primtechsmith

The websam was a portal we opened up only on the days the monthly demonstrations. Since our meetings have moved to The Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing we have not yet set the webcam up there. Sorry for the confusion. Peyton

I just finished up my Christmas projects for this year. I decided to make big clothes pin paper weights. I was walking around Ben Franklin (craft supply store) with the family. I picked one up made out of wood and asked Mike if he thought I could forge that out....So I ended up buying a dozen over two trips and found some steel close to the size of the wooden parts. Mike was a big help as always... It is forged. All the holes were drilled. And the pin is plug welded to the base. All of it was tumbled and wire brushed then assembled. The springs are from the originals I bought in the store. I had to drill holes for the springs for it all to work. The slots in the top and bottom were not working AT ALL! I painted the springs flat black, and the rest of it was sprayed with clear. I also put felt on the bottom to keep it from scratching up the tables. This was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. The next batch will be a lot better, but these turned out okay for my first try. Peyton

WE ARE GETTING CLOSER TO STARTING BACK UP WITH OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS! THIS IS ONE NOT TO MISS. Peyton

I am glad to see you found your way over here. Thi is a wonderful place to get your start. We were very happy to have you and your son spend the day with us in the intro class. Keep me up to date with your progress... Peyton

Frosty. You and your family are on my list man. Best of luck to your Mom in recovering! Peyton

Nice job Larry. Everyone always has an opinion about something....but the important thing here is the fact you made it for your son's memorial garden. I think it is fine just the way it is! Sorry for you and your family's loss. I hope making this helped in the grieving process...post some photos of the memorial garden too when it is completed. Regrads, Peyton

Tom has passed away...He made the hammers. I have two of his hand hammers and a striking hammer. I am lucky to have them, and lucky to have met him too. Peyton

Adrian, You certainly do some beautiful work. I would go as far as saying some of the best I have come across in a long time. You give me something to strive to reach one day. Thanks for sharing it! Peyton

Yeah those are the guys...they did carry that 560 pound monster from the truck to the stand. Needless to say they are MY friends!!! The demo will be at the school which is on site at Tanner Tool and Machine. It is in between the two Southside Electric Buildings on thwe way out of Crewe...heading to Luck Stone. Here is a link to the guild NEWS page. There is a place you can click from there to get exact directions through google maps. Blacksmith Guild of Viriginia - Home Elmer will also be teaching two classes the week after the demo as well if you are interested in that. Let me know...I can help you on all levels here. Peyton

We (Yesteryear School of Blacksmithing) build our hoods with NO smoke shelf. And we also have 12" square going out and up above the peak of the roof on all 7 forges. With all the doors open and wind blowing they still draw that fire sideways. I think no matter what it all comes down to the throat size of your pipe and how high you go with it. We do sell them ready for a 10" round pipe to mate up to it... Here are some photos. Black Smith Guild of Viriginia - Gallery Black Smith Guild of Viriginia - Gallery (Nevermind the ugly guy in the black T shirt...) Peyton

All I can tell you is that is one of the prettiest power hammers I have seen. I can't tell you why but I really like the looks of this thing! I wish it were in the states... But I got curious and here is what I found: http://www.pattinsonbros.co.uk/home.html They may be able to give you some info. Please share anything you find. I am really curious. Peyton

this is my set up... Peyton

Even though the prices of scrap are lower now....the steel suppliers have stock from when everything was so high...hence the higher cost of steel still. They need to keep the prices high to cover the costs they had to pay then... ...or so I would assume...I am guessing that is why. I have not talked to any suppliers about it. Peyton

whatever you use make sure you rough up the piece you are inserting with chisel marks or holes....give the glue something to get around and hold onto. Peyton

Please let me know if you are planning on coming down...I wat to make sure there are enough chairs for everyone. Peyton

I only spoke with him a few times at QuadState. He was always really nice to speak with. I am sad to hear the news and will send up some knee mail to hopefully comfort his family and friends. Peyton

The CBA is one of the largest and most active guilds in the US. You would do well by contacting them and hooking up with some of the smiths in that area. As of right now there are two California smiths on the ABANA Board. Contact Paul Boulay. He can maybe help you out. paul@abana.org Peyton

I have the czech and it is really soft. One of our demonstrators was usign the swedish hammer in the head flew off the handle. Come to find out the handle is only in there half way and filled with red epoxy. I took the head and threw it in the forge and heated the whole thing up and then quenched it in water. It helped harden the head up a lot and I put the handle in all the way and put a wedge in it. I also sanded the varnish off the handle. It is now suitable for a beginner to use in the school... The head is crooked on ours too...I think the mold is off.... I did not expect much from these hammers(I got them for about 17 bucks or so a piece from another seller). You get what you paid for I suppose. my .02 Peyton

It was really cool to meet you and hang out! I am glad you all had a good time. We aim high, and we certainly aim to please. The turnout and smiles on everyone's faces let us know that it all came together! Linda deserves all the credit for the day. It was her idea, and her prep for the stew. She is an amazingly dedicated woman with the best intentions for the blacksmithing community as a whole! Peyton