2ndChanceCowboy

Welcome Nate n late one for you Marcy,,, Search the site before asking, my 1st lesson even though I knew better at my age. Good people here, read n read n take notes. Later,,,Ty

That is too cool n then some. Excellent job mate, one of the best junk art pieces I've ever seen. Amazing the talent so many have out there today. Thanks for sharing,,, Ty

Hey Dutch looks like you're doing fine as you have shown. I'd take the advice for getting with a few smiths that way. Enjoyed the pictures thanks. I once knew a guy named Dutch. Yes know the chances are about as good as winning the lottery too. You aren't a brother rag'nar by chance are ya? Smile. If so, you'll know who I am real quick I'd say. Anyhow, chances are very slim,,, Wish I had a axle like sjs stated in above post. My 1st forge as a kid was a coffee can with cement n a old rainbow vacuum. Was really good for starting fires too when windy. Those were the days for sure,,, Always say, we only limit ourselves most times. The best one I ever witness in person was some indigs in Argentina whom used wood in a hollowed rock. An bike parts for blower n drive. Yet you're way ahead of those guys.

Hmmn, I think tradin a wife for a girlfriend is in order so I can get some ocp tongs.lol Nice girl, ya might take notice brother,,, Got a long johns bottoms, gun cleaning kit to add to the other 12 mixed misfits thanks to my kids n friends. Hey, I just about died, my dentist wrote me check for 400 bucks. As I just had 6k uppers dentures with posts n ma washed em in my sweats n fell out n broke 2 teeth. Told em what happened. Next morin, his wife said I was a rare guy. As most everyone lies n says they broke just eating a sandwich. Leavin him the costs,,, So I guess telling the truth still works in America. Now if we can cut the head off the snake. As that's what my intelligence yrs always ROEs.

Wow, awesome work sir,,, Thanks for sharing very much. I seem to remember my granny had one many moons ago now. An now I am that grandfolk age too.lol.

Ironman, well stated sir. A few beers also helped back then.lol Yet never kissed my anvil hoping for a sexy girl. Although hindsight being what it is, wished I had now. Laughin Just know by experience n many years of grey hairs. Wishing for that sweet Angel of a lady. Could now be seen as tryin to entise a Langley sponsored water boarding baptism of a feral cat,,, Just tryin to bring some added humor to this topic. Smile. Enjoy you guys allot,,, Ty

Interesting topic fellow smiths. Think everyone has their own very independent viewpoint an assumptions. Leaving no one thought nor opinion incorrect to another. I would definitely lean towards Jim Cokes previous post. Which I am in total agreement with such,,, Very wise n skillful smith indeed. When ask of such some 30 years ago. Such habit or "Why Factor" as I tend to say. Even eluded somewhat, as even I wondered some too? I would say with every tap or missed hit with my hammer. The price of horse being shod amplified it's ending price charged. With a slight grin,,, Most just smiled an laughed or followed with a disponible grin. Yet a few actually became quite hostile an noticeably annoyed as if I should recant to such charge or statement. With myself lookin up, saying I'm joking. Smile Everyone shares different views or thought processes with ones expression an habits. Good or bad, it's what defines us individually. Enjoy your time smithing together folks. For to cast stones onto another smiths traits at our anvils or smithy. Isn't going to bringforth friendship nor sharing ones skills. Something I've never shared,,, An some may even think somewhat strange, perhaps even being comical in a sense. Grin. I'd find myself doing at times. Most certainly will in the near future 2015. I'd be forging late into the night with my pups chewin on hoof trimmings. I'd turn most lights off, put in my most favorite tunes quite loudly. With the glow of the forge n iron transformed with my hits n taps an tunes. Whitney or even Bach, depending on my mood or lifes struggles at the time,,, Very often would be followed with some of the best forgings I'd ever done personally. A hiddened secret till now. A lady friend once secretly watched one night. Took her years to tell me also. All good. Commented how my tunes seemed to recognized my blows of the hammer. Inturn would follow with a predestination of the music with my forgings. As if they'd took on a life of their own. An before sayin Ty, think you been kicked in the head one to many times. Point I am tryin to make is. No two smiths are alike in this world. Be whom you are an at peace, cheerish those indifferences from one to another,,, So hit or tap away into the night I say, Smile. Ty Try it some night in your smithy, you may find a demensional smith you weren't aware of. With Gods help, I'd like to once again find that window n goofy guy again,,, Guess we'll see what comes forth from the forge someday soon,,,

