ThorsHammer82

which is why I stated that the only reason not to is if there is an ordinance against it.

The only reason you couldn't use a coal forge in a town is if there is an ordinance against it. The smoke isn't any worse than the noise pollution a gasser puts out. They can really howl when tuned right. Once the coal forge is lit and burning properly there is very little smoke anyway.

I'm with Charlotte, A solid fuel fire allows for much larger work. But I do like the ease of a gas forge for smaller items. I built my gas forge because of the extremely dry summer we had, and a project needed to get done. I didn't want risk any fire flies so I built the gasser. I will continue to use both my coal forge, and my gasser depending on the project at hand.

Cold branding is supposed to not leave permanent marks if done properly. They will fade over time.

Forbidden... Drat if you're just scrolling, make a forge big enough to accommodate the largest cross section of the scroll. It doesn't need to be able to get to a welding heat. Just a high orange or yellow heat.

Would dressing the hammer help at all?

What do you want to make. that has a lot to do with what size forge you'll need.

what handle materials? both the one you used at the conference and the one you bought. were they both store bought, or were they dressed? What were the differences in the Anvils? stands? Maybe a different metal being hit? I don't have an answer to your question, but I think that this information can help people determine what may have been the issue.

I would also add, "Perfect" is relative. A gas forge that is perfect for blade work is not going to be perfect for forging hammers or axes. A forge that is perfect for forging larger items is not going to be perfect for forging small items.

No, tongs can easily be made with stock that is then drawn out into the reins. Or by using stock that is sized for the reins and just the jaw is formed with forging.

That's rough. Try starting your own thread.

Winter, If your trying to upload from your phone I have the same problem.

I must agree with this. For many times my written word does not reflect the intent or inflection that my lacking vocabulary cannot portray.

I disagree with you about the "pounding their chests" comment. Blacksmithing in general is, as you stated, low tech. It has also been pondered over by smiths for a millennia who were taught by smiths with decades of experience before they spent decades themselves pondering smithing before they passed on the knowledge they've gained. Would you teach someone the things that didn't work? or would you teach them the things that you know worked? This thread was started saying simply "follow the instructions". It's a statement meaning that people with more experience than you have done the hard part. In general it was directed at the new people who are interested in the trade. People who though intelligent may be lacking in the practical experience of smithing in general. One must first learn how to walk before they can run. For some running comes quicker than for others. but they first must walk. in this case the walk is following the instructions.

I've never considered myself wise in the solitary literation of the word. But I've always prided myself in my ability to learn from the mistakes of others. Not that I haven't made some of my own. But I never knowingly made the same mistakes as my friends, co-workers, Parents, Mentors, etc. The way I see it, Life is hard enough. Why make it harder by learning things on my own. I like to know enough to be dangerous in most things. But I also like to keep my hands and feet inside the ride until it's come to a complete stop.

Great job. For all we know you may have just started the next world renowned master smith on the start of their journey.

umm... you're sure it wasn't meant to be a marker...?

Think of it this way. as the gas leaves the tip it spreads out and pulls air with it in the direction the gas is being sent. If the tip is to close to the tube the gas doesn't have enough time to grab enough air to make a proper mixture to get a clean combustion. If you look closely, you can actually see the gas leaving the tip. It creates an almost water like refraction of the light.

Just one of many links that include full descriptions of the Frosty T Burner. http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/43355-more-stupid-questions-from-a-newbie/

They have some sort of retention grove on them. but it's not as pronounced as those cat ones. May be why they were discarded. I'd be interested in trying to make a knife out of them, but there is no way I'm doing that without a power hammer. Tough is probably the word I'm looking for. The material just doesn't want to move. I'm not sure when I'll get a forge fired up again, but when I do I'll let you know what effects it has.

I picked up probably a dozen pins from the quarry I got my anvils from. I assume they are for holding on bucket teeth or something along those lines. There are some shown in the picture below. on the ground to the right. all I really know is they are HARD! It takes a lot of effort to move the material around. I'm assuming some sort of high carbon steel. but I really don't know for sure. Any suggestions? Quarrydog I'm counting on you here.

Was nicknamed the Norwegian (6'5" 240 lbs. of Norwegian decent) a long time ago. Father In-law's name is Thor (All 5'1" Italian man that he is). My oldest son's middle name is Thor, so Thor's Hammer Industries became the name of my welding shop. My youngest son's middle name is Loki. I'm sure if I ever get to the point where I'm naming my forge it will follow along the same theme. My gas forge is named Fafnir (Norse Dragon) so I'm sure it'll be some sort of Nordic inspired name when I come around to it. I tend to find that names have a tendency to find themselves.

You've certainly built up some good Karma. Nice score.

^ is a great solutions, and one I think I'll be implementing shortly.

my feeling is it's personal preference based on desired qualities and material accessibility. wood/stumps are easy, cheap, and readily accessible. Metal stands are customizable and effective. Both work fine, and many or most will use both regularly or find one they love and never turn back. I've used both. and don't have a favorite. Either works.