J W Bennett

Here are a few more shots. Cody made a replacement set of tines for an old garden culivator. Adam,Heath,Dallas,Cree and Jayden are working on their first set of tongs. Garrett is working on a letter opener. I would like to see pictures from other youth groups. John

Thought I'd take a moment and post pictures from the 3 sessions we've had so far. We have 16 students so far. There are 2 students per station (4 stations) per session. One morning session 9-12 and one afternoon session1-4. There are 5 - 3rd year 5 - 2nd year and 6 1st year. I am proud of all of them. It shows there are positive things in store for the future. John Vanada and I are the instructors. John has the hat on and I'm the fat guy in the bibs. John

Tom, PM your way

USMC 80-84 spent the majority at 29 stumps, Motor T Mech

I don't have to worry about it anymore. however I just have to remind myself at times that I can't eat tools. However they do pay for themselves over time. John

A friend of mine has 3 JHM anvils and swears by them. I purchased 2 new shapers two weeks ago.I picked up one from anvil brand two weeks ago and pick the other up tomorrow. I have not forged enough on the one to give you an honest opinion but like I said my friend who is a full time farrier swears by them. The finish on the one I picked up last week is good. Theygave me a break for buyong two. Nice folks to deal with. John

JHM shaper is a 160# anvil and is a very good anvil. JWB

I have a smith also, i did put a guard above the pilot to keep from accidently getting into it. John

Here is a couple of pictures of the anvil stands I make for my anvils. They are made so the height is adjustable for teaching. The boards and the chain holddown also go a long wat to deaden the anvils ring. They are stable and don't take long to make. The first photo is a picture of getting everything staged and ready to take to the 4H fairgrounds. The second is a picture of a single one. The rings are for hardies or hammers. I usualy put hardies in the ones on the sides and then a Ball pein and a smithing hammer in the two on the back. It works well for me. John

I passed on the hammer. If anyone in the area is interested it is located in Riley Indiana on state road 46 at the old gas station across from the bank. I don't know if he has a phone, sorry. Theres no sign just alot of old stuff sitting around. John

It appears to be an early model with a one piece sow block. I believe to repair it properly I would have to have a new piece machined and then weld it on to the original piece. I have a Big Blu 110 and am looking for a trip hammer back up in case the compressor fails. 2000 plus repairs is a bit steep for a spare. But I would have liked to had it sitting in my shop. John

I had a chance to go take a better look today. The sow block is broken and someone has jury rigged a clamp on it to hold the bottom die on it. The rest of the hammer seems to be in good shape. The pin and the arms are tight with very little movement and the motor has a flat belt set up. It is a early model 50# mayer brother. With the sow block broken I have my doubts, He is asking $2000. That is pricey for a back up hammer that I really don't need. He says that if the sow block was in tact he'd be asking $3500. Think I'll let this one go. John Once agian thanks for your input. Thomas your information was good for early models. I beleive it was the late models made in minn. That are totaly different. Had my hopes up....maybe next time

Thanks for all the info I really appreciate it. I spent the day trying to finish up a job so I did not get a chance to go back for a better look. I should have time tomorrow. I'll ley you all know what I find out. Once again thanks a bunch. John

I went and looked at a 50# Meyer Bros hammer today. It is complete and runs, the sow block has had some work done on it. other than that it seems to be in good shape. Can anyone give me tips on what problems to look for? I am buying this for a back up but do plan on using it. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure on what a 50# hammer in good condition is worth? Sorry for all the questions but I don't want to rush into a deal. John

I have a PDF of BP231 which is a ear of wheat that Mike HR made. but it is to big to attach to this post. Email me and I will send it to you

I rode over to Lorelei's shop last spring. It was a nice day for a motorcycle ride. Altough she is a busy person she took the time to talk with me and she showed me around her shop and the lighting project she was working on as well. Between the ride and the visit it was probably one of my best days last year. John

Here are 3 I made from jack hammer bits. They have held up well. John

I made a pair using Jeremy's BP, They work well, and they always make for a good conversation piece. John

I apologize to Brian and the Forum, John

Big Blu was ran off of here several times for promoting their products and you are capitalizing on the tailgate section and your still here? see post #20 of this thread

Look under General Discussions/Book Reviews

Steve, I use a beer keg with the top cut out and a stock tank heater. Hasn't froze up since I started using this setup. John

I use either ATF or 10 wt. Never had a problem with either in hot 90+ or cold 15 or so

Ditto what TASMITH said. Just beat the tar out of the thing , the thinner it is the easier it is to roll up and finish out. But a good first rose. Keep up the good work.

Thanks, I was just curious, Like I said before let us know how it works for you. John