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Don't feel like a whimp.. My great grandfathers nick name was Jack Johnson after the weight lifter and prize fighter (http://www.biography.com/people/jack-johnson-9355980).. My Dad was a lumber jack/logger.. And I started martial arts when 7 and blacksmithing when 10 also got into weight lifting for awhile.. My normal hammer for years was a 6lbs.. As I have gotten older I've had to cut back on weight but I still like the way a heavier hammer feels if the material dictates the larger hammer.. Nothing wrong with a lighter hammer if you are comfortable using it and it gets the job done.. I'm not exactly little or fraile.. there is a picture of me over on the trailer build thread.. 5'11' 42,31,43 I always envied the littler girls I was always bigger/taller then everyone else..

let us know how you made out.. Pictures to please.. 6lbs for initial forging of the shaft. 4lbs for the majority and 2 for the finish work and turning of the rat tail finial.. Thanks.. Kindly

Here is the progression of demos and trailers.. the first pic is 89(the sun was a major problem) next 92 with a roof that did little good except at noon time, then 95 first trailer this one as designed only lasted about a year, and I then put metal on the roof and this lasted another 2 years, then 2nd trailer (3rd edition) in 2000 which I made longer one and reinforced the frame even more I basically tried to use stuff from the previous version especially the roof so the roof doesn't cover the front of the trailer.. If funny looking back now As I had made that forge and hood way back in 93 and I thought I made it about 12-13 years ago I did a complete rehab of the last trailer 9/25/14 because my feet were falling through the floor and i started doing demos again.. It sat idle about 7 years except for occasional use. And last few were of the last demo I did..

Thanks.. I haven't weighed it.. I will figure it out one of these days since I can just add up all the steel I purchased and guestimate on the trailer as stripped.. I can tell you the trailer I started with had a GVRW of 7000lbs.. I'm no where close.. the equipment is maybe 1000lbs.. 230lbs for vise, 175lbs anvil, stand maybe 275lbs, forge even though now it's lighter than it was.. That stack 100lbs, the roof flange 40lbs.. I basically tore the trailer down to nothing and added everything back.. It hauls excellently.. Here's what I started with.. You can see where I was just going to replace the fenders and make it a full 8ft wide.. Then I started looking at it and decided 8ft tall would be nice also.. In pic #4 you can see the old demo trailer over in the corner.

Sounds like you are a great Demo'r.. God bless you.. First few years I think I was a better public demo'r but that changed.. Now.. I'm not a great general public demo'r.. I pick something to make and then set about doing it just like I'm in the shop and at the same pace.. I'll answer questions when asked but don't do a verbal repose as I work.. Not much of a talker.. More a doer.. Besides that when I was younger I was extremely shy and you could say even withdrawn.. took, a lot of years of doing public speaking, teaching and such to get more comfortable. First demo was in 1988 at 20 years old.. So my skill set now is adjusted for the action taking place. Teaching is a different thing totally vs demoing depending on the goal/action at hand.. I also find that demoing for other metal workers is so much different than demoing for the general public...The level of conversation is at the trade level which if far more appealing to me.. . Also since I'm not much of a talker just after a few hours I can't talk since my throat isn't used to all the exercise so I'm usually hoarse. I used to do about 8 to 10 demo's , 3 and 4 day venues a year back when I was trying to promote business.. I used to find them exhaustive and the same questions over and over again.. " do you ever get burnt" was the favorite and still is.. and the trailers weren't up to the quality of this one.. Now it's different because I do the demo's for fun but only still know one speed.. "Strike when the iron is hot"" So the only time I slow down my pace is when teaching and I'd never risk having a student demo at a general public event.. To many things can go wrong and if at a trade event people know the dangers vs in public.. Back in the early 90's I had a situation where I had cut off a nail like object.. It was about 3" long and it flew 10ft straight as an arrow, straight into someones leg right at knee level..(back before I had a trailer so all the equipment was on the ground) Stuck in really well for about 1 second as everybody looked in disbelief and fell out. It was at black heat so it cauterized the wound right off.. But then the guy reached down and picked up the hot metal and burnt his fingers.. That whole episode could have been the end of everything I had worked for.. Luckily I knew the guy/kid and he didn't really care or at least that's what he said.. The next year he showed me his scar on his knee proudly.. The night before my best buddy and crazy striking dude ( he could hit a rate about 200bpm) with a 10lbs hammer he was standing back in the crowd and i had forge welded something.. Next thing you know he ended up with flux in the eye and he was about 20ft away.. Was about 9pm so it was dark out.. He had no idea what happened.. took to the ambulance for an eye washing.. (he never struck for me again) I took both accidents very seriously.. Since then I've done 100's of demo's and have never had something fly off into the crowd or someone unintentionally get hit with anything I have been working with on accident.. Also after the first few years I built my first demo trailer which started the process of moving people back from the line of fire.. and each trailer has moved the people back a little further.. As long as they can see and we can talk I'm happy with the armor the trailer affords.. Anyhow, I offer 2 levels of demo's.. Public (which is general public, fairs, town days. field days an such) and teaching.. Really I prefer the teaching vs public but now I don't do demo's for the business they create.. I do them for the fun of it and also to make stuff I normally wouldn't make because I'm to busy otherwise.. Sadly about 20 years ago I stopped forging stuff to just forge stuff to only forging stuff when it's a paying job or something I need to make for other projects.. Demo's now give me opportunities to make stuff and promote the business but in a I don't care attitude.. I don't blacksmith because I have to, to pay the bills like before when I was doing it professionally 24/7.. I do it because it's part of me and really, really enjoy it.. Took me a long time to come back from being burnt out took off nearly 10 years as I had writers block and no vision.. Anyhow I love to watch people demo and your demo sounds like you put on one heck of a show.. I'd love to see it in action.. Maybe inspire me to do something different.. So do you have any coming up? My last one of the season is Sept 24th here in Town.. Be the first demo where the trailer should be completely finished..

