WoodnMetalGuy

Those look great! What was your procedure for grinding the convex back part of the gouge? They look very symmetric, and I wonder if you had some kind of jig to do that? -- Dave

I think you heard the original poster backwards -- didn't he say "looks easier than it is"? -- Dave

Years ago I made a fireplace poker with octagonal (I think; maybe it was hex) rod, and pressed that into a slightly undersized hole in a turned walnut handle, and it has remained secure for years. -- Dave

Or maybe make an additional, bigger base plate that would go under the existing base plate and the post as well? -- Dave

EmHooper33 - You may want to check out this book for a good beginning blacksmith education, and some nice starter projects: https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Blacksmith-Lorelei-Sims/dp/0785825673 -- Dave

I believe the rule of thumb is 7 times burner area needed for exhaust due to expansion of gases. So pi * r^2 * 7 = pi * 3/8^2 * 7 = 3 sq inches. A 2 inch square hole would be 4 square inches, and would be enough by that reckoning... -- Dave

Probably the magnetic field induces a current in the molten aluminum that in turn creates a magnetic field in opposition, and that squirts the metal out? Copper is also non-ferrous but if you do the experiment where you drop a strong rare-earth magnet down a copper tube, it doesn't fall normally, but sort of floats downward, and I think it's the same principle. The moving magnet causes a current in the copper pipe, which causes a magnetic field in opposition to the falling magnet. It's neat to see... -- Dave

Very nice! Everything comes together on that one for a believable dog. I think it's the tongue and the nose that make it.

A little project resulting in a nice take away is a tiny spoon keychain ornament forged from a horseshoe nail. Form the head end into a spoon, curl the other end into a loop. Quench and put a tiny keychain loop in there and you're done. One of the blacksmiths at this show in MN does that throughout the day, and it was a hit with my kids when they were a little younger: http://www.littleloghouseshow.com/general-information/ He was able to turn them out pretty quick. -- Dave

I like that tray idea a lot - I may have to borrow that! Thanks - Dave