KST1-Derek Fultz

Nice job on the new arm. Any idea what caused it to break? Is this common? I've had recent success with uploading pics by keeping them real small, under 40mb each. -Derek

Those guys make some really cool (and big) stuff. Thanks for the link. -Derek

I've got a couple of old spike mauls and hammers that are waiting to be promoted to bicks as well. All old files and hammers are fair game for something. I can testify that the ATF/Acetone mix works great! I used it to get the slot head bolts out of an old blower I dug out of a barn and used it for to get the fan off the shaft. Both came free exceptionally easy after a three day soak, reapplying daily. A couple words of caution though. 1)Acetone will penetrate your skin easily as well, wear nitrile gloves! 2) After a couple of weeks in the spray bottle I used (store bought and supposedly chemical resistant), the bottom developed cracks and started leaking. Luckily, having been down this road before, I had it in an old cottage cheese container as secondary containment. Unluckily, my dog knocked it over on the floor and I still had to clean it up! -Derek

Big, 4-H is a great program. My kids are just now old enough to get involved, but the state wide 4-H camp in located in our home town (Monticello, IL). They have over 5 thousand kids there throughout the year and multiple adult groups and organizations as well. I acted as judge of the Metalwork and Welding category of our county's 4-H fair last year. A very rewarding experience! -Derek

Looks great Dave! The wrapped rods connected to the rack had to be fun without a torch. -Derek

It's just me, and I know nothing about north wall hammers or ice climbing, but I'd like to see a pin through the head to hold the handle in. Otherwise, it looks like a nice strong peice. Good luck on the climb! -Derek

I finally took a look at Jakes fireplace set. It's georgeous (would be wouldn't it?). I also noticed that if you click on the pic in the feed it opens up in Flicker and you can leave him a comment. -Derek

Yep, sure you could. But honestly, it hangs so far around the side, the slit is not much of an issue for me. If I were to do it again, I would probably do as you suggest. -Derek

Well, I used the Randy/Colleen method (smaller pics) and finally got them to upload. Here's the pics of the tape holder for my apron. -Derek

I've been following this thread as a lurker since the very fist post, enthralled with the conversation and looking forward to every picture of iron work, surrounding environs, and even hands (who would've thought?). Now I sit and wait in palpable suspense as Jake, the weary knight with bags of clanging armor and weapons, enters the lair and prepares for battle. With his coin pouch light, and severly outnumbered, a cursory look would make one think that the cause is already lost. But for those who have followed closely, they know that his cause is just. And that he is bouyed by positive energy projected to him from likeminded individuals around the globe. AND...a freindly cohort is on the way! Should things look bleak, the tide will surely change when K. Bryan Morgan rides onto the scene! I can hardly wait for an update! -Derek

Whoa! Watching with interest. Keep posting! -Derek

I wear a leather apron that I picked up at my local welding supplier virtually everytime I'm in the shop. I've made a couple of minor mods to it that make it so convenient, I'm kinda lost without it. I have a couple of those retractable pen leashes clipped to the top edge that hold a silver pencil and a soap stone, and I keep a silver sharpy point down in the chest pocket. Marking tools right there whenever I need them. But probably the most handy add on is shown below. A slot for my tape measure I bent up a out of 16g aluminum and riveted on. I carry a small 10'-12" tape there all the time. Right where I need it, just like it was clipped on my belt, but not, so the apron doesn't get in the way of it's use. I often just pull the tape out without unclipping and let it retract when done. Don't have to worry about it hitting sensitive areas because I'm wearing a heaving apron. I find that when I wear the apron I'm more likely to sit and work at a bench or in my lap, which helps my back and legs over a long session. -Derek Well, I couldn't get any pics to upload. Hopefully, this description will do. Pretty simple: slot cut in apron, Aluminum plate (16g) with tabs cut. Center tap bent through slot and down. Plate riveted to apron through two outside tabs. Clip on tape measure slips over center tab and through slot in apron. Works really well. (not a thousand words, but a picture would have been better!)

I reforged the horn tip of my Trenton anvil shortly after buying it. Gary Jameson explained to me how to heat the last few inches of the horn tip with a OA torch, hold a heavy sledge on one side as an "anvil", and hammer opposite to reforge. Once I had cleaned up the anvil and got up enough courage, I did it just like he told me working my way around the tip. Worked flawlessly and took the flattened, mushroomed tip out to a nice useable point. Very similar to Mr. Turley's approach above, but with the back up hammer to support the work. I also used a flap disk on the horn top to take out a bunch of chisel marks. Many people will tell you that a horn tip doesn't need to be pointed to sharply, and they're right. But, I do use the tip quite a bit on some projects. An approriate hardy tool would probably suffice. And, I do have a cover for the tip, so my kids don't poke themselves on it while working with me. -Derek

There's deffinitely something to the axe geometry that helps with the splitting. But that wood is obviously easily split as well. He's not even taking full swings. Show me a video of him splitting Hedge/Osage Orange with ease and I'll then be impressed. -Derek

Sounds like a great idea! Unfortunately, I'm not skilled enough to take on the challenge. I think I could probably make some of the elements from the video, but my techniques are no where close to instructional. However, I will watch with enthusiasm if someone else rises to the occasion. -Derek

Ouch! That hurts. Sometimes neighbors can be our worst enemies. -Derek

Man George, you've been busy! Nice work. They all look very consistent and neat. I'm sure your customers will be highly pleased. Good job. -Derek

Check the hose for cracking too. Can be replaced, but again, for haggle room.

Willis, I don't think he was calling the knife a tanto. Based on his user name, I think he was signing out. Either way, nice looking spike knife. I like the deep irregular twist in the handle and the little curly scroll from the spike head/pommel. Really nice for only your second try. -Derek

Nice piece Trez. I watched Alan make a couple of similar pieces at SOFA this year. It's an interesting process, with beautiful results. -Derek

Could you drill and tap some holes in the ram, fill it with lead shot, then plug? That way if you don't like the effect, it's easy to go back. On a related note, I've often wondered if a hollow ram filled with lead shot and oil would work like a dead blow hammer. And if this would be beneficial at all. -Derek

Very nice! Love the leather wrap on the handle. -Derek

Thomas, you're absolutely correct. Plus the thing gets pretty hot with the heat rising up through it as well as on the outside. One problem we found with the current design is that people naturally wanted to poke it into the ground around the fire when not using it. This of course plugged the tip with dirt which then had to be cleaned out. I think I will try it with a 3-4" rod welded to the tip that can be stuck in the ground when not in use. I don't think it should affect the usability to much. -Derek

The family and I decided to go camping last weekend. We planned on leaving Sat. mid day and staying out until Monday since the kids were out for Columbus Day (I have vacation I need to use up). Anyway, I decided late Friday evening to make a bloker to take along after reading this thread. Here's my results. 3/4" heavy wall tubing (too heavy, but it's what I had on hand), blow flare made using the horn initially then a ballpeen hammer. Scrap peices laying around for the handle and hook. I have to say, this was worth the effort in entertainment value around the fire if nothing else. But, DON'T BREATH IN while it's in the fire.... -Derek

Welcome, Those are some pretty nice projects. Thank you for sharing them here. -Derek