Irondragon Forge ClayWorks

Same here.. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

Actually I think they were both the best in their own style of music.

The old saying for it is, "learn the tricks learn the trade." Frosty I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

If the price was right, I would buy one to have a small bench blacksmith vise, for light work that I didn't want to use the larger post vises or my bench machinist vise. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

I think you are right about the M Thomas Powers told me that letter was the weight, when we were talking on the phone about Ike Doss and his 400 pound Columbian. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

As you said it's a Columbian and in excellent shape, from what I can tell from the pictures. They were top tier anvils manufactured by Columbian hardware Company, Cleveland, OH I'm not positive but I think the Z & M are batch of the cast and team of workers markings when it was made. I read that somewhere but for the life of me can't remember where maybe Anvilfire and the computer that I had a lot of that info crashed years ago and all the data on it was lost. Or it could have been my mentor, Master Blacksmith Isaac Doss who had a 400 pound Columbian that I pined for, after he passed away but the family wouldn't let it go. The only other thing I can add is I hope you have read about not doing any grinding, milling or welding on the hardened steel face, which does more harm than good. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

I would say your customer will love it, I know I do. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

Carl Martin had CM Leather in Berryville Ar. He made very good boots and police duty leather. This was back in the '70s-'80s. He had a contract with the State Police for all their gear. When I joined the PD in '84 I bought all my leather gear and Wellington style boots from him, still have the leather duty gear. Sadly he retired sometime in the late '90s He also did repairs on all kinds of leather including resoling boots & shoes. I sure miss him to this day. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

I've been in several members forges where the air is just as good as outside and you could eat off the floors. Good ventilation and house keeping seem to help. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

I always use the 2X72 belt grinder with a 60 grit belt. Makes short work of the teeth. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

I used Weldwood contact rubber cement about 5 years ago and it's been running like a champ ever since. Got to admit, I don't use the saw a lot and never loosen the blade, didn't know you were supposed to. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

I don't believe this. I have had this 5 1/2 inch jaws vise for three decades. I replaced my other vise, after breaking off the movable jaw like Frosty described in another post. Trying to install u-joints on the drive shaft from my 1953 M38A1 Willy's Overland Jeep. Are you sure someone didn't sneak into my shop to see it. It's only the second one I've seen without the C in a triangle. Oh this vise did install the u-joints. I bought it at Race Brothers Farm & Home in Harrison AR. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

Then there are folks like me that actually prefer the bend like that. That way you can dig down under something and then lever it out of the ground without hitting your knuckles on the ground. I even modified a store bought one to have that bend. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

Pulling wire, then