  For the past five years or so it's been in the barn.  

Still good to use or no?

Never mind.  Re-read your first post and see where you're already using a sealed bucket.

Carry on!   :)

kayakersteve brings up a good point.  Vermiculite, by it's nature, will suck moisture right out of the air.  We used it extensively as fill material for fire resistant safes.  We bought multiple pallets at a time and storage was a big deal.  

Get it dry and make effort to keep it's storage container sealed.

I've seen a bit from both sides.  My family owned/operated a custom safe and vault manufacturing company for many years.  I have also owned/operated a production cnc machining company.  I think the buying public is separated into very distinct groups, each with their own needs and wants.  While the numbers change over the years (demographics, economy) and will continue to change depending on which way the wind blows, folks who want truly custom items made by hand (tools, art, structures, etc.) will always be around.  Granted in smaller numbers than years past, but still here nonetheless.  

I think we need to find our niche, be professionals and experts in that niche, and be happy with what we have in terms of customer base.  I remember dealing with some of the biggest stresses of my life when I felt the need to "grow" my market and wanted to accommodate everybody with a slew of new and varied products.  Didn't work worth a xxxx.  I stuck with and went back to what I knew and was good at.  Suddenly happy with life again.  Go figure. 

I ran my machine shop/fabrication business out of my home for a time.  As was mentioned already, be up front with the neighbors and give them a heads up about what you're doing.  Keep the work hours "reasonable" (straightening a safe door at 11:30 at night is not reasonable...ask me how I know).  Invite them over for a cup and show them what you're up to.  Worked for me.

Nice work little Farmall!

JimsShip...thanks very much for the pdf.  On to the forge!  :)

That sounds good too, although a bit further for us to go than the timber festival in Orofino, ID.  I like the sounds of Rooster's festival in that it looks like there's some smithing going on.  Us noobs gotta get all the instruction we can.   :D

How fantastic is an axe festival!?!

That sounds like a great time!  

Why doesn't this stuff happen in Oregon (in my best whiny voice)?   :(

My latest stemmed from a history of lazy safety practices.  

I've been welding since I was old enough to see over the top of the workbench.  I'm no fan of auto-darkening hoods and most times, when spot welding, just turned my face or closed my eyes rather than momentarily tip my hood down.  Just a couple months back my doc found a spot of melanoma on my nose.  We attributed it to the welding rather than sun exposure as I'm not much of a sun worshipper and have lived most of my life in northern Oregon.

Anyway, after some of the most traumatic surgery I've ever experienced, I'm on the road to recovery.  Needless to say, it's copious amounts of sunscreen from here on out and never, ever, ever welding with my hood up again.  Ever.

I've used the handyman system many times and works well.  I like your idea with the come-along too DSW, as long as a good anchor point is available.

the other has flames

In my shop that would be an invitation for some funny guy (my 14 year old son) to douse said hat with a cold bucket of water.

A journeyman in my neighborhood willing to spend every free evening and weekend minute with a wannabe asking endless questions.  A teacher with a well stocked tool inventory and the patience of Job. :)

On making your own in a retort...does it matter what type of wood you use?  In other words, is one species of wood better than others in terms of heat production?  I cut wood for our primary heat source so the equipment to get it is a non-issue.  Pine is found here in abundance as are tamarack (western larch) and several types of fir.  I'm refering to forging charcoal, not for the bbq. :)

If you are having a problem with the glasses fogging up, please buy anti-fog safety glasses. $15-20 at home depot up here in Canada.

They are well worth it.

I didn't mean to imply I wasn't wearing any protection, just that I've had little luck with goggles (anti-fog or otherwise).  I've found glasses that are relatively close fitting and have no fogging issues with them.  I also use a shield, coupled with the glasses, but only when I'm on my back underneath a project.  More to keep things from traveling down my neck than anything though.

The depth of knowledge on this board never ceases to amaze me.

I can't begin to recall all the close calls I've had over the years with "stuff" getting in under the safety glasses.  I don't wear goggles just because of the way they tend to fog up.  In the end we do what we can do with what we have.  As I approach middle age (I refuse to admit I'm there) I like to think I use the best of both worlds...good safety equipment and safe working practices.  That said, the odd incident will occasionally happen and it's tough to predict everything.

Good to hear there are no long lasting effects of your accident although that must have been painful XXXXXX

I really like what you do with the cord wrapped handles.  Beautiful (as are the blades themselves).  :)

I'd fabricate a clamp. 

Short pieces of steel banding material work well for shims.

Perfect