DSW, thanks very much. I am going to give serious thought to your information you stated. Sounds like you really looked into it. Really appreciate the time you took to tell me all that too. Too bad that deal didn't pan out for ya. Yet, that's always a gamble an most buy the best bser out there today. You wouldn't happen to have his number by chance? Jim guy. When I say 3/4", that be a rarity. Most would be much lighter materials being used. Speed of production for myself is a nip slow anyhow. Yet anything a guy can do to save time n money is good stuff. One dealer has a lease to buy with optional to trade tables if need arises. Although that all takes money too. You guys have gave me some good questions an ideas. Thanks very much. I am thinking it'll be very tough to recoup the funds paid out for a cnc system n other equipment too. Age n physical state will be a factor to how well I do. Doing good work isn't a problem, yet turning a profit may be veryyy challenging? As there's a ton of folks out there up n running with a proven track run with knowledgeable staff to boot. Always a big chance for us little guys out there today. Going to take all your advice an look into area much more throughly. Maybe all this is to much of a pipe dream? Surprised there wasn't further thoughts on all this? Yet very much appreciate the amount I received too. Best dig in an research more ideas an opportunities perhaps. If you guys have any further thoughts, please do say hey. I really am listening an taking it all in. Thanks, Ty

Thanks nsa, like to hear more an see pictures too of new set up. Always game for new ideas n tools. Thanks

Thanks for the input Josh. Product liability didn't enter my thought process honestly. Wow, guess I need to rethink some things in regards to all this? Very good points,,, Electrical was well thought out here in the woods. Have 1 main 100amp feed to a second 100amp box with emergency shutdown or lockout needs located at hammer n forge location centralized. Lack equipment just yet. Ran the largest electrical wiring for single phase anyones seen outside a commercial or military fobs. Currently have 6 220/240 outlets however that goes. One rated to run 15hp 75amps all day long. An spin the meter too.lol One throw, n all working bench, hammer, air compressor an overhead work area outlets are dead or locked out against accidental engagement, which happens. Shared a story of my dog Jake in past post. Realize it may be considered overkill perhaps. Yet accidents do certainly happens unfortunately. No potential customers yet. Strike One. No business plan otherthan what God shared with me. Strike 2. No invoice for custom parts. Yet not operating yet either. Strike 3. Marketing plan, by the seat of my pants. Strike 4.lol Interesting points, appreciate the wisdom an intent Josh. No matter how I too run thru all the unknowns. I think odds will be stacked against me. Now I am asking myself that too? Yet have a very strong Spirit, an failure has never been a good option in my life. Although have failed before, yet beat the odds. Determination an will to fight an advance n overcome any adversary n circumstances. Yep. But I know also my age n physical injuries n marbles aren't always a Go,,, Regardless of a guys will, I still have many bad days n nights. Wow, some very good points Josh. I hate ya by the way now. Laughing.Smile An this is my largest endeavor taken granted. Yet, no one out there will hired a guy with spinal injuries or doesn't play kindergarten games well. So what options do I have? Hmmmn, I got it,,, I'll reenter the USA southern border illegally which is legal really. N the benefits they hand out are awesome. Don't even have to work? Oh yeah babygirl n free meals, phones, college, social security for life. Grants to all that follow, free complimentary bag of weed from the waste house. sign me up dude,,,lol Just some starcasm n joke there. Really good points Josh. I know I am taking on a big load n chance here. Just don't trust the manipulation of the markets an have since baled out. Maybe I should talk to someone much wiser than myself? I'll send a pm later. Thanks for the advive an questions very much. Ty

