primtechsmith

This anvil is owned by a guy in our group. Rumor has it that this anvil is from the 1700's and has stayed in his family from generation to generation. Never got a chance to ask him. Not really sure I want to. The story is much better not knowing if it is true or not! The anvil does look to be very old. You get a good sense of the size here by the coffee maker...The anvil has no markings that I could see. Super small hardy hole...I just thought it was cool! Peyton

Welcome to the party! I am in Farmville, Virginia! Another great group in Va. is the Old Dominion Blacksmith Association. Check the calendar of Events on the website www.odbsa.com to see. Would love to have you come and hang out, maybe even join up. We actually have a few teachers as members, one teaches at John C. Campbell!!! WELCOME!!!!! Peyton

One more of a gate in the cellar of the winery at Biltmore...too bad it was locked ;-) Peyton

Here are some pictures of the gates around the Biltmore Estate in Biltmore North Carolina. The really awesome work was inside, but I could not take pictures in the actual estate! Peyton

Time is running out and we still have some places open. If you are in the area, or looking for a cool road trip this is the time and place to do it. If you are not sure and have questions PM or email me. email: rpanderson@kinex.net Even those in WEST VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA, AND OF COURSE VIRGINIA should think about at least coming to hang out. Come and tailgate, come and watch, come and compete. It is going to be an awesome time for everyone! It would also be a great time to learn, and share! Peyton

I had this listed before. Thought of relisting it now. There is good money at stake here. Those interested please contact Bobby Floyd. His email is listed below. Thanks, Peyton Anderson ODBSA First Annual Blacksmith Challenge Saturday July 8, 2006

Long week. Deadlines, politics, and the water cooler rumor mill. TGIF. Thank God its Friday is right. Ride through the country side to the forge after spending the day trying my best to make a difference. Windows down, sunroof open with James Taylor reminding me of the smaller things in song after song. Trees reach into the first day of spring. Grass waking up shrugging of its winter leaf laden blanket. Gravel drive leading up the hill to sanctuary. Rock dust floor, smell of the beeswax concoction waiting by the door to be trusted to seal up a job well done. Bare hands running over the coke pulling out those unwanted guests. Small talk here and there with the one I look up to on more levels than just in here. Clean out all the dusty memories of my last dance from the fire pot ballroom. I grab an article or two from the pile and a few leftovers from the pines outside. Light the fire, give the blower a turn and listen for the train of air to begin rumbling up from below. A little coke on top a few more turns and the smell of coal fills my senses. Grab my very first project, my rake. I put a twist in it, the heat was uneven. The handle was an after thought. Funny thing the first tool I go for and use so often is my first born. Green coal thrown in to soak a while. Grab the stock I need and get ready to dance. A few pulls of the blower, and the heat is right. Pick up my hammer, tap out my anticipation on the anvil while waiting for the music to start. My partner is ready. Out the fire and on the dance floor.

This year the best thing so far is opening the window in my classroom on pretty days. The kids seem to act better, and pay closer attention when there is a breeze blowing through on a sunny day.... Peyton

I have a very good friend who told me the story on a gallon of milk. He broke that gallon of milk down and traced it back through the farm, the exhaust given off by the farmer's tractors, to what pollution the cows gave off into the atmosphere, etc......By the end of this I realized there is always pollution in any simple action. Even setting up a secondary type of forge would have an affect on the environment........Reason I say all this is the biggest pollutant of this planet is the human being. We can only try to be cleaner. Thomas......Mother Earth News........I have heard of some really neat things being explained in that publication. The solar forge idea sounds like a "Bright" Idea ! Peyton

Being vague was exactly the point here. Open ended questions with a broad topic usually facilitate more traffic and responses on many different levels and aspects of the subject at hand. We have among us here on this forum many smiths who have a wealth of knowledge. This forum is an interactive book of sorts with many resources, authors, and editors. I am merely attempting to create a thread to expand the knowledge of us all...I am just trying to do my part to further this forum. Peyton

What are some tips for those trying different methods of joinery like collaring, and riveting? Peyton

Roger I have to admit I like your style...Turning every event into a moment "forged" in time is great! Keep it up! Peyton

Glenn this new layout is really great! The hardest thing to do is improve on a great thing. And you sir have done just that! Awesome job Glenn!!! Thanks for this site, forum, internet reference, etc... Peyton

Strine I just want you to know that I appreciate your humor! You make me laugh, and your avatar is amazing! Well done! Peyton

What is the best advice you can give someone who is attempting to forge weld? What about the Fire, air flow, flux, etc.... Peyton

I agree. I cruise ebay to get ideas to try out, or make and try to sell. This goes along with having a website to sell items. I am guilty of cruising those also to gain new ideas not only on product, but tools, shop layout, and homegrown tools that may be lurking in the background. I assume that ebay could work well for you if you post the item in a category where "Harry Homeowner" would look for it.... If you try it out keep us posted on your success! Peyton

Why not just use a golf ball? Drill a hole fill it up with sand, silicone the hole. Paint the thing black. And keep on keeping on. Peyton

It is getting close to time to begin the demonstrations at fairs, and shows. What are some tips you would give other smiths on how to protect the crowd from the demonstration. How do you handle those questions that come up everytime. "do you shoe horses", "is that coal", or my favorite..."is that hot?" For us the horse question was answered when we put a horseshoe with a line through it and the caption "We Don't Do Horses" under iton the demo trailer.....How do you handle these things? Peyton

I have made hundreds of s hooks out of all types of material, and in all sizes.

In your opinion. What are the basic fundamentals a novice needs to master before moving on to the infamous "sword" :roll: , or any other stereotypical hand forged item. I know in my learning process so far the basics are always present, and repetition is making them second nature... Also what are some basic items a novice can practice on to master these basic skills? Peyton

rearranging, and organizing the forge to give it a little more room so we can get working on those-

Those of you who use coal, what is your favorite type to use? Brand and size... Peyton

In my limited experience, a little more than 2 or so years, my hammer awareness is getting much better. My hammers that I find myself using the most are: 1lb heller double faced (my first hammer), also since Christmas I have a Cliff Carroll 1.5 rounding hammer that is great! These are the two I use the most. What about you guys? Any tips for hammer technique, and what hammer size and style you use... Peyton

Funny thing happened yesterday while I was helping my wife clean the house. My job was the living room. I was dusting the room and found a couple of my "whimsical pieces" had some rust just creeping in on them. So I went back after dusting everything else and used the cloth and some furniture polish. It took the rust right off and left the piece looking pretty darn good! I am sure it won't last, but it worked. This small thing made me start thinking of how to ward off the rust demons. How do you prevent rust?

I want it all to be one piece. Pour the cast around the tang of the blade. I am thinking one peice is easier and more durable than 2 or 3 pieces. Plus sometimes simple design is the most functional. Still in the idea stages... Peyton