Anachronist58

Similar to what Swedefiddle mentioned above, here is what my forge looks like before working steel: Takes about 15 minutes or so before I start forging. I can then add raw wood to the sides. Gets hot enough to burn steel. I always end up having to push charcoal off to the back, and I usually get 3-½ gallons of charcoal out the next day (forge is almost air tight when I shut it down. I like crushed pine cones, they ought to be similar to your walnut hulls, once you have added a bit of Jerry's wax to them... Robert Taylor

Hey Scott, that is what the rats and the gophers leave me - toothpicks... Robert Taylor

Sounds like a good plan, and a great attitude. Devising implements to assist your grip, and as others have mentioned, long stock in place of tongs (which helps me a lot); chain and other types of "third hand" hold downs, are worthy companions at the anvil. Think about how to minimize shock loading your tong hand - that is what gets me the most... Building stamina and control does not call for heavy loads or large stock: I handed my friend a four ounce hammer the other day, just right to finesse that last detail... Keep on keeping on, Robert Taylor

Rest in peace, Hofi, condolences to those who remain. Robert and Sheila Taylor

Man oh man, I can not believe the flaking on those ways! Pristine? You have some mighty fine tooling in your kit, as well! Nice furniture... Robert Taylor

Pm coming.... Robert Taylor

I try not to swear, but I thought for sure that I saw these at Industrial Metal Supply last week, out here on the west coast. Their website does not have half of the ornamental iron that is actually on the floor. They are a western states operation, but that does not keep me from putting their hardware in a flat rate box... What is the urgency level of your project? Cheers, Robert Taylor Edit: Phillip-SC, I found a treasure at IMS last week, three pounds of it, and then I went shopping for for it on line. 5 - 20 x less than online retail. So I am definitely going back. I am requesting the favor of a timely response....

"On the house" - Har har har! Santa came early this year. Here is Mrs Sheila making lemonade! Blessed days Forum Family! Robert and Sheila Taylor

Cannot beat that from where I am sitting! Hoping for strength and vitally for you, Thomas. Robert Taylor

Hey All, still a bit out of sorts. Just want to wish all a blessed season, good health and good humor. Robert, and Sheila Taylor

Hello IFI Gang. Glad to hear that Thomas is able to speak. He will be kept close in our prayers and intentions, his loved ones as well. Robert and Sheila Taylor

So, your press is 80cm, or 31.5" tall with the ram open? My 5 ton is 84cm, or 33", with the ram closed. It weighs ~ 205kg, or ~450#. I estimate that you have sufficient press for the job, but as Goods, et al. have suggested, first prove with a 1 cm² block. hope this helps. Robert Taylor

Aric, with respect to PTSD, when ones skirts the extent of one's limitations, certain things happen to the brain. Once you are subject to that kind of pressure, it is good to acknowledge your trauma as real, and to avail yourself to help, counsel, and remediation. Your stressors are real, and anything we can do to help get you through, is well deserved, I am sure. Goes for your SO, as well. Robert and Sheila

So sorry to hear this. All about keeping your head and nurturing the family dynamic, best you can. In our prayers and intentions, Robert and Sheila Taylor

Had a package sit in the Post Office for 15 days. The staff is trained to tell me that it did not happen, without even checking. Audit trails (tracking #'s) are so unreliable as compared to USPS Unicorn Stories... Yeah Scott, more human history into the dustbin of time...