Oh, you.. the bleachers.. Well It did cross my mind.. I did get down on my knees and adjusted the height of the side wall as I built it so the little ones can still see me working.. At one of the shows they did give me a set of bleachers.. it was pretty nice.. Once i get it all done inside and it's cleaned up I'll run through all the neat little things and take some shots from the outside of me working.. Your right about twists they do love them. They always ask about a blacksmith's twist or basket handle.. I've found unless the person has a real interest in blacksmithing you get about 1 to 2 minutes about max.. Sometimes if a person watches awhile 3minutes or so.. I'll tell them if they want to come back in X time frame I'll be that much further ahead.. or if they would like to see the finish product to come back at X.. I have had a lot of return people.. Last show I had one guy who came back 5 times and then came back to see the finished item just before he headed home.. Said he couldn't leave without seeing it.. I said where are all your friends.. " At the car".. he replied.. I also gave a lesson on forge welding to the head teacher of a VOC school who had like 22 kids there with gas forges and anvils.. Pretty cool and I gave a lesson to a young guy from Washington on plate armor making.. As for the stack.. The original plan was to have the trailer vinyl wrapped in a stone blacksmithing looking thing.. but after working on it and feeling the difference between Primed metal and the white color the white won out and it won't be getting a vinyl wrap.. As for the stack.. It's going to get a JLP in classic lettering on 4 sides like the old chimneys of the day in silver paint.. " if you really want to see it with bricks on it, You are welcome to come and paint but you have to promise to paint it all" I will supply you with paint, brushes and a meal or 2..

Thanks.. It's taken forever.. It was an inspirational build as it certainly was not as I initially intended.. I had planned on a simply fender swap.. Ma, look at me go.. LOL.. . No on the paint.. the whole roofs paint got ruined.. I'll be able to coat it again it just means more time.. But as the saying goes.. Paint runs don't rust so maybe I'll just have to look at it as another paint run.. Though I am on coat number 8 I think.. I did the side and inside yesterday and it looks great.. Had enough time to dry before we got more rain.. Was plenty hot so really speeds up the oil based paint..

Thanks guys.. The bigger one is for hot dogs and marshmallows.. Have very little curve to the tines..

Nice work.. Few questions.. did you setup a jig for framing and welding? Couldn't tell from the pictures.. Are the sections bolted onto the uprights?

Nicely done..even more impressive using spring stock to make them..

Thanks,, Not to bad forging wise.. maybe 30minutes of forge time.. 2 minutes with the file and another few with the wire brush.. This was made in the old blacksmith trailer and the floor would bounce about 1/2" with every hammer blow.. Your welcome.. Since you guys are liking these.. Here is the fork, as forged and here is a pair.. each fork going to a different person..

Your not alone.. A hoop or loop knife is not as well known.. it is much more dangerous to use but if simplifies cleaning up frogs, or any area of the hoof where you need a dedicated round shaped knife.. This is a larger one with a very wide tip good for draft sized feet..

My understanding is anything bladed.. Arrow broadheads apply.. Making bows by hand is an awesome skill set and to me well worthy of a share.. It's like hammer handles.. I make my own and without them a hammer is useless.. You said a mouth full with lack of time.. I also suffer from lack of website.. 20 years ago I started to learn HTML to make one and got about 1/2way to publishing it and then I had a computer crash and wham.. all gone.. I look forwards to see your examples.. I like google+ for pictures and such vs FB which I find impossible to navigate.. You bet.. I'm just about done with the mobile setup.. Just little time suckers now.. Drawers, file holders and foot hammer..

One other thing.. I failed to mention.. This is a public demo rig.. vs a hammer in, or blacksmith meet.. Yes, thanks.. It's been crazy busy.. This trailer has eaten the summer up in full fashion.. I haven't been swimming once this summer.. I started the trailer back in early May, 5/14 to be exact. Been so long now it's all blended together.. Today I made great progress on the drawers and got the finial coat of paint on the roof.. At least I hope it's the finial coat.. Sadly I wasn't able to do it earlier in the day as it was still wet and humid.. So I waited to this afternoon.. Now we are supposed to get rain tonight and the paint was still tacky I hr ago.. Thanks.. It has been one of those projects where I was going to just do this and it morphed into what you have seen.. I figured it would be a down and dirty trailer build and it took on a life of its own..

Large hoop hoof knife.. Birds eye maple handle.. Audi coil spring stock.. Copper rivets..

Ah, you ruined the surprise.. the next thread will be a hoop knife... It is a hook bladed knife but the blade is straight compared to the hoop knife.. I used straight in the essence of a hoof knife.. some have less belly than others and this has a pretty deep belly.. it is true the relationship between horse and human kind can be pretty amazing.. All critters speak if listened to..

title says it all.. made from Audi car spring..

I don't even see the crowd's.. to busy working... Kind of feels like a fish in a fish bowl.. Love bow making... website? Pictures? Thanks.. Works great.. will shave so fine and smooth it makes snow flakes..

Thanks, Ah, you certainly are in tune with audience flow.. The total idea is to limit people going where they are not supposed to.. When I demo I build or make the same exact stuff I would make in the shop.. If you have ever cut a bar or had a hammer head fly off or any thing at all or a piece of welding flux head into the crowd.. You will see why.. The trailer was actually designed more to be freindly to me as well as the audience.. After doing this for over 30 years you start to understand how and why certain things happen.. One of them is heat exhaustion, another is breathing soot, cinder and dust and smoke when it's 90F+ on the demo days.. The trailer is designed so I can control how the wind approaches the forge and stack and is the reason the stack has a large shape at the bottom.. When I designed it I made the side walls at the spectator side the correct height to catch 90%+ of the weld flux and scale at or around eye ball height for children since the splatter heads out at a descending arc from the anvil face.. As you know the people watching are more likely to be hit with hot slag or flux than the smith is.. Last demo some was watching the smith next door and the smith was doing some welding.. the guy was maybe 10ft from the smith when the smith hit the hot metal the guy jumped back and started rubbing his eye.. YUP..he got slagged.. Could have been very serious.. I don't want people right on top of me.. I actually put the display table about 10ft from the trailer and then put ropes up to keep people back.. So, the design has a lot to do with how to protect the on lookers first and foremost but also how to make me the most comfortable.. As for being able to see.. The only areas I care they see are the immediate work area and this was taken into consideration when designing the doors.. There is a perfect view of the anvil and forge and vise when both doors are open.. If its windy I can close all side doors but the main viewing door and this totally controls the wind and still allows full view of the anvil and big vise if standing in front.. I'll post video of the view into the trailer at some point.. If you look at the first full side picture you can see the top of the anvil, the vises, work bench, blower and forge.. If you are one of those equipment junkies who revels at the equipment than it wouldn't be your gig.. But it makes for conversation as I'm always happy to have someone comer around and inside to look.. Just not while I'm hammering unless they are a striker, helper or in full PPG.. It's pretty amazing..

So here we are getting things moved along.. Funny now looking at it but there is 2.5 months of 10+ hrs a day up to Aug 23 which was a half a day, the day of the fair demo.. 20160818_185451.mp4 the pictures moved out of order.. So they are out of sequence.. But you guys will get the picture..

Sorry I have been lax on getting back to here.. I've been struggling with drawer making for the work bench and it takes 16 pieces of metal to make one drawer not including 2 runners.. Anyhow, I got 2 done as of today and have 4 more to make.. Here are a few teasers till it's completed.. I have engineered, designed, cut and fabricated every piece of this thing.. It took on a life of it's own but is the ultimate demo trailer.. Not sure how many I can add at once but here you go.. The roof vents open. the blower is mounted to the work bench and is height adjustable. The edging for the work bench is removable so I can pass steel out the back side of the trailer instead of towards the audience.. The anvil stand passes through the floor and rests solidly on the ground..

Thanks, forge welded flat stock.. by the time the ferrules were in process I had all ready been demoing for a few days and it was pretty hot all days.. This was day 3 of the show so instead of making them thinner which is what I would have preferred. I used the stock at standard size.. which is either 3/16" or 1/8" an were shrunk onto the handles.. the thicker ferrules actually works well as that is where the thumbs sit so offers just a little extra purchase when really pulling hard...

Forging queen works.. Just kidding. Jennifer works or JP. or Ms JP.. .. " Frosty". I like it.. Not sure what people would want to call me.. Never had a nick name.. If anything they would call me stubborn.. LOL>.

Thanks..

Thank you.. I do make sets.. This was actually a little smaller design in a toasting fork.. The fillets are usually a little larger.. Your welcome and it's Madam, or Ms.. Thank you very much..