petere76

You are a great dad....something our world needs a lot more. Peter

Its a political hammer....both sides do the same thing but swing in different directions, how seasonal of you. Peter

May Peace be with you. Peter

Matt, A suggestion. When you use flat bar for the hanger, consider a hook that engages the flat stock. this way the hooks look straight and the finished product is more appealing to the eye. i made a slew of those in different lengths and orientations for a kitchen pot hanging system. They worked good and they looked great for the walk through with the client. Note the design of the hook where it interfaces with the flat stock. Think details, balance and function. Photo attached for your review. Peter

There is a lot of spirit there in Bill ....shines through even when translated to metal. Nice job and all the best to Bill. Peter

They are bottoming taps. Machine thread. Tapered threads are for pipe (NPT). Straight threads are machine screw (NF) (NC). Count the TPI and determine if they are fine or coarse and refer to a drilltap chart. Taps usually come 3 to a set; starting, tapered and bottoming. Bottoming taps are used on blind holes after you start the hole with the previous two taps. Yours have a Morse tapered (MT) head and probably went into a power drive of sorts. Peter

John, Thanks for your time in presenting the traditional procedure. A great exercise in the basics, very good work. Peter

Basher, Your technique and hand forging precision is inspirining. Your work is excellent . Thank you for putting up the video and I Ilook foreward to seeing the ABANA August package. Peter

KY, Nice job on the hawk. Do you weld the eye on as a seperate piece or draw out, fold over and then weld? Peter

As a suggestion, pick up a copy of "The Blacksmiths Craft" Vol I, by Dixon. Its a great reference book and an excellent present if you know anyone getting into the craft Pg 135 has a pic of Francis Whitaker's traveling toolbox and details its content. Not sure how much it weighs in at but it appears to have most of what would be handy. Ref ISBN NO..0-9707664-7-5

Dave, Excellent rebuild....rule of twos apply...takes twice as long and costs twice as much. Nice job, It will be a looker when you are finished. Peter

Most tanks are leased and you may find that other outfits are not willing to fill tanks that they don't inspect and rotate through their own stock system. Unitor will not take Air Gas tanks etc. Peter

Suboc, Class job on that hammer. Looks sharp. Peter

On the post fabricated or purchase a reese style trailer socket (2 in x 2 in) is common. You make up the mating plate for the vice, bolt the vice to the plate and weld the 2 in x 2 in male onto the plate. In our shop the layout table has sockets around it perimeter so we can move the vices and have a clear surface. Photo attached. Peter

I have a few of those cast drifts. Polish then up with a flap disc, smooth is good and rough is bad when you drift. If you don't have any powdered graphite, mix scale flakes and bees wax into a paste. It makes a reasonable (non toxic) lube for drifting. Peter

JW, Nicely done and classy as well. As a table top art piece it will be a popular sale item. My wife has feeders set out for these little fellows and I am always fascinated by their size and speed as they dart around the gardens. Peter

Try, Moore Co blades, bimetal, 14 TPI. They work well for our small portables. The 1/2 in blades flex a lot in use, so they have to be able to take a beating. Peter

Prayers sent. Tragic story and I recently read where the father of the boy just filed suit against the Grand Mother for negligence. Doesn't seem to be getting any better for the family. Peter

Flawless weld, very good work. Peter

What's the attraction to the hottest time of the year, I dont get it? Between the heat and the cost It only discourages attendance Why not at least have these things in the fall when temps are more tolerable. Maryland in the summer, is another hot venue. It looks like the leadership is a bit out of the loop with the membership on planning. Previously there was some discussion about having regional vs natioanl events, might be time to re-think that idea. Just a thought. Peter

Cedar kindling or a piece of birch bark will make it easy ...be connected to the earth in what you do... when we start the fire we honor the the elements... good things will follow. Peter

Solar systems all have additional components. The storage batteries alone will be a substantial cost item. The kind you will need, deep cycle batteries are expensive. DC motors at the required HP are expensive as well. Its certainly possible but expense may be prohibitive. Another consideration on solar power is your location. Above 45 North its not so good. You may need a supplemental power input, such as a AC/DC MG set or an inverter. This will keep your battery bank up. All comprising additonal costs that you should consider. Peter

Wood for me. I like a more straight line profile. I usually rasp down store brought hickory handles to a rectangular profile and ease the lines on the sander. You can leave it rough (grip) or finish smooth. Linseed oil and paint thinner mix for the raw wood . finish. Peter

Great find. Make sure you match up your (anvil) hardy dimenstions so you can do the heavy forging on the swage (strinking block) vs the anvil itself. Also consider a rectangular through cut as well. Study the Yates (sp) style blocks. In addition to your proposed swage block idea, you have an excellent supply of hammer stock. The Fork Tines make good hammers of all styles. Good luck with your project and thanks for the pics. Peter

Mo, Register your chop as yours if you use if for ID on your work. A simple incorporation in your state will suffice and list the name of the Corp as your initials or whatever letter sequence you use. it's a practile way to protect your work. My forge is called Carrabassett Valley Forge, I use the letters "C.V.F. " for the chop and its listed as the name in the incorporation document. Peter