wolfshieldrx

Thankee! Sounds like a plan...bart

A buddy of mine wants a marlin spike. Anybody ever make one? Mild steel, carbon steel, or ? Tips or techniques? I was thinking mild steel, drawn to a blunt point with a punched eye, but?? Any and all ideas appreciated...bart

not sure about other species. Place a pad of steel wool in a pint of white vinegar. In a couple of days the steel wool will dissolve. Strain the vinegar (it will have some "stuff" floating in it) an brush on the "raw" wood. May take a couple-three applications. I was pleased with the results a few years ago. I was making some rustic picture frames from rough lumber. The above process made them look aged. Good luck...bart

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!