jeremy k

This is an old (antique) 1903 Hawkeye Helve Hammer. The picture attached is the condition that I bought this in. There was no wood base, the lag bolts were rusted in the base holes of the anvil and the bearing blocks - indicating either the wood rotted off or was in a fire???? I did have to have a couple parts made. One was the threaded rod adjustment (1-1/8" thread), and the main crankshaft made by fellow IFI member trying-it. A brass ID tag was made by IFI member Rich Hale.Other pieces that I replaced were the pins and new springs made and I poured all new babbit bearings in the bearing housings. - JK

I'll let everyone know as soon as I get this one going. - JK

For the most part all I use is the cheap hardware store drill bits (ace hardware or hanson brand). I go through them a lot mainly due to heavy use, and I re-sharpen them by hand myself on what ever grinder or belt sander is handy at the time. If I was doing more of the same type of drilling all the time I would maybe invest in the better bits but - they get abused and I don't really have any trouble using them on any type of mat'ls including stainless. - JK

Just wondering if anyone has seen a head like this before. It weighs in at 35lbs, the handle was put on as a joke. My thinking is it may be for a helve hammer of some sort????? The hole in the center is rectangular, and each end has a different face shape. It appears that it was reversible possibly. Any info????? - JK

I think people forget to easily that there is one person that is really in control of this site and regardless of what any one thinks "that person does have control", and that person is Glenn (and or anyone he has helping him do the administrative work). For if it was not his starting of this site - it wouldn't be where it is now - A very fabulous site for smiths of all skill levels from anywhere in the world to meet and learn. That is the purpose! Not an argument platform, granted there will always be differences in ways of doing things - of course that is natural. Polite differences in opinions are welcome as they promote different thinking. I know I get in ruts and then someone says: yada yada yada and then it's like wow - why didn't I think of that. Next thing I know my project was back on track and then finished, while at the same time I also learned something. I really think that Glenn has more than layed out the guide lines to be adhered to as far as posting: It's not unreasonable, The reference to the building with blocks is exactly how this site works. Everyone can benefit from everyone else by their knowledge, Whether it be little or vast. Now I've looked and maybe I haven't looked in the right spots, but what I've found is that there are very few sites that have the content both written and photos wise that compare to IFORGEIRON. There are others - and I frequent them also along with many others here - and hey they go through the same issues from time to time with people,(as they have guidelines for their sites also). The point I guess I'm triing to make and I'm not a writer or good with words but don't forget......(of course this would be a drastic measure but it's always an option - don't forget it) Glenn can pull the plug at any given time - This site is a vision of Glenns and a benefit to everyone that meets here, let's keep this site going with the want to help others and strive to keep the blacksmithing community growing. Just a thought - JK