Matt in NY

I read in The Backyard Blacksmith that it is possible to make a swage block from a block of wood. Has anyone here ever done this or seen one? I have a couple unsplit log lengths that I have been thinking about using, oak and apple. I'm trying to think of how to dig out a hole in them. I also have been reading the blue print section and have found some suitable starts for a swage block using the OIC method. I have an old draw behind seeder that will yeild lots of stuff. Also, my pigs have been digging up plenty of goodies for me. I put them in an area that I am clearing and cleaning up. There used to be a shed there. I have retrieved several wrought iron hinges, wagon parts and hammers. They are still working, but they'll see the smokehouse soon.

I'm wondering how many folks make their own hanles? I have a hickory that needs cutting and I plan to cut out some sections for hammer handles and ax handles. I'm assuming that I should cut out the blanks while the wood is green. How long should this season before making a handle? I'm thinking about a year. I need to make a fro first though. It seems as though I always have to do something else before doing what I want to do.

Interesting thread. I have always been under the impression that hickory was the best hammer wood due to its density and that ash was used for longer handled tools that required some spring. The mention of fruit wood is intriging. I have some apple sections that I may have to check on. The ax handle made of elm? Hmm. I had an axe handle that I broke last year that my Grandfather made of iron wood for me when I was 10. It lasted 40 years. I don't think I'd trust a handle made from maple, except as mentioned for smaller tools. Maple checks easily and is lighter than hickory and ash.

In another thread someone mentioned iron that shattered or broke when quenched. What could cause this?

I have a couple sets of horse shoe nail nippers that I want to turn into tongs. My concern is too the hardness of the nippers. Would I need to anneal these first?

A quick google shows that this product is still on the market. It claims to allow welds to be made at a lower temperature.

Seems to me that banging on a sub-freezing anvil isn't a good idea. What's a newbie to do?

I too have been reading and lurking. I posted a couple times, but figured my questions would be answered without asking. It seems that the simple things like this question are some of the things that escape me. Next month I should be ready to start. My method is to read as much as my mind can hold and try to wrap my head around some basics, then give it a try and realize I don't know anything until I do it. I truely enjoy this phase of any new venture. By doing some mental prep work I can hopefully avoid some serious mistakes. Of course, I won't avoid all mistakes because that is how I learn. I love to see these types of posts: they are very encouraging. Thanks to all of my teachers here.

Nice. How big is that hay budden?

A common theme here is talk to people; not just about their junk, but that's a start. After a few minutes they may find out that you are a nice guy and not just looking to make a buck, but to put something to use. People want to give stuff to nice people that appreciate it. Makes them feel good. I like to oblidge them in their search for happiness.

The time business rings true. I can't even get out to grab some coal! This will end in a month and then I'm going to try to block out a section of the day for just anvil time. Wish me luck!

OK, I have a hammer, anvil, tongs, forge and leg vice. I just wanted to find out what items various folks thought they couldn't do without. This would help me to understand where they are coming from. Maybe a rating system of 1 to 10 with10 being indespensible. Or maybe items I can't do without, items I use once in a while and items I have but don't know why. I have read the where to start section and I am trying to obtain other books as well as reading this forum. It is very busy for the next month or so; I just want to get my brain wrapped around some of the notions I come across.

Or rather, what do you need? I'm try to put my ducks in a row and I'm wondering what you can't do without. So give me your list in order of priority. This can be as long as you like. Thanks, Matt

Marion is a bit of a hike for me, but you never know. Thanks for the invite though. I'm pretty close to Vermont.

I believe it is Garnsey. 518-695-3346.

Thanks for the advice. I have plenty of scraps around both hard and mild and some wrought to play with.

I set it on a big piece of an oak trunk in an open shed and positioned the forge there also. I have been saving junk for years for this moment. I have a few worn out sets of tiller tines, broken tools like worn out files, etc. I live on an old farm that has lost a few buildings due to neglect so I have some big hinges and the like. Something always pops up in the garden or pig pen that will find a use soon. I'll try to get a pic soon. I'm also going to need ear plugs, what a ring! The hammer nearly jumped to the moon! Feels like a six year old's Christmas Morning!

OK, it is a Hay Budden anvil as all of you must already know. Gotta get me some coal now!

Can anyone or everyone tell me about this anvil? I just bought a 172# Haybutton Anvil. It appears to be in good shape. The guy that sold it to me is a ferrier and also volunteers at the Hancock Shaker village. Guess now I need to go get some coal! I am stoked. I've been reading this forum for the last week or so and I am trying to get my head wrapped around some of this stuff. I have an old pair of shoe nail trimmers that I hope to transform into tongs. I'll start another thread for that. Wish this forum had a neophyte section. Thanks, Matt

I have had an interest of sorts in Blacksmithing since I was a kid. We had an old portable forge that was my Great Grandfathers and I always had it in the back of my head to do something with it. That notion has moved to the front of my head now: I am preparing to buy an anvil and give it a whack.