Johnnie C.

I would recomend that you should a least make one pair of tongs. They can be a challenge and you will learn different techniques that work and don't work. Its a good lesson.

You are proud owner of a rivet or farriers forge. I have one identicle to it. The story that I got from a fellow blackmsith is that the blower was designed for charcoal grills. When champion hit the end of there run they were trying to do anything they could to stay business. A small word of advice, this is cool little forge but not a good choice for forge welding. The blower is a little too close to fire.

Here is my 2 cent. My gas forge seem to heat my shop faster than my coal forge. I tend to use my gas forge more as heater in the winter than anything. They both still heat the shop pretty well.

Maybe these picutres will be easier to see.

The blade is 4in long X 3/4 and the handle is 4 inches long. Its my new little skinner knife.

This is my first wire rope knife with a walnut handle. It was difenatley a learning curb. I don't think it turned out too bad for my first. Sorry about the size of the pics still trying to figure it out.

I'm going to be attending the BAM conference in Sadelia,MO at the end of this month. I was wanting to know if any IFI members are going to be attending the conference also. I would be interested in meating some of the guys and gals I talk to, but don't ever see.

I use a metal bucket. You can hang your tongs along the sides and put hammers, drifts, and files in the center.

There is a permanent black hand print on the shower curtain and the wall. When you blow your nose and its all black. Your white socks are now grey. Your hands have a black tint to them, even when they are clean.

Here is how I make the ducks. I start by splitting the 1/2in stock back 1in, then split the top half a inch. The way I split the top half is by taking my hot cut and hit down on the top half until there is about 1/6th inch of metal is left, then I put it in my vise vertical and take a chisel and finish the cut. Next, I spread the 2 arms for the wing. Then flatten the wings and the tale. The next step, draw out the head and the neck at the same time keeping the drawn out piece the diameter you want the head. On the horn of the anvil draw out your neck, after you draw out the neck use the horn and make the beek. After some filing and chiseling (tale feathers) you have a duck. The feet are made out of 3/32 tig wire. Heat the tip of the wire and flare it out, then file shape of the foot. Drill a hole in the body of the duck for the feet to seet in. I used silver solder, but it didn't work as well as I would have liked. So that is the duck in a nut shell, if you have any questions feel free to message me.

Here are few new projects that I have been working on in the last month. A tractor seat that I found at a scrap yard, 3 ducks made out of 1/2in sq stock hanging from a tree made of 5 pieces of 3/8 rd forge welded together, and a Looney Door Knocker.

Yall have got me thinking about how far I have came. I was going through my portfolio the other day and seen some of the pictures of my first projects, man they were rough. I believe I have came along ways. Through years I have learned that when things arent going the way you want, just go back to the basics. I have also learned that you don't make mistakes in smithing you just have unexpected desing changes. Now I find myself seeing something someone has made and saying I'm going have to try that. I also believe no matter how long you have been doing something you always have room for inprovement.

I can tell you what welding training is. I weld am a Union Pipe welder, I weld everyday for a living. Welding training teaches about the welding process, what certain process are used for, and on and on and on. You can learn all of that from online or through books. The main training is welding itself. Welding training teaches you techniques for all process, Stick, Mig, and Tig. I have been welding since I was 16 years old and I'm now 26, after welding for 10 years I still learn something new each time I strike an arc. The only way you can get a job as welder is if you have training. My opinion is even after you have been to a welding school you don't turn out as welder. There is a lot to learn about welding, in a class room setting or welding shop setting, you may be the best in your class. When you get out the real world you are put in position they don't teach in school. Welding school will teach you the basic techniques needed for welding, and if you don't know the techniques you might have trouble getting hired as a welder.

All your need is a welding machine, round or square rod, and a pair of cheep pliers. Weld the rod on the handle of the pliers and there you go, you have a pair tongs to get started with. I wouldn't use them on round or square stock, but they will get you started to make a pair for use and are great for digging lost items out of the forge.

Keeping your customers happy is one of the main keys to running a business. I have also learned, quality work is also a huge factor. I built a fence for a resteraunt in a small town and the customer gave my card to some people. They wanted me to build a fence simmilar to one the I made for the resteraunt. They already had in their minds that I was going to build their fence. The couple didn't even get other quotes, I gave them my bid and the wife told me that she thought that was too low and added to my quote. My selling points are quality and honesty.

One way you can cool H13 after use is bees wax. When drifting a hole, if you cool it in bees wax it also acts as a lubricant.

I agree with everyone this is an adiction that you can't kick. My wife say that all I ever do anymore is work and then come home and work in my shop. Its bitter, sweet to her. She can show a friend a piece of my work and say My husband made that. Welcome abboard and have fun.

Try a mixture of 50% Acytone and 50% automatic transmision fluid. I rebuilt a blower not too long ago and used this mixture and it helped free the bolts up. Coat the shaft of the fan with a paint brush and let it soak in realy good (a day or so), and repeat two or three times.

Like the cable handle, they look awsome.

I used 20 gauge sheet metal and it took me only one try (wich surprised me). I'm working on geting step by step pictures.

I have seen a few of these around and decided that I would give it a shot. It was a experience. I eased the air to it and found out that if you put too much air that it will blow up. Everything went ok and I think it turned out pretty well.

I did not mean a offend anyone. Your tips as far how to heat treat the steel was helpful and your concerns were taken into consideration. Sometimes I read things with the wrong attitude and I apoligize. Thank you very much for your help.

I appreciate it I didn't mean to make it controversial. When I read this forum you get a lot of hear say and no facts. I do plan to use a tong clip, and Its not something I use repeatedly. Most of my work does not involve punches and such. Sorry If I seemed to ba a butt.

Show me the facts, and you might persuad in a different direction