wolfy9005

They heat up when they cut metal, and as any blacksmith/metalworker will know, metal that cools down slowly forms large crystals which weaken the metals structure. It's reasonably thin so it takes a while to completely wear out, but eventually it will. Also, as said above, if the metal is harder then the blade it will also blunt it much faster then usual.

Just an idea, a higher flue/chimney might help. If it's low, the smoke hasa habit of staying, but 3-4m(~10feet) up in the air their might be a light breeze which will help carry it away. Also, after 9am and before 7pm it's generally ok to make as much noise as you want, but within reason(ie. 1-2minutes with an angle grinder, not 1 hour non stop)

Pretty new to the whole blacksmithing thing. Messed around with it at school, made a few knives and machetes. You can tell the difference between the ones i took 2 hours to make and the 10 minute knives . One thing i learnt is you cant forge hot aluminium. It just crumbles under the weight of the hammer. Reasonably good at welding though, probably the best(or second best) in 1800 kids at school. Ever had your nipple burnt by a welding spark?(it hurts......) If anyone wants to point me in the right direction for learning some blacksmithing it would be appreciated. I live in Perth, Western Australia if anyone wants to teach me in person regards, rob