Leah

I took the two week into to bladesmithing class in Feb. I had never tried to forge a blade and I don't know anyone who could show me how. For me, it was worth every penny.

Try this: Take a piece of stock four times longer than the pieces you have been using. Heat and bend it in the middle into a "U" Make sure the bottom of the "U" is tight together. Then, heat the middle of each "leg" and bend the cut end of each "leg" back on itself to the bottom of the "U" Tighten the bends up so the pieces are as close as can be. This should give you a bundle of four pieces all held together. It is a lot easier to hold onto and weld. Hope this helps.

Thank you for showing us your beautiful work.

Thank you for letting us look at these formulas.

Thank you for posting the photographs, Mr. Hofi.

Like Marc, I have the cordless handsets with the intercom in the shop and house.

What a good idea!

Ainslee, her family and the doctors are on my prayer list.

I am laughing so hard that I am crying! Richard, you might want to cut back just a little on your meds - or up the dose just a little. That was great.

I vote for Clinker. My dog training book says a dog's name should be two syllables and not a common, household word. Also, it will sure give you a chance to talk about blacksmithing every time you have to explain the name.

I am sorry for your loss, but I am glad your Mother has found peace. I will remember your family in my prayers.

Thomas, I understand what you are saying. I fell at home one time and my health insurance company made me fill out a form stating that I was hurt on my own property. They wanted to make sure there was no one else they could make pay. My friend and I will just have to make sure we get hurt at our own home. mcraigl, I asked my husband again and he said the insurance on my shop is building only, no contents. He said we would not be able to afford the insurance on all of it. We have more money in the shop than we have in the tools.

Mine is a hobby shop. I just went through an "inspection" by my insurance agent because we had a hail storm and when the adjuster found out I had a forge, he must have said something about it to the insurance company. When we built the shop, seven years ago, we added it to our homeowner's policy. I think it costs $200-$300 a year extra. They never asked what we were doing in there, and I don't think the local agent cared. We told them it was a hobby shop. The agent came two weeks ago and checked it out and they renewed our policy with no change and no increase in price. He checked for fire extinguishers, the size of my forge, what type of stack went through the roof, where I stored my extra coal, and wanted to know if my forge had been installed by (his words) a professional forge installer. I almost fell out when he asked that one. I have a triple wall stainless stack and DID have it installed by a pro. So... 3. I have a gasser. 7. I have three fire extinguishers, I bought them at the hardware store. They still show to be charged. 12. I am covered by homeowners. 13. I got the feeling that, if they found out I sold anything I make, they would drop me very fast. 14. My coverage is just on the building, not my tools. 16. Two times, I have had a friend work in my shop and I have worked in his. We have talked about what would happen if one of us got hurt and agreed to each pay our on bills. I trust him. If I am in my shop, and someone comes in, I shut down and talk to them on the "cold end" or go in the house.

Drive safely. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ecart, I am sorry to hear about your father. I lost my father a little over a year ago and I can tell you that it will get better. I still miss daddy and, once in a while, I catch myself reaching for the phone to call and ask him a question. Then, I smile and remember that he is not sick anymore.