SheepishLion

I did a search there for forge blowers and came up with no hits. I thought maybe it was gonna give me something. Really, for my charcoal forge I just use an old Electrolux vaccuum that I found in my grandfather's basement with the hose rigged up to the outlet. Puts out more air than I need so I had to choke it down, but hey, it was free. Once I get around to building my blown air propane forge I've got a fan from a furnace that my uncle got for me (he works for a heating and cooling company). Can't beat free and since you don't need a lot of air to burn a hot fire, you should be able to find something cheap anywhere. Plenty of hairdryer forges out there. Joe Nelson

We apparently had a mountain lion just up the road from us about 8 months ago. It was fairly unusual since it showed up in southwestern NY. This kid went out to catch the bus to school and came back in the house talking about a "big kitty." Mom looked out and saw a mountain lion and freaked. Meanwhile, the bus driver was calling the NY game comission. Apparently they have up to a 50 mile range normally. Just wierd seeing one around here. Lots of coyotes, but that was a new one on me. Joe

That's a nice high handle angle on that. Should be great for chopping. Joe Nelson

Thanks for the information. Would you happen to have any contact info on the Oil City group??? That's fairly close and I have family there, so that would be great. Thanks again, Joe

I'm near Erie, PA and I've been looking for folks in my area. Does one have to live in New York to be a part of this group? More info please. Thanks, Joe Nelson

If I may ask, is that one made from a silver quarter? Because it looks very coppery in the photo, just wondering if it works the same with the newer, non-silver coinage. Thanks, Joe

The website told me that now would be a good time to introduce myself, so I will: I'm Joe. I live in the Great Lakes Region of Pennsylvania. Been interested in smithing for a LONG time, but only started getting things together a few years ago. Life got in the way for a while and smithing was moved to the back burner, but now I'm getting back into it. Soon to get a permanent shop set-up at the folks' house so hopefully I can get more done. Mostly into bladesmithing, but I'm definitely still interested in all aspects of smithing in general. I've really been hoping to find another smith in my area to trade ideas with and to just bounce ideas off, but haven't found one as yet. Anyway, good to be here and thanks, Joe