trying-it

herchammer you are more than welcome to attend if you can as is anyone else thinking about joining us that weekend! :D A word of caution: This is not Vegas - what happens here will most likely be posted online by someone LOL B) :ph34r: :rolleyes:

consider 3 or 4 legs like this (RR spikes just drop in and easily pull back out again with fingers if you want to move things around easier) http://www.iforgeiron.com/gallery/image/33796-100-0600/ http://www.iforgeiron.com/gallery/image/34397-blacksmithing-022/

Thanks Blake :rolleyes: B)

Great job Blake. Glad to see your dream finished!

Something to consider is that you need a motor, contact wheels, etc for any design built. Build what you can now and use the same items on a better unit later! Just out a few dollars for the frame materials on the starter unit. Or you can sit back and wait for a set of plans to become available..... someday...... maybe. The main goal is to get a 2" x 72" grinder you can start using ASAP.

OK bro for your benefit: http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44009 or you can just take a peak at mine when you are here LOL Stan. BTW the plans are called "No-Weld", but no reason why a welder can't be used or design modified for a beefier unit. Just my $0.02 worth

Why not just get the No-Weld grinder plans and start building? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j9nkzbAsms&feature=related Stan

And then there is always the easy way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qEhyQfbImY&feature=related and then a hex too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMSbdhQM9GU&feature=related Stan

Those dies for a Little Giant Steve? I have that book for all their specs!

As Curly George said to use firebricks, another option here is to use a couple pieces of bigger angle iron. Upright flats in center pointing up and other flats pointing out. Coal/charcoal fuel around outside then helps to hold the angle irons in position. Bigger the angle iron the taller the fire can be built. Jeremy K. taught me that trick here at my first hammer-in. Stan

Not a problem Steve. Have you got the material for the dies and a rough idea as to die requirements? I need to make sure I have the right tooling/cutters for the project. BTW: Sure glad you enjoyed last year and plan to do it again. :D

Chris not only do you make a fine looking hawk, but you also have the knack for using words in a very eloquent manner! Thanks for sharing both! :D

Coal will never go to waste here. I should have a supply of charcoal made too for people to try, but coal is always welcome being used during and/or after the event! :rolleyes: B) :D BTW: The honeymoon suite will be reserved in your name again! LOL

6th annual Trying-It hammer-in fri-Sun Aug 17-19. Posted to the calendar, but just in case repeated here! Zipcode 62274 We feed 3X/day..... bring a tent. Come make some more memories with us again!!!! email trying_it2@yahoo.com if you need more details. Stan

Another woodworking option is to cut grooves, wrap a few layers of masking tape (or light cardboard and tape) leaving a small hole, pour pewter into tape. Remove tape and sand finish the pewter. Molten pewter will not burn the tape or wood. (Note: cast lead-free pewter needs to be used if it will ever be near food and is healthier for casting) I'm pretty sure a google search will have a few how-to's online. pic #1 at this link shows cast pewter on wood results and its lurking potential. http://www.wkfinetools.com/contrib/pScott/sGrandstaff/screwdrivers.htm

That's 1 fine looking hammer Jeremy, swing it with pride! :D

Pam cooking spray used mostly here too, but I gotta try the Vaporub somtime. LOL. :D

Some folks use old used oils such as motor oil, vegetable oils, peanut oil,etc. Used motor oil has its own related issues as toxic fumes may given off with any form of heating. Also beware and remember that there are people that can have severe allergic reactions from coming in any contact with peanut oil. A piece quenched in peanut oil now and later handled by a person with such an allergy can trigger a violent allergic reaction, some as severe as being fatal. Play it safe, don't tempt fate! Just my $0.02

Got it and thanks Phil. :D

Part of the forge description states: Designed for the artisan who needs versatile “access” Super fast heating and efficiency even with open design! Perfect for odd shapes such as armor and sculpture! I have also seen similar forge set-ups used to accommodate large plate heating for repousse and chasing. In cases like these no walls are used. Not a bad forge or price, but as stated by many above it depends on your needs. With that forge you have options to use it for purposes it is designed for and also add a few firebricks for temporary sides when needed. For general use blacksmithing you may also consider building your own gas forge. Or build your own shell and insert a boughten burner. Great BPs on IFI that show how to build the shells and the burners. I build all my gassers using the IFI BP submitted by Garey Ford. (Notice that these are great gassers for general blacksmithing, knife making, making pattern welding steel (Damascus), etc, but there is NO possible access for large plate type materials) http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/21954-i-have-been-busy-too/ Just my input and welcome to IFI. Stan

It is said that only the good die young, another departs. RIP dear friend. Condolences and prayers for family and friends left behind! Stan

Nice design Sam. Sure glad to see I am not the only one dabbling in glass too! :ph34r:

Real nice! Thanks a bunch!

Easy way to keep mice, rats, snakes, cats, skunks, oppossums, and any and all other unwanted type critters out of the smithy is to just host a hammer-in. Take "group" pictures and hang in shop where it can easily be seen. http://www.iforgeiron.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=35802 No more unwanted critters! Come to think of it, it has been quite a spell since even a travelling salesman has been to the shop! WARNING: May not be suitable for young children to view as it has been known to cause nightmares in some cases! :blink:

Thanks for the update Ed and glad to hear that the meds are working. Prayers continue for Baby Bella; and for you and grandma as well. Stan