KST1-Derek Fultz

Thanks for the info guys. This is an "authorized connection" installed by my propane supplier, who also owns the tank. I've been trained by the supplier on how to fill the smaller tanks, it's just that this older one is different. I intend to contact my supplier before attempting a fill. Just looking for additional points of reference. I work as a safety guy so I know all about risk assessment and training. I also know that with the proper equipment (which I have), and the proper training, which I'll get, I should be able to do it just as safely as the next guy. Thanks for looking out for my safety. -Derek

I use propane at my home, so I've had a fill line installed to fill smaller tanks from my larger 1000 gal. tank. When filling the smaller 20 gal. grill tanks, I simply hook up the fill line, open the valves on the tanks (big and little) and open the fill line valve. Once flowing, I use a small screw driver to open the set screw vent on the small tanks valve. This vents off gas while the tank is filled with liquid. Works well, even while it seems wasteful and is rather odiferous. Recently, I picked up an older 100 Gal. propane tank to use on my gas forge because the little grill tanks where freezing up. I converted an old 2 wheeled dolly I picked up off Craigslist to transport the 100 gal. tank between my home tank and the shop and got them both painted up nice. While preparing to fill the new tank, I noticed that there is no vent on the valve. I looked at new 100 gal. tanks at Menards, same fittings etc. (no OPD), but they have a thumbscrew type vent. Is this an issue? Do I just fill the tank without venting? Is there another way? Do any of you have experience with this? BTW, the cap shown in the pic is from an O/A cylinder. It's just sitting there to keep the snow and ice (coming soon) off of the valve. I'm going to go by my dealer when I get some time to get some answers. Any help in advance would be greatly appreciated. -Derek

My Grandfather had a saying "Good enough is not enough, it's forever the enemy of the best." So, I try to do my best. Sometimes my best has to be good enough.... -Derek

I love the wooden anvil idea! I've been looking for a small anvil for my son (7) to start working on. In the meantime, maybe I'll go with wood. He was practicing tapers with plasticine this weekend. Got pretty good after half a dozen then kinda lost interest when the neighbor kid came by. Thanks for the great idea and I also thank the demonstrators! -Derek

I was standing way over in the corner trying to take pictures with my iPhone. Got a few, but yours are very good in comparison. It was a cool thing to watch. 4 tries and almost no one got up to leave. That's when you know you're in good company. -Derek

I'm plannning to go for the first time and to bring my Dad as well. He's not a smith, but grew up in blacksmith shops so I think he'll enjoy it. We're trying to decide if we should camp in our RV or get a room for the one overnight we'll be there. Sounds like the camp ground might be a fun stay. What's the concensus here? -Derek

Thanks for the warm welcome Thomas! I updated my User CP as you requested. I thought I had already done that, but apparently not. Thanks for the gentle reminder. I'll get some pic up sometime, but in the mean time you can check out our (my wife does metal work too) website.

Hello, My name is Derek Fultz, but I usually post under the screen name KST1. I'm a frequent poster on some other sites, but until now have only been lurking over here. I live in East Central Il. Monticello, Il. specifically. My wife and I have been making ornamental metal "art" and garden items for sale through a hobby business for @ 4 years under the name Pipe Dream Designs, but I've been working with metal one way or the other for most of my 40 years. Over the last couple of years I've decided to learn blacksmithing. My great grandfather was a professional smith, as was my great uncle. I never got to work with either of them, but it's "in the blood" so to speak, and I truly enjoy smithing. I've taken a couple of beginner classes when time allows and have pulled together some tools, so I'm on my way. I appreciate the quantity and quality of knowledge shared here. It is truly a gift to anyone interested in smithing. I look forward to being here and hopefully, contributing where I can. -Derek

It's beautiful! How did you do the eyes? I'm having trouble with those on the dragonflies I've been attempting. -Derek