Glug

Finally I have a few leaves to pop in the mail: mean't to finish them off ages ago but ripped my right thumbnail off which made smithing a bit uncomfortable. You'll get them this week, Paul. Thanks again for the work you guys are doing. Steve.

I use a set of three Wilkinson anvils: 250#, 112#, 57#. I was quite happy to find three different size anvils in the same make and shape. These anvils are lovely to use especially the hundred-weight. I believe these anvils were made in Dudley England where others like Peter Wright and Armitage mouse hole anvils were made. I have a number of other anvils around the place, weighing down drill presses and big umbrellas etc. Another I'm waiting to place properly in my smithy is a Earnshaw Ovens 345# dated 1861. Originally this anvil came from the Sunshine Mackay Factory where they built the Sunshine Harvester one of the world's first combines. Other things at this sale (old power hammer and big anvil) went for top dollar but the people there just kicked this one and said "It's broke", I just kept my mouth shut and got a bargain. Steve.

I'm right handed, use three 'London pattern' Wilkinson anvils in my workshop: 56#, 112# and 256#. Years ago when I first started blacksmithing I read "horn to the left for the righthanded" and so that is what did and what I've become used to.

Good to heard the demostration went well, Paul. I wasn't able to get across to Kinglake but on such a chilly day a forge would be a good place to be. Steve.

I am new to this site and had not heard of the Tree Project before reading this thread this morning. Well done to the guys who thought of it and put in the work to pull it all together. I'll be making a few leaves this afternoon, and will be trying to get the day off tomorrow to get across to Kinglake as well: my area, Bendigo, was also hit by the fires and while we lost 70 to 80 homes, we were luckly compared to others when we lost only one life.

G'day All. Good to see other Aussies interested in hitting hot metal. Having a young family means I have limited time Smithing but I do what I can. Mainly word of mouth commissions from people who've seen my work. Have turned my hand to a lot of things over the years: I sharpen crowbars and chisels, household pieces such as candelabra, fire pokers, toilet roll holders etc etc. Theatre armour and swords, sculpture and art pieces as well. All good fun. Steve.

Thanks for the heads up, Dale.

G'day All. Just a quick intro. First fired up my forge 15 years ago after a life long interest in smithing. I love the simple elemental nature of the work: air/coke/fire and you can mould iron to your will. I am both creative and intensly practical and blacksmithing satisfies these parts of me.

Well done, Paul. Elegant, rustic, substantial, organic, skillful and inspiring. Steve.