Fe-Wood

Cool site, thanks for posting

Welding of any kind would be tough in this case. I'm assuming the antler broke off at the base? I think I would pin the break and solder it.

Looks like a walk away to me... Those edges....

almost to nice to use!

nice pictures!!! You make you own pins?

Thats a funny story Glenn. Those can be tuff to get rid of. All I can say about security and theft is 2 words " Signature Required" I had a $2500.00 inverter shipped recently to my rural address. UPS would not leave it until I was there to sign for it. It came in the original manufacturers box- Perfect!

You are making a very broad generalization there. Not all customers believe this. Sounds like you may have been bit by deceptive packaging. Ever gone to a Home Depot to buy something packaged in a cardboard box all taped shut? Get home and find the package has not only been opened but some parts are missing? Everything looked fine at the time. Do you really believe another box would stop that from happening? Personally- I like to see the original box, lets me know how it has been treated through packaging and shipping. Its to easy to hide damage inside another box. The reason I'm not "understanding" is I don't agree... At all! I really do understand... Thats why I don't agree... My most recent purchase from Amazon was some jaws for a wood turning chuck. These are small parts, they easily fit in the palm of my hand. You can clearly see the size of the original box inside the packing materials in the picture below. Look at all the space waisted let alone the materials. Think of the BTU's and raw materials used to make, move and handle this extra box! Haven't even brought up the landfill or recycle side. My parts came tied together with a twisty, wrapped in a small plastic bag and boxed. Nothing to stop the parts from rattling around. Amazon could have very easily put the shipping label on the original box. This other box does nothing more than provide a blank slate, advertising, and take up space.

You are making a very broad generalization there. Not all customers believe this. Sounds like you may have been bit by deceptive packaging. Ever gone to a Home Depot to buy something packaged in a cardboard box all taped shut? Get home and find the package has not only been opened but some parts are missing? Everything looked fine at the time. Do you really believe another box would stop that from happening? Personally- I like to see the original box, lets me know how it has been treated through packaging and shipping. Its to easy to hide damage inside another box. The reason I'm not "understanding" is I don't agree... At all! I really do understand... Thats why I don't agree... My most recent purchase from Amazon was some jaws for a wood turning chuck. These are small parts, they easily fit in the palm of my hand. You can clearly see the size of the original box inside the packing materials in the picture below. Look at all the space waisted let alone the materials. Think of the BTU's and raw materials used to make, move and handle this extra box! Haven't even brought up the landfill or recycle side. My parts came tied together with a twisty, wrapped in a small plastic bag and boxed. Nothing to stop the parts from rattling around. Amazon could have very easily put the shipping label on the original box. This other box does nothing more than provide a blank slate, advertising, and take up space.

Redundant packaging has nothing to do with returns.

I sorta did, in that those needs are not my concern. The excess packaging is. I'm not sure it's a conscious need from the customer. I think its laziness on the part of the reseller. This has created an expectation that is unnecessary. I don't know about you but I have had a damaged item put in another box and shipped to me. Looked fine when I signed for it... As I said in my OP, why do I need a bag to put a perfectly good bag of chip in? I'm not sure you understand my peeve or your question....

Well, If I was selling packaging I would use new boxes. Sense I'm not, I recycle shipping boxes I get from orders or get used ones from the local supply houses. I also re-use the stuffing. My customers are buy my products, the packaging is extra...

I believe detail is based on the fineness of the sand. Green sand we always used a fairly course sand when I did most of my casting. As with most cases of multent metal and moisture- make sure the green sand is dry or unrestricted as the combination can be- ah- interesting...

Hmm, not sure how to take that! I've always figured there was no perfect time to start a business. When the time comes you begin. Passion is what makes it happen- money just makes it easier.... or not

Nice work! Is that the Steve Lopez from Washington? Nice guy... if it is...

I looked for a recipe for bonded sand and didn't find anything that I didn't have to order. Then I came across about 300 pounds of regular petrobond. I was planning on making mine in a 5 gl. bucket with a drill powered mixer. The kind used for mixing grout and the like. You can only make small batches at a time, about 1/3 to 1/2 bucket. Sounds like what you need. A muller is the best but finding one is difficult. You might try the local school arts program. They may even have some sand you could have....

Colleen- We could go on and on about the petro bit... I feel as humans we have taken on the part of refining the world only to place those refined bits back in the earth in ways nature cannot dilute (break down). Someday I may do a series of artworks about that.... I think about it often... Farmweld The re-packaging thing is just lazy. Putting a shipment into another box is faster than re-labeling the original box. GRRRRR!!!!!! I'm sure many of us have had a shipment run astray, no matter how big or well labeled. MacB I think I saw that "island" on a flight to Hawaii some years ago. From what I understand, the water around it is dead. To many chemicals leaching off to support life.

Wow! That sucks!!! I hope you sre able to nail who ever did this...

Thomas- This would be the fork in the road where we part company. I have found all kinds of great tools at ridiculously low prices at auctions. I can't even begin to list all the goodies. As with your approach, patience, knowledge and need are the factors to look at. I think the best deal I got from an auction, well there are many- but I will share this one. 2 welding tables 3/4"x2'x5' blancherd ground, 1 wood top table with 2 smith fuel savers,O/A regulators, hoses and a few other bits. $175.00 The correct price is based on knowledge and need. I buy tools at retail knowing if I had time, I could find it on fleabay or craigslist for way less. Sometimes the job can't afford to wait and the cost of time and travel is to high. anyway- not wanting to get into a pi$$ing contest, I just think you are being narrow minded is all.

Sorry someone beat me the Ford Vs. Chevy bit.... Can't have to many anvils... especially if they are different.

I'll be one of the those ebay idiots- I picked up a nice 260# John Brooks anvil from Matchless, Link- http://www.ebay.com:80/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120744586046&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123 I paid a little over $3.00 a pound, delivered. Although its not as big as I wanted It was the right shape and I've only seen a dozen or so over the last year + and they went for way more money....

Welcome! look into Adam's Forge in LA. They offer educational opportunities. As others have said, join CBA! It will be some of the best money you ever spent. There are many members that hold open forge time and classes for all levels of smithing. I don't know when the next spring conference will be help in Vista, Ca. but if your within 200 miles and are interested in Blacksmithing, it is not to be missed. I've travelled over 600 to go. The gas and steam museum is worth the trip alone. One suggestion if you are using a torch for heat, get half a dozen fire brick and pile them to make a small area to reflect heat back into the work, say 2-3 bricks on the bottom then 1 brick on edge at both sides, forming a small "U" shape. works really well for heating small work.

looks good clinton. nice corners... but you drilled them PS. I'm going to try the smaller image size- good tip!

wesley- if you can get that deal, let me know. I will buy about 10 sheets! Last time I bought sheet was about $150 for 16 oz. and $300 for 32 oz. I think 18g is real close to 32 oz. A good source for 16 oz is gutter companies and scrap yards will sometimes sell copper

Not to be a stickler David- but is that hammer you are swinging of the period? More curious that anything...

Ya- The handle looks a little soft and fibrous to me. Do you know what kind of wood it is? Otherwise it looks great! Good luck with the climb!