Jim Poulmas

I know people that use ash. I use ash or hickory. When I was in Germany almost all of the set tools, fullering tools, etc. seemed to have random tree branches wedged in. I've heard that a lot of Czech metalworkers use old hockey sticks for set tool handles. For the tools it shouldn't matter too much. For hammers I'd say go for precision.

Also consider a development fee. I charge a $250 development fee that is non refundable but is deducted off the final price. This is so I don't sit around for an entire day designing something only to have the person decide that they want a wood gate instead.

Personally, I always take money in installments. X amount up front, x midway and x upon completion. This will guarantee that you have money coming in regularly so when you hit that light switch you'll have power. This is especially useful for things like quarterlies, insurance payments etc. This can also allow you the option of taking a check every week as opposed to the feast or famine method. I've done both and getting a weekly is better for paying bills. No waiting. Plus, if July and Sept. are busy but Aug. is dead you'd get the completion payments for and July and some up front money for September and you won't starve during the month of August, for example.

To finish or not to finish.... ha ha. I have the equipment but the thought of acetone, xylol, naphtha, lacquer thinner, corrosive patinas, and other mind altering vapors makes me sweat. Charge extra for this type of thing.

Be prepared to educate clients. Most people don't realize that metals are a publicly traded commodity and are expensive. Metal is ubiquitous so people think it's cheap. When they balk at a figure it helps if you explain the nature of the business to them.

That's just my .02

Best of luck.

Thanks all. I think I'm just going to find a large plate and put it on a wood frame. That's a good idea. I did, in the course of my research find another system that is probably a little less expensive than bluco. (I'm waiting on a price list.) You can see it here.

I think eventually it would be worth it to pay for one of these systems because it makes life SO easy. Especially if you're in an environment where you need to juggle multiple projects at once.

I work for an architectural metal company in New York. I have gone and done myself a great disservice by learning to jig and fabricate on the two sweet, sweet Demmeler tables we have in the shop. I'm doing a little side work and I need a table to make a gate but haven't won the lottery so buying a demmeler is out. Does anyone know of anything similar to the the Demmeler system that's less expensive?
Jim

Keep in mind also, there's lots of instruction in the region. In CT there are a few places to take classes. The Brookfield Craft Center offers blacksmithing classes. If you want you venture out of state you should check out the New England School of Metalwork, in Maine.

I was getting into blacksmithing and had to fabricate some tools - forge, tool rack etc, - so I took a half day mig course in the back of a welding and gas supply store. Turned out well. I built what I needed and then it actually got me a job.

Samuel Yellin. Not just the smithing but also the design. And being able to manage a shop which at one point, had over two hundred people working in it. From a design stand point I don't think it gets any better. He created forms that were solid, yet had a delicacy. His animal forms were lighthearted but never came off cartoon-ish. This is a difficult balance to strike.

(And personally I think it's pretty bad xxxx that they assembled a lot of that grill work on wooden saw horses.)

Chris,

Do anything you can to lessen the impact on your body. There are various hoof stands available that can help you. There are a lot of guys who don't like them but they can make a tremendous impact. Losing the tough guy mentality - not that you have it - will help you and your body will thank you. And get a tool cart that isn't near the ground. Less bending.

Like blacksmithing done well there is no smashing. Of anything. Intelligence, leverage, finesse. Those are your best tools.

Eventually, down the road, go for less volume and higher prices. I prefer to shoe three or four horses a day at top dollar. With a 50 horse barn this won't be possible (volume wise) because they won't want you there all of the time but for the smaller accounts this has worked well for me.

Always look good and be on time. If you can't be on time make a phone call. (Have a cel.) I can go on for days but one thing you should consider down the road is raising your prices every year to keep up with inflation.

Hope this helps. Welcome aboard.

I use deadbolts that require a key to exit. (Double cylinder.) This way, if someone gets in through the window, they also have to break the door down to get anything out. I put the windows high enough so that getting an anvil through them would be very difficult, even with two people.

I actually called a local gas and welding supply chain here in CT today. I'm looking for a cutting rig myself. They quoted me about 650 american out the door for everything - torch, regulator, tanks, hoses. This was based on 80 cubic ft. tanks. 450 for the tools, 100 each for the tanks and they'd fill them for free the first time.

I have to say, this motor is surprisingly quiet. Which is good because I don't like a lot of noise. No ringing anvils either. All my stuff is locked down.

Thanks all. I was planning on an air gate anyway so I'm going to shelve the dimmer idea. The motor is already mounted to the blower so I'm going to let it alone. It's enough work fabricating an entire coal forge and I want this thing done.

Jim

Was looking at industrial surplus and found one here. Think it's in Chicago.

100 lb. Pattinson (similar Little Giant),7-1/2"thrt,6"x7"up.die,8"x17"low.die,2hp

That's how I found this thread.
Jim

All I can tell you is that is one of the prettiest power hammers I have seen. I can't tell you why but I really like the looks of this thing! I wish it were in the states...

But I got curious and here is what I found:
Pattinson Brothers Engineering: Machining of Castings and Fabrications | 40 Tonne Lifting Capacity
They may be able to give you some info.

Please share anything you find. I am really curious.


Peyton

Apologies if this has been discussed a thousand times. Will a dimmer switch be able to vary the speed on an electric motor? It's an old Westinghouse electric motor. (Attached to a blower.)

115 volts
5.1 Amps
1/4 horse power

I guess it wouldn't be the first time I've been electrocuted. It'd be a shame to fry the motor though.

Thanks!

Build a heated building around the anvil. Good for the smith too.

Anvil Heater
A search of IForgeIron found this information.