Eddie Mullins

Single digit temps here yesterday, I stayed in except to tend to the dogs. Going to be in the 50's and raining this weekend so it should be a good time to hold up in the shop burn some coal.

I am a coon hunter, so can appreciate this post on a few levels. I made the skinning knife I am using now. Killed a a big boar the first night I took it to the woods over my favorite dog. I think he was 46", cant recall, but one of the biggest I've ever gotten. Felt good skinning that coon with the knife I made, I also plan to get him tanned later. Nice job on the fleshing knife, and the BIG boar! I've never fleshed or dried a hide before, might have to PM you for some info :). John - That's pretty neat. I have never saved them, but might have to start if I get back in the woods, flooded right now. Most hunters I know jokingly refer to that bone as the "toothpick", some have even been known to have contests to see who collected the biggest LOL.

Nothing to contribute to your question, just an ah ha moment for me, never occurred to me to use a log splitter for a press. Threads like this are what make this site great. Thanks.

I got a few free horse shoes from the feed store, funny the stuff I'll ask folks for now that I am forging LOL, I decided to toy around with them yesterday, here the first few things I banged out, simple wall/coat hook, hoof pick and bottle opener, each made from 1/2 a shoe. I think I'll take these back to them to say thanks. I plan to try horse head handles on the pick and bottle opener, but thought I'd keep it simple while I feel things out. A heart and a letter opener are next on the list. Would like some more ideas, so lets see some of your horseshoe transformations

Not sure what else I can add, but you have another fan. Would definitely love to see more pics of your work (and tools).

Anodes would be my vote. I have tried to locate some for that use as with no luck.

Great thread. My file collection is really just beginning to grow, most purchased 2nd hand on the cheap. Storage is not currently up to par, I put some of this info to practice. Does anyone use the one services which rework or sharpen files?

Anybody got pics of one of the nail swords? Which size nails did you use? I found this right after posting http://www.stormthecastle.com/blacksmithing/make-mini-nail-swords.htm but would still like to see other pics if you have them : ) .

I'm using a HF 1 x 30 so I am still looking forward to when I can buy/build a 2 x 72. Very nice addition. You must have been a good boy : ) .

bikecop - glad to hear the good report on the oxy propane. Thats still the set up I plan to start with. I found a rig but the owner didn't have the recipets for the bottle. Still looking. Might have to save and buy new. Adding a gas saver seems like the way to go too.

I haven't had a "shop" break in (yet) but have had two home break ins over the years (2 different houses in different states). Its a bad deal all the way around, luckily our insurance has been good to deal with. My "shop" , read as old barn, has now become a concern as I have added multiple tools over the last several months, it is probably a good time to take some pics and talk to my agent. After the last break in we fenced our property and got a German Shephard, not a garuntee, but makes me feel better and gives the wife some peace of mind.

Choosing from those I own, "The Complete Bladesmith" as already reccomended and "The Backyard Blacksmith" by Lorelei Sims.

Very nice look and profile and proportion. It looks to be just about the right size to me. What are the blade and handle lenghts?

It looks like you have a V shape in your drift, it should be more blunt. You actually want to punch the hole and the drift it. Search on here for a thread by Brian Brazeal on punches, you should find good pics. I think I sort of understand what your saying with holding the tongs between your legs in order to hold the drift and hammer. I have opted to make an avil helper, a small support to hold stock. Search on here or anvilfire and you will find directions. As far as the rivets go, I quit heading them first. This probably isn’t feasible in all applications, but for tongs I rivet cold without heading first. I'm not sure how many hours... days .. weeks you have spent reading IFI, but its all here. Pull up a chair and spend a while : ) . BTW I'm a rookie myself, about 8 months at the forge, so I understand all the questions (I ask my share still). You will get answers, but they will want you to do your research as well. My best advise, if at all possible, find an experienced smith you can go vist. A few hours with them will be more beneficial than days or weeks on your own.

Those look very nice. I have never made or used mosaic pins. Are these peened or what is the installation method?

I like to clamp items in a vise and used a hand help wire wheel in the angle grinder, part can't fly back at me or someone else.

That's a real beauty.

AN awsome find indeed. Is that a common pattern for French anviles (multiple holes of different size and the slotted area)?

Basher I have seen the same through my wifes wire pieces, that for the consumer, same size is percieved value. However its been my experience that some times the smaller versions take as long if not longer becuase the same processes now become more tedious. You must then price according to the effort required for the small peice and the larger pieces go up accordingly, thus profits as well. BTW - I think I may suggest she, or we make some mirrors, thanks : ) . I think the percieved value is tied to the percieved value/recognition/reputation of the smith/artist as well as the piece.

Very neat tool. I've barely gotten my feet wet with knives so no swords in my near future, but was curious as to how you dress or round the terminations of the fullers?

Better than my first attempts. I found the twist jaw method easier to begin with and the moved to using round stock. You definitely seem to be well on your way.

I have heard of hammer blows heating metal or maintaining heat, which I did not doubt, but this really was an eye opener. Great video. How about the next volunteer uses larger stock ? : )

macbruce - I thought the little air compressor would be a bit anemic for any serious use, but it got me tho thinking about air tools, and I figured it was better than the other options I had to choose from. Stephen - Thanks for posting the videos, I wasn't thinking air tools when you posted the first one on my torch thread, didn't even notice him using one. Charles - I assumed I would need to make the tooling to meet my needs. DSW - thanks for that tip

I have the opportunity to select a gift as a recognition from work, but you have to choose from their catalog (not that I'm complaining, glad to have a good job much less get some recognition for doing it well). At any rate, I of course went straight to the tools :) . There's a 2hp 6 gal compressor that I thought might come in handy as I don't have one now other than a little 12 volt. I also thought I could add some air tools, it'll supply 4 cfm at 90 psi. AS far as what I had in mind, that depends on when you ask me LOL. I was thinking with the hammer/chisel texturing might be one option, didn't know if there would be enough control to maybe punch, or upset small stock, etc. I also wanted a couple set ups for wire brushes, flap disk, grinding wheels so I'm not switching around all the time. I'm not working with large stock as of yet, typically 1" sq or smaller. And yes I am making some knives as well.

I can't do a search for air tools on here (must be 4 letters) so wanted to know if any smiths are incorporating air tools, such hammers into your smithing. I was thinking an air hammer with different shaped chisels might come in handy or that small air grinders might be easier to use than larger electric angle grinders.