Hey guy n any girls lurking out there too. Am giving serious thought to a cnc plasma system. As I am seeking to work smarter vs harder as with bending over cutting numerous items multiple times a day perhaps. For much of my work day will need to be done sitting unfortunately. Not how I like it, yet that's lifes deal today. I know there's a 100 manufacturers an types out there today. Yet am looking for longevity an ease of use. As my ole back n thought process remains substantially limited. I just can't do it for very long these days. If anyone has any real world use an applications you'd advise. I'd be most grateful n appreciated to boot. I'd like to be able to cover a wide use platform. Able to cut perhaps 3/4 inch plate, yet would be more apt to use from 1/16 to 3/8" on a regular basis I'd think. I'd like to get into custom gates an plate security reinforcement cutouts for home n business use. A hebo machine has been calling me out at night in my dreams.lol I saw a bit here on IFI back in 2012, yet didn't reveal any thoughts nor input given. Have a substantial sized smithy, soon to be live n dangerous.lol. So equipment size isn't much of a issue as is the capacity n abilities of cnc system. I have of course been called by several in the industry of cnc sales. An of course theirs are the absolute best. I am wanting the most bang for my buck, capability to broaden my service work offered. Will I regret a smaller 4ft x 4ft table, or bite the bullet n go 5ft x 10ft. Would like to import options to where I could expand into plastic, wood, engraving ect. Anyhow, that's asking allot I realize. Although I know there's a ton of very knowledgeable folks here. Thanks ahead of time brothers,,, Ty

Your pops is a very wise man it sounds like Charles. As panic never solves anything other than feeds others anxiety an fears. He took on being your pops cuz he loves you all. When ever one brings forth a prayer request. Jesus acknowledges such calls for healing. An I truly believe his hands are placed upon those whom prayers are requesting such healings. After a brief prayer this morning. As being the birth of Christ. I think your pops will be just fine, as the power of prayer is our Hope. As well as a window into our Souls,,, With Prayers, Ty

Wow Victur, awesome piece you made there. You don't seem to need any teaching. Very well done sir, wish I'd thought of that myself. What a absolute awesome gift for the recipient. Merry Xmas

Hey Iceman, I followed your page tonite n you n I would be dangerous if field together in a military operation.laughing You definitely cracked me up to the point of tears. An thanks for such cuz tonight was one of nights I no longer look forward too. That's a awesome idea with your smithy bro,,, The bench seems somewhat low or maybe you're a midget or sit while at the bench. Tryin to be funny there, smile. As I think you'd have me beat being long winded. An I have such a reputable trait myself n honestly didn't think anyone else could hold a candle to me.laugh Although enjoyed your words an pictures very much. Please add more too. I wish I'd gotten a shipping container myself. As I'd be 150k richer n be forging right now. Yet perilous event as it may be, I can only wish for such now. Hired the slowest an most disorganized builder on planet earth. With 2 speeds stop n reverse. Yet cashes checks before the ink dries. Anyhow, too bad you are so far away. Think I'd enjoy forging with ya. Keep the pictures an progression of smithy coming. I envy you're already forging n I am stuck waiting unfortunately. I would like to ask though? How do you keep the noise level relatively sane while hammering inside such an area? Merry Xmas my friend, hope santa stopped bye your place tonite. Later, Ty

Wow, that's really awesome. Love the attention to details n very gifted. Frosty just has to worry about those steel eating termites up there.smile. Hard to believe how many skilled smiths there are out there today. Really enjoy the pictures guys.

I'd love to have that anchor n 8ft gear. Yep, everyone at West Point an the House of Cards. Get a nip edgy about most anything. Except all the waste they pour into underground n ISS endeavors since the 40s. I'd gave most anything to have been at that auction. Yet ma wouldn't share that thought.lol Thanks for the awesome pictures fellow smith.

Thanks Frosty, welcome the advice very much. I will certainly make changes. My apologies for being so longgg winded in the past as well also. As in person I am certainly Not as such. Enjoy IFI very much, an guess being a new dog we should read moreso than write.lol. Thanks for the kind words n welcome from all of you fellow iron junkies out there in smithland,,, Off to the woods to milk the chickens,,, Ty

My sincere apologies for being so longgg winded guys,,, I am not such in person, off to the woods. Enjoy all of you iron junkies out there n retirement is good stuff,,, Ty

You guys have some sweet shops out there. Like that little black hammer. If I had a open shop not sure what would take place if I left this earth suddenly. But really like it allot, very much envy on all your shops here. If mine own ever gets done, I'll put some pictures up. As I have a contractor that has 2 speeds, stop n reverse,,,lol Been 16 months now n still no insulation nor steel on house side. Always something it seems. Not sure what God is tryin to teach me on this project? Smile But have a floor an apron poured now, only took 5 months. My after thoughts,,, Have a few n then some. Nice shops guys, thanks for the pictures. Ty

