J W Bennett

Hey George, What's wrong with hoot owls and chickens? They hang out in that tree you snapped the pix of :D

I had a good time as well. Good to put faces with names. A lot of talent and a willingness to share knowledge. Thanks to Stan, Clara and Susan for they're hard work putting it all together. Hope to see everyone again next year. John

Stan, I managed to side step a last minute trip to NC . I have the dog sitter lined up, the coolers cleaned out out and the coal is in the garbage can (not to be confused with my "Big Can"). At this point I plan to head your way before sun up Friday morning. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. John

I fish a little but am no expert and I've never caught a walleye. I have a client that wants a piece with 3 walleye included in it. Here is my first pass. The walleye is made from 14 ga. mild steel. It is 11" long.The space constraints for the whole piece will not allow for a bigger size. If any of you fisherman can offer suggestions/comments I would appreciate it. John

Frosty, One of the few places I haven't been in my travels is Alaska. We may have to talk about a weeks room an board and a demo :)

We'll have to get together some time and Ill show you :)

Been working on this for about a month in my spare time. Forged from 1 1/2" and 1" mild steel round stock. Cap and arrowhead backplate are 14 gauge. Thanks goes to Rick Jay for sharing his knowledge.

Good news. I entered this and another piece into a juried art show at the Swope Art Gallery. 320 pieces entered, 65 chosen for the show. This piece made it in the show. I've never been in a gallery let alone been in a show. If my mom was still with us she would be proud http://www.swope.org/sammyblog/2011/2011-wabash-valley-juried-exhibition/#content

Glenn, I apologize for I have been so caught up in the goings on of my world I had not read about you tragic loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. John

Dave, Went to JCC a couple of years ago and took an intermediate class to work on my forge welding. Going back this time for two classes. The first week is a class by Clay Spencer on traditional joinery and then the second week I'm taking a class by Rick Jay on natural art forms, either a bonsai tree or a set of antlers. I will probably load my bike up in the truck and ride the weekend between the two classes but thought if someone wanted to share a fire and swap knowledge I'd take full advantage of the weekend. RR, I ride but keep my beliefs to myself, If i head your way I'll give you a shout, John

I will be at J.C. Campbell from 4/17-4/30. Looking for something to do 4/23 and 4/24. Realized it's Easter weekend a couple of days ago. I can find my way around a forge and bathe on a regular basis :)

I made a tumbler out of a 100# propane tank. I use 3/8 nuts, welding rod stubs,Short drops and odds & ends for medium, I love it. Wrap it with foam rubber and it cuts down on the noise a lot.

Jim, I really haven't set a price on it and the local market averages less than the bigger cities. I made it mainly as a display piece to show what is possible. Glad you guys like it. John

I have never been fast and don't do well at "how many heats" the dragon heads each take me 4-6 hours from start to finish. I cut the ears with a sharp slitting chisel and each takes me several heats. I cut the mouth with a bandsaw. I thought about a copper wrap or a collar with flypress work to cover the arc weld but opted to leave it visible. I ground the welds but did not polish them because the legs have a hammered texture but perhaps I need to rethink that.

I forged a Dan Boone style dragon a while back and finally decided what to do with it so I forged 2 more and then added tapered legs with Balls forged on the ends and then put an octagon top on it. Here it is...

The glass top has arrived and is in place. The centerpiece is done. Here is the end result.

Ironstien, I brazed the center cup to the stem. The petals are a tight fit on the stem and sit on a shoulder.

Forged these tonight. Petals are 14 gauge steel sheet stock, Thingy in the center is 1" copper pipe. Stem is 1/4" round stock and leaves are 1/8" x 3/4" flat stock. Finish is brass brush with second heat and clear coat.

This is the finished centerpiece. The glass top will be in for the table Monday I will post pictures of the completed project first of the week.

Very nice!

I'm tired of waiting for spring so I forged a tulip today. First forging for a center piece to go on the coffee table,

Firebug, Nice work I like the way you did the nose. Urnesbeast, If you go to the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association web site and go to the clinker breaker archives and open I believe feb of 91 you will find an older writeup. If you have a band saw it is easier to cut the mouth with a bandsaw than it is to cut it with a sharp chisel. That's how Dan does it these days.

Good work, I enjoy making tools and then using them.

I watched Dan Boone make one of these at the Big Blu Hammer in a few years ago. Finally got around to trying one today. Not sure what he's gonna be yet...Good day at the forge.

I have the tong tool that is in the KA75 tong video. Bought it when I picked up the hammer last spring