jeremy k

I just happened to stop for a break and checked out the live video..... very cool and worth seeing - I caught the last part of the demo. Nice to see a live demo like that. - JK

nuge - Is that twist you posted - squared threaded rod then twisted? - JK

When no power is available - I've used the old trusty "hand hacksaw" takes time but you can get it done if needed. Don't forget about the simple tools - not saying they are easy - just simple:-). - JK

My eye balls (both) have came in contact with the ol' dremel - twice in the last year. Both times it happened was on a Saturday and by Sunday noon it was extremely painfull. Time is a very important issue due to rust - the longer you wait the harder it is to get all the rust out - Believe me!!!!. The one eye suffered no damage - the other suffered about 5-10% loss of vision (clear vision) due to it being exactly in the middle of the pupil. I was wearing glasses but now have switched to glasses with a soft felt like pad and vents to seal the eyes. They work fine but they do fog up more easily that I thought they would. Even with a anti-fog put on by the manufacturer. Glasses are not a 100% cure for not getting something in your eye - but they do help. I'm on a first name basis with my eye doctor, not a good thing but required, by all means don't wait if you know for sure you have something in your eye - rust rings ARE VERY BAD, even waiting 2 days is to long. One trip to the eye doctor w/ a dremel and then 3 day's after of dremeling is way to much for anyone. The problem w/ the eye tissue is - like a swamp the more it's disturbed the softer the ground gets - that's why it took 4 days of dremeling on the 1 eye, the tissue can't take trying to get the whole rust ring out at once if it's that bad. in all it's just a bad deal to get something in your eye - and the eye doctor told me the eye is one of the most forgiving parts of your body, as far as healing and cleaning itself. That's just my story - only cause it happened - don't want to go there again and wouldn't wish it on anyone. - JK

Matt - If you can wire up for a small light bulb, or a computer fan inside the cover and leave it on - the heat from the bulb will keeps the moisture off the wire. - I've done the light bulb trick in humid weather. - JK

Smokeman - I did a large sculpture awhile ago from 1 inch plate - here's a couple links to the pics: 1 - dove_sculpture - Blacksmith Picture Gallery 2 - sculpture - Blacksmith Picture Gallery Maybe this may be something you can make similar for the bird shape - not sure how life like you need it to be, good luck. - JK

Dave - Where at in Minnesota? - JK

Mike - sorry I was not able to attend - just curious - how many people showed this last weekend? - JK

Yesterday - I got a bad call from a friend(neighbor about 6 miles away) of mines wife, saying they came home from traveling early due to illness. She informed my that Al was not expected to last much more than days(cancer). I stopped over to his place for about 2 hours, His wish was to pass at home in Minnesota. His final breaths were taken shortly after I left last night in the company of family. AL was an inspiring force to get me into smithing and was with me while buying my first anvil. Some may know him from the guild activities or classes. AL always liked stopping over to see what I was working on and we always had great conversations about everything. AL.....Rest in Peace - JK

I'm with Thomas, Not directly over although I would put multiple lights around the anvil - not directly above as a shadow may be a problem. The lights could be put on a dimmer so as to control the amount of light you want. Just my opinion. - JK

I say - ask a guy that makes his sole living on making swords about the list Jr has made. I'd be willing to bet that they could easily add more things that would double or triple the the length of the list. Jr is not really so far off base. Yes some people can say "it didn't take me that long to learn that" or "I didn't have to do that to learn this", what he's saying is - in a serious/kinda joking but still serious is like it's been said before start with the bare bones basics of forging, then slowly move to more involved items. High end swords are the results of many many years of lots of metal pounding and skill honing. I personally have never tried to make a sword, even though I get asked about it all the time. I'm not interested in making one either - even for myself, maybe some day. Anyway getting back to the list or "a list", I think it's really like a good joke.... everyone can laugh at it, but deep down lots of times it's very close to the truth. - JK

Ecart - The Gallery has a good picture of a spring fuller that is easy to make for the hardy hole in your anvil : http://www.iforgeiron.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3590 - JK

Sam - what was the size material did you use for the frame? 2x2x1/4 tubing? - JK

Frosty - As someone who has actually used Jr's power hammer.... I will say it does what he says... it does hit hard and has great control. I didn't have time to try out his 50lber but the Depew is a great little hammer. I just wish I had more time to play with it. - JK

When I was down to Sid's shop I learned of his wifes condition from him personally,this last August. I have never met Mary but having met Sid and his daughter Keri over the phone for the last few years (through buying and getting info about Little Giant power hammers) and now finally personally, I can't help but think that she is as nice and friendly as Sid and Keri. My prayers are with the whole family. - Jeremy K

I use automotive Epoxy primer w/ catalyst and Acrylic Enamel w/ catalyst. I've been using automotive paints on my hand railings for almost 20 years. You get the durability and the capability to color match existing colors and or trim on the house for accents etc. Now the paint can be made in small spray cans for touch up that you can give to the owner for later use. I also try to keep a record of the paint formulas from the automotive paint supplier of each job I do for future use/additional metalwork they may want the same color. All my metal work gets sandblasted before painting. - JK