HEY SORRY Jim, I didn't know you said that an its now 2 months old.lol I wonder if IFI has a way to link everyones posts in one spot when a new comment is posted? Sure there is, yet haven't run onto it as such yet. Thanks again for the visit n look forward to takin classes with ya soon too. It is a class for dummies right? Smile lol My ole dog eyes n thinkin isn't as highly sought after these days. Funny thing really,,, I remember when I was once part of a unique group. Hmmmn, my ole bones n joints still acknowledge my presence though.lol Anyone around or ever passing through, please do stop bye for a few. An never know, maybe even lite the forge n sing into the night n howl with the wolves. Yet, word of caution, young boy down the road has told me of Bigfoot wandering within the area at night. Smile Wish Jesus would give us a grandkid, but doesn't look good on that. 20 years ago, frustrated with my own boys not knowing a grandparent. I placed a nice ad in the local paper an not one single person called or wrote. I just don't understand folks anymore, where is all that compassion an love they talk about at church n other functions? Never mind my jabbering,,, I since been blessed with awesome young men as sons. An have launch professional careers an have done so without pops pocket book nor influence with contacts. Now, returning back to earth,,, That doesn't have anything in relationship with our forging issues. Must be missing my boys right now. When we get old, even though I stay very busy for a worthless crippled critter in the deep woods of Michigan. Memories are sometimes all we have to enjoy in old age. Waaaaaaaaa smile Regardless folks, I can't say enough good about IFI. As its very possitively saved my life in a sense. Won't go into that as such. Yet will say. For you young folks out there today. If you discover you throughly love forging an smithing as most here certainly do. By all means, follow that desire n dream. An never let anyone discourage you. Yet do listen to constructive criticism when its called for as such. Don't take everything as negative info, an move onward to your set goals. An do have set goals an seek them out in their entirely as well,,, Mistakes will happen very often. Be part of the learning curve when it occurs in life n trades. I never had a friend nor mentor in smithing, an would've given anything in life to have had just One,,, Decide if You want to be part of the problem or part of the solution. None here at IFI were smiths overnight. As most smithing techniques were discovered thousands of years ago as are the methods used today. My biggist mistake in life, I placed my dream of having a Smith Shop till age 55. As that in itself make myself veryyy late to the dance,,, Yet, I will gain so much as each day passes. An will never have a day of regret nor discouragement when satan attacks my desires to succeed. Recognize your strengths an weaknesses. Seek out others whom have been there. Such as members here at IFI. I never thought a site as this even existed. I know this whole tex isn't part of a proper introduction. Yet I forget things at times an wanted to say things as I have. Anyhow, hope that statement helps someone starting out in smithing. Apologies to anyone upset by myself stating such in any foremat. I forget things very easily if I don't acknowledge such. It would never be wanting things my way or likewise. I too, want to be helpful. Thanks for reading as I wish everyone a great xmas regardless,,, Ty

Very well stated Stormcrow. Can't disagree on that issue of working with iron heights on hammers. Guess guys with spinal conditions view matters somewhat differently. Yet most working in this field will have shared injuries with similar opinions at some point. The less bending forward the better in my book. Yet that's only from my position too, not a given. Whatever works for you, is certainly the best advice overall. I tend to work differently as I progress with the work pieces an their weight n mass. Probably wish at some point I'd have a robotic arm to assist me would really be sweet. An actually going to progress thoughts into such methods. Yet I too was always going to live off the coast of Brazil with my honey. An doing the opposite obviously. Smile. Love hearing ideas an views from all here. As it really gives thoughts to our own perspectives of how we do n approach our work methods. An really don't feel anyones thoughts are incorrect. If you want it that way n it works good. Run with your choice, you can most often change them too. Anyhow, enjoy hearing everyones views regardless. For its actually influenced my perception a few times. Happy we all have IForgeIron as our ground team n support staff. Now if they'd just arm the A10 Warthog we'd get real results.lol. Joking,,, Keep forging an never look back.

