Daswulf

Starting out with leaves and basically anything with a sharper fuller/ taper I was getting cracking. After Reading up on it and working at it now I don't get cracks. It's like I learned over time haha. About any of my early leaves have cracking at that point.

That's a pretty good first knife. The rebar s hook is something to look back on

Many of my first projects are in a scrap bucket somewhere. a few hang around to remind me what not to do or to look back on to see how far I've come.

Like they say, a day with an experienced blacksmith will save you a Lot of time trying to learn on your own.

Aus that one turned out great. The way you got the files looking for the thick part of the legs is perfect! The ridged lower back legs look like straightened flywheel outer ring gear. Yes? And they work perfectly as well. Are those the stainless plugs you showed in "it followed me home" for the eyes?

Thanks for the info dimag. That's a nice first bell ID. I keep thinking of making some.

Thanks Aus, but I can't claim the idea since I've seen it somewhere else. Other then making them into a unicorn. I have feelers out to hunt down horse shoes, eventually I might be swimming in them who knows. Thanks Tubalcain, that was my second attempt. I'm thinking I need to make some new punches and chisels for these.

I have before with many a thing but this one I was very careful about.

So I'm practicing on these. Saw it somewhere on line and like them. Last one is a unicorn version and my last attempt. One key is don't cut the horn untill you have to. Otherwise you have to cool it a hundred times throughout forging. These were all fun and I'm still working on getting them better. First one was a wrought Iron horse shoe I acquired. Others are purchased from tractor supply. I have friends that say they will get me horse shoes and I'm still waiting......., till then I need practice. Thoughts?

Thanks Aus, They can give me grief at times too. One side is a little off tho after an "almost" scary run in with the wire wheel but I tapped it back around. Another reason to Really be careful when working with a wire wheel on a 1hp buffer. I think next time I'll just use the 3" wire wheel on the pneumatic die grinder for something like this.

Nice Zeroclick. It's always good to get to see improvement. The more you do of something the better you should get so keep at it.

Understandable. Just thought I would mention it just in case. Keep on forging when you can and don't forget to share some pictures of what your doing.

Welcome aboard B-Hoss. One things about the back problems, if you haven't already, read up on some of the posture, or hammer holding techniques discussed in a bunch of threads here. A little searching ought to find them. It might help you at least a bit. My oldest brother loves bass fishing and has done some more local tournaments. I rarely have time to go fishing and when I do it's for trout or catfish or whatever will bite the bait.

Robert, those are beauties! Great find.

CT I agree, just that shipping would be a killer. I'll just keep scrounging what i can little by little. Sometimes I wonder if the WWII scrap metal drives gobbled up most of the good Old scrap here in the U.S. Aus, you know we love scrap pictures how could they Ever be off topic?

I'll agree with Tubalcain on his point. Better quality in an old vise and usually the same if not less cost as new.

I think you really have something there with the arrow striker idea Frosty. Good thinking.

Jim, that would make it great for different sizes too. Larger or smaller pipe. Perfect.

Haha nice one Aus. Jim, that's an excellent idea I hadn't thought of. Thank you.

That's some nice work! Love the little dragonfly.

Vaughn the larks head knot is a good idea. Well Tubalcain, she ended up preferring it hanging straight.

Thanks for the tip Jeremy. Good point. Good point Glenn. The handles are alligned but not as decernable as maybe they should be.

I like the Idea Marc. Thanks. They do work. just fishing for ideas.....

A friend is doing some pallet scrap woodwork and asked about wood branding irons in a heart and star. Here is what I came up with. Any better ideas? These seem to work but I have too much time into them, as far as making them.the heart was forged from half inch square, and the star was 3/16x1" stock. then both were ground and sanded flat on the branding side. It would be less next time now that I have a clue on how. I guess I'm just sharing and fishing for a better idea.

Nice work!