rustyshackleford

seems like a smart way to heat those rivets up; maybe you could wind your own coil and make a hefty 'spot heater' with old arc welder tolerances?

Ah, then you're golden. That's all it takes for the wood to 'breathe' and dry out properly is all! :)

You don't have to debark the whole thing, but do at least a 3-5" strip down the side top to bottom

Agreed. B)

Should be an interesting endeavour! I wouldn't bother linseeding; charring the end of a post before setting it in the ground was standard procedure, you may consider dumping some fine charcoal in the bottom, though you're talking about setting it at a level deeper than bugs like. Gravel would be prudent though, as would a band, but I would wait until you have a little shrinkage. Debarking will allow the wood to dry more effectively, and helps keep bugs off. Pics pics pics :)

unless it is zone hardened (ie a hard face and soft horn) I don't think I like the idea of an anvil that could be 38Rc (one site claims 38-50 RC)

Re-read the part about him dissuading shoplifters. Some states may also require they be placed back there. 'newage' shops typically attract more sticky fingered types than most other places. People in my town used to get riled up about gas stations selling blunt wraps. If your moral compass swings that way, then abstain from working there.

Yes, it is Glenn. I forget if the hammer is cocked by pulling the blade down (like some air rifles), or what. Neat little toys.

1-1-14= 150 = $2.20/lb not bad

ooooooooooh. I thought I was supposed to do it m'self :P

nah, Stiddy is the right tern for what Frank is talking about, Google brought up plenty of diversions related to it

arrrg so jealous! Yes, go Larry!

Sounds like you're making an apple butter kettle stand... (ahh, Appalachia)

I'm still confused how to do this, and I am a google fan :unsure:

Like Rob said, it's trash metal (mystery meat) The stuff I've got doesn't want to give for anything. Took forever to reduce some 1" to tong handles using a 12 lb sledge and 4lb hammer. How big is the stuff you're breaking off (.25" square or...?)

Maybe the remaining tapping oil shields the parent stock; as it vaporizes it forms a gas barrier? That's an interesting science question actually.

I admit that I have not devoted enough time to the art to expect mastery of even some simple processes (hammer control, punching, etc). However, I have found within the past few months that I am gaining some proficiency in making woodworking tools ('crooked' knives to be specific). It's a simple affair by comparison to other bladework, but has served to teach me important aspects of drawfiling, gauging material in comparison to the finished piece, tempering, and so on. Right now, various orders for carving knives are helping pay for my new flintlock (I teach 18th cent. history as a hobby). I am currently entertaining the thought of making knives consistently and making a small business out of it. The trick is marketing though, and I don't know if I'll kick myself in the butt enough to do it. Like the deceased Mike Ameling, I've been working on various flint striker designs and have had very good luck with them. Now that he's no longer with us, I'm the only one in the (reenacting) hobby making sheet iron pipes (that I know of). I've got a few niches I can fill... Just wonder if I can motivate to do it

oh yeah; scheduling has conflicted with me going the past few years though (went to the first one when I was like, 14). You're in a great place to start the obsession, no doubt. I encourage you to go see Bea Hensley if he's still working. He and his son are great guys to talk to, and Bea has done some impressive work in his day (he's getting long in the tooth though). He was one of the preservers of the craft in the post-war lull. Good luck bud

Welcome! I live in Boone, where are you?

looks like an interesting project Sam, reminds me of the stuff Fionbarr was getting cut out (really neat swage/anvil combos)

welcome back! I would wager that's one of the biggest out there. Super impressive condition too *jealous*

I've burned enough stock to know it realtes to smithing :unsure:

Did you mean to attach a photo Ed? Edit:: It looks like it was a bitmap, but it's not showing as available to view