I too am retired, yet was forced into retirement. Yet it was the right decision, as luck would have it so. Although it took 5years to realize my life wasn't over just yet. Keep yourself busy n helpful to others an you will have no depression in your life. It took me till this time in my life to finally build a shop I could explore my smith work. So don't ever give up those out there that don't have a shop you'd like. It took manyyy years n sacrifices to build enough to pay cash for such. As when many went on extravagant vacations several times per year we had none. When everyone seems to have new trucks we drove clunkers, yet well maitained. Set goals in life n it will come,,, I love that statement Mike,lol. Happy so many out there are able to do so. I was retired, till I had a life shaking moment an then life n time became extremely much more of importance. When my shop is finalized, my life is going to become very busy. If not for the dream of smithing an that desire to live such a dream. I finally will have a place to do so an what a incredulous fact that has become. Along with the discovery of IForgeIron, as I never knew there were so many smiths at so many different levels,,, Anyhow, it's good to be alive,,, An never again will I allow my life to be wasted away as many had wanted I think. Out of sight, out of mind type situation. I'll live up to that too, workin out of sight at smithing. Smile Thanks to all whom make this site possible an available to all. Sharing of ideas an methods of Master Smiths that many of you certainly are. Anyhow, off I go n retirement full time has taken a backseat some days,,, Spend an enjoy the latter years of your life. I'll make sure everyone gets a bag of coal an a hammer n tongs.

Wow, some really good suggestions as to what not to do. An I think grinders are the most dangerous weapon in the shop. Bench or hand, they are flat out dangerous if not well respected. I too have one of those as well. Under a dozer grinding a belly pan mount some mechanical genius obviously thought a few welds hold better than grade 8 1inch bolts. Well, was grinding an wet an cold not too happy. Had trigger locked, dogs playing unplugged cord. Phone rang, some time later little neighbor boy who was my shadow. Asked if he could plug in cord as he n I would watch little rascals after he got home from school. Not thinking an being on phone, little guy Stoney had layed down hugging Jake at the time nearby. Grinder took off, grabbed traction on the track an became air borne. With my best buddy Jake, my dog I absolutely swear put himself between him an that little boy. Jake bleed out before reaching vet. As our place was a good 50 minutes to town even at 80mph. Little guy was fine yet deeply scarred from such a incident. All the could've, would've an should've moments have since affected how I am very safety conscious today due to such incident. Now, when somone walks into my shop. Stops an notices my 2nd 100 amp service with a large throw handle n lock attached. Little do they realize the sacrifice my best friend Jake made that morning so long ago,,, Sad yes, but lesson well learned n a little boy possibly saved that day. So, when I say please don't ever kick my dog,,, They are among my very best buds in the world. Decide wisely, for they are certainly my very best friends. Anyhow, that's my story among many such duh moments in life. Forge on, yet think about what chances we all have been quilty of at times.

As a guy doing the same with currently putting together a shop as well. Take the above advice seriously an listen to what they said as it's 100 percent correct. I have spent 60 to 80 hours researching on power hammers alone. An I wish I had ask more questions too, yet its all good regardless. Don't get into a hurry getting one either. They are for sale everywhere an do take the advice of others with the work involved with floor n size. If you have the bucks, get a Sahinler as its self contained an available as single phase. Do you have or will have 3 phase Always? Don't put all your eggs into a hammer either. Spread abilities out to allow flexibility with jobs an capabilities. Make sure you have all bases covered as you'll put all your money back into business for the first 3 to 5yrs at the very least. If you are not offering something thats lacking, how will your business plan survive? Just tryin to keep ya eyes open an don't get hammer fever as I call. As they all will hammer iron. Buy what you can afford Only,,, Wish someone would've gave me more advice. Yet I am able to run with it regardless. There's tons of very wise folks here an use that an listen to what they say. Anyhow, good luck an happy to hear about the startup of your shop. Forge Onward Bro,,, Ty

Old tools reworked to look sweet is awesome an it's really what you want an like with tools. Yet Thomas is very correct too, as I've seen many spend 10 of thousands on the latest tools. Thinking how hard can it be, an then finding out what most of us know. Skill doesn't happen over night regardless of any trade nor occupation in my mind at least. Anyone can fool a fool. As the fool is only fooling himself in the end. As time, sweat, an ones blood shared with empty pockets will reveal the true love of a mans trade,,, Enjoy what pleases you with reworking those tools an hold your head high n proudly when given a compliment about your tools. Although, if recreating a 1800s old smith shop. I would lean towards leaving them as they were used in that era,,, Just my thoughts there. As I think it tells many stories just viewing an thinking Wow, that was how things were back then. Any tool saved from the torch n melt is a tool relived n useful in my book. Good job regardless, carry on,,,