ironrosefarms

Sgropp The compressor that most resembles what you are talking about is at my inlaws, we solved the problem by using heat tape like you would install on water pipes. We have wound this around the compressor jug and casing and it keeps everything warm enough to allow good operation. Note you really need to leave it plugged in 24/7... James

Sent off an email to get more info on pricing and such... Truly awesome.

Ollie I like that, simple and the curve doesn't take away from the "horse shoe" base.

I still have to make em' trying to get time off from work and praying for co-operative weather to get outside and forge...

JUST what I thought!

The video tape helped my form in shooting archery competition more than anything I did, but I can see that anything that indexes the point that your body is in at a given moment could become an aid to train the body in it's movement... The excitement that chainsaw shares in the post is enough to get me to at least ponder the benefits that is for sure... Finnr, some of us don't do as well with mirrors... you may be the handsome devil type of smith....... I on the other hand could be on the other end of the spectrum, I like to call it rugged good looks, but many have disagreed over the years and just called it rugged, very very rugged! James

Hey Blueprint, Hope your still reading and haven't given up in the rumble? This doesn't happen very often here but sort of like any place else junk happens sometimes. Don't let it stop you from posting in the future. Lots of folks here willing to help, especially if you can help describe what your mom is making or what equipment she already has. Hope to see you around here again. James

Jingle bells, jingle bells jingling on my hammer. Hammer smashes orange hot iron and makes me smile real bigggggg! HEY!!! Sorry couldn't resist, had never thought about adding bells to my hammer though I do know a guy who wears bells when he goes hunting? How about a picture? Thinking about other things that require specific body control for accuracy though... Shooting tournaments with my compound bow, you do a lot of things to be sure that mechanically you shoot the same way every time. If the bells on the hammer gives you a reference on where you are in the up swing in comparison to your ear, it might give you that index for noting where you are mechanically, just like a kisser button on your string indexes the string on the bow in comparison to your body. Worth thinking about as I am planning to spend some time using my video camera to help me sort out my hammer blows for consistency and efficiency sake.

Sam, I've been smithing for 15 years or so and I only have about 10 hammers that are for smithing and 4 pairs of tongs. Your half way to where I am at in those numbers? I worked off a ASO for the first 3 years, found a nice anvil and had the chance to sell the ASO for the same price I paid... it takes time but always seems to eventually work out. Good advice in getting off the net and start looking around, if you can't do a barn or basement clean up due to transportation (perfectly understandable at 15) then start talking to the guys who advertise in your area that do this type of work... Tell them what you are looking for and why, don't hesitate making something to give to them to show them your seriously interested. I have a guy who runs a trash route and does clean outs, next time I see him he says he has a 5 gallon bucket about 1/2 full of hammer heads... price? Well he said either $1 per head or I could just make him a hanger to put a bird feeder on... great deal in my opinion (the bird feeder hanger that is). Most of these guys will want enough to cover the price they would have gotten from scrapping the item, not what you see in antique stores or on ebay... Don't let your current tools stop you and we look forward to seeing your future projects! James

Prayers for you and your family Mike,

John , that is a great explanation. It takes a little thought, but this really explains the problems I have had with a few hinges I've made in the past... it always seemed to either hang up or work perfect and I couldn't figure out what made the difference, now I think I know...

Very nice, would you share the most important things you learned in your course? James

I'm curious what is on your list to make for the fast approaching Christmas of 2008? Right now the following are on my list... I have a total of 6 stainless steel roses to make. 2 courting candles Inspiration hasn't hit for a few others that need to be on the list... hope it hits soon along with this blast of good weather!

Ok, with the inverse square law in effect... what is a safe distance? Is someone is in the shop watching and is at 10 feet away what is the effect? 20?

I can't see the tomahawk in the air after DUSK

Welcome Wolf, you have found a great place for lots of information, goof folk, and a ton of inspiration. Look forward to seeing you around. James

I have a very similar hammer and was told it was a mining hammer? Mine has lettering on the side as well but not as distinct as yours.

Welcome Banzai. First things first, pack a lunch and grab a tall beverage... then head over to Getting Started If you stay and try to absorb all that is had just in that little area here you'll need the nourishment... Again, welcome and look forward to seeing you around IFI James

I am not suggesting these for forging as I can not find any IR rating, however I am looking into if I can get lenses made for them... Retro style shooting safety glasses

Ohhhh YUCK

Absolutely, prayers for those who have, do and will serve...

Heres some pix of the caboose, I didn't get back in time to catch it with my good camera or with a bit more darkness, (generator ran out of fuel)...Soooo here is the good old handy camera phone pix. We ordered in the white stuff today just for effect...

welcome to the fun!

Well, it is in Jasonville, just down the road from Shakamak State Park. We have hit a bit of a snag for the lights though... they are building a new Casey's gas station and in the process they had to cut the power to the ball park where the caboose is at. Duke energy is dragging their feet and doesn't have the meters back in at the ball park. Soooo I'm hunting for a generator for Saturday the 6th, that is when they will have their lighted parade and the Indiana Rail Roads Santa Train So I'll get pix if we get to light it up... James

Ice, that link is simply amazing... and I don't drink beer...