fireater

Perhaps if secondary education was more geared towards apprenticeship like settings where students who knew what their plans for after high school were would be able to experience the work environment of the careers they choose before wasting time and money on degree they won't use.

It reminds me of the edge of a quarter like the ones made after '64 that are pressed metal instead of silver.

I think the big problem is instant gratification. My generation is hooked on it. Its not just blacksmithing its everything. My high school shop class first day kids that have never touched a tape measure before let alone a hammer or a saw want to build some piece of fine furniture or the other before they ever learn the basics

What if I modify a jack stand for use as a base for my vice?

Perfect! I'll need a square punch as it is. I was thinking of possibly using nails that I make to hang hooks on a coat rack or something. Kind of a way to bring my woodworking and blacksmithing hobbies together. And it just so happens that your tip JHCC led right to a set of nicely detailed instructions on IFI. In my humble newbie opinion bladesmithing is an art. The idea that one could pick up a hammer and pound out a sword with no previous knowledge of how metal moves under the hammer, or the craftsmanship required to make a simple hook is hilarious. you don't build a house without know how to drive a nail, why would you attempt to forge a sword without knowing how draw out stock Correction "Blacksmithing" is an art and a perquisite to bladesmithing.

Perfect! I'll need a square punch as it is. I was thinking of possibly using nails that I make to hang hooks on a coat rack or something. Kind of a way to bring my woodworking and blacksmithing hobbies together. And it just so happens that your tip JHCC led right to a set of nicely detailed instructions on IFI.

Understood, Good thing I'm really interested in the "vise" part of the vice. Finding this one saved me a pretty penny somewhere down the road.

Perfect! I'll need a square punch as it is. I was thinking of possibly using nails that I make to hang hooks on a coat rack or something. Kind of a way to bring my woodworking and blacksmithing hobbies together.

If you post pictures and give some more information we can help you a lot more. I'm pretty new around these parts of the internet as I see you are. So welcome aboard and remember details are prior research are key! The old guys on here know a whole lot and they're usually willing to help. But they don't get grumpy if you research before you ask, and provide plenty of details.

I watched a smith make several of them this past weekend, can they be made easily without a nail header?

I have a 150# anvil, but could it be used for say small copper pieces?

Thanks for the idea. I gotta say you guys here have been a wonderful help and I hope to have some finished work up soon for you guys to see.

The swivel and the jaws both move amazingly well considering it has been laying unused for who knows how long. If this keeps up it'll feel like for a long time! Have you ever used a vise that has a horn on it like this one does?

Absolutely! I am beginning my first project this weekend. I have picked some simple "J" hooks to start with as they require the use of some basic skills and will be good practice. plus I have enough stock to make dozens of them.

Yea I kinda cut the F off but that is what it says. What about the picture before it with the 4 vertical lines then the U shape and 1 vertical line?