wolfshieldrx

Talk about coincidence! Got home yesterday and Roy Underhill's latest book had arrived. I had pre-ordered it a couple of months ago, and had actually forgot about it. Anyway, the book is "The Woodwright's Guide" and it has a whole section on making wooden screws...BIG wooden screws...like on a vise, or maybe a cider press? I know this is a blacksmith site, and you seem to be leaning toward large metal screws, but I have seen cider presses with wooden screws. Just a thought...bart

One of Roy Underhill's books has info on making "big" threads in wood and I think one of the Foxfire books do too. I don't remember if there was any info on metal threads. I am on my lunch break at work now but will look at my library when I get home. bart

I know concrete nails are made of steel...I have made small punches, etc from them. Anyone have any idea what type of steel? bart

Great-grandfather was a smith (I use his vice and hammer). Grew up on storied of my dad as a small boy helping with the bellows. Got a degree in pharmacy in '82 and have worked at the same hospital since then. About two years ago, one of my buddies at work said "You will probably think I'm a nerd, but I always wanted to learn blacksmithing." I told him I always wanted to also. A couple of weeks later, he told me that his step-father knew a guy that tought classes one night a month...the rest is history. I won't give up my day job...but just completed (minus painting) a 12x12 smithy. Grand-dad's vice...100 lb columbian...brick forge. I'm having a ball. I will post some pictures when I get a chance.

Good looking kid...bart

I am new to this site...been smithing a little over a year. Nice to see someone shares my addiction...er...hobby!