triw

I have done several demos for jr high kids that lasted for about 15 minutes before the groups rotated to an other site (it was part of a historical musem so there were other demos) What I did was some simple like leaves and did what Steve talked about, breaking the project into steps and have the progression made up ahead of time so while you formed the point you have a point in the forge, so you can move from one step to the next with out having to wait for the metal to heat. This way you can make a leave in about 10 minutes while explaining your steps. Then you can do fun things the impress like brand your stump to show how hot the metal is and other things the kids are interested in. I usually had made ahead of time several leaf coat hooks so each teacher would have one to put up in the class room reminding the kids what they saw demonstrated.

I read some where the Japanenese use pine charcoal in their forges so you might be onto something there Jayco.

If some one took this thread they could write one heck of a PLAY it would be a comedy of course staring Frosty as him self

Welcome to the site Dave I live over the hill in Cottonwood. There is a blacksmithing club and a bladesmithing club here in Arizona. Give me a shout and I will get information to you. William

Nice job Robert, and I also will look fore ward to more of your work.

I like that, it is an interesting blade. Did you make it?

while with a sad voice sigh "Oh DEAR!"

If you get on her bad side repent and SEAL your forgiveness with a kiss

a good blacksmith does not let these broken tools SEND him over the edge but he collects his (or her) wits and corrects the mistake

no matter if it is a zing from a gibson. a ring from an anvil or a TING (a high-pitched sound like that made by a light stroke on a crystal goblet) Let us make music for the King of Kings

Frosty go wash your mouth out in the POOL LOL I am enjoying this as a story line develops and it is fun to see where it goes.

Very valid point Glenn,

Here is my two cents.. My first anvil was made of two sections of railroad rail. Each section was about 18" long, one section was crown up (where the wheels ran) so the hitting serface was rounded and the other section was crown down so the hitting serface was flat. The two were attached by welding a thick strip of metal along both sides. This was mounted on a section of railroad tie so you can guess how big and bulky this was This made a great anvil and served me well but was very big and not easy to move so I did replace it with a smaller peter wright that I could take on the road to do demos with.

Why not just start with tool steel? Why would you want to start with mild steel and try to make it into high carbon? I am courious as to why you want to do this. Thanks William

if you run far enough away you may get LOST and not found what a bummer

his bill is a BOLL of barley to be malted and a BOLL of Munich Malt. Note a boll defined is "A Scotch measure, formerly in use: for wheat and beans it contained four Winchester bushels"

move faster and you will PASS the fellow trying to dodge the sticks

Glad it is not me getting that prize It would scare santa away. lol good last minute thinking

I use the end of a 4x4 piece of post and different size ball peen hammer also.

It would be even worse if you had to pay RENT to live in your tent

I agree these are beatiful knives and well made. I have a question I dont understand your title four bird and trouts can you explain that one to me?

after your rest it is time for a TEST to see if you remember the "reason for the season"

if you fill a VASE is that a vast amount?

To much of that and we will lay you to REST

Mike, I see your faith is in God so you are in good hands. I will pray for you also. William