I've been working through the Blacksmith's Primer, and I got sick of meat forks so decided to make something as a gift for a friend's daughter who had a first communion party yesterday. Took me about 45 minutes or so, but I think it turned out not half-bad for a first go. That's picture 1.
Now as far as my questions, here they are:
1) I can't seem to get my biscuit to pop out when I'm punching. The metal just pushes over to the side and I end up having to break it off with a pair of pliers. What does this mean? Does it have something to do with the hammer delivery or is my (home made) punch not right? I thought I had a picture of the punch I made, but evidently I don't. I can take one later if need be.
2) When making the above project, I seem to have done a number on my hot cut chisel. I fear I got sloppy with quenching and I'm wondering if I messed up its temper. Attached is a picture of the ding. Should I just re-grind and move on, or do I need to re-heat treat it? More generally, do you grind the blade before or after the heat-treat?
3) My anvil has seen better days. The face isn't really flat anywhere, and it looks like the sides have been pretty abused (pictures 3 and 4), making it not super easy to shoulder. How critical is it for me to get this fixed when I'm just learning?
Thanks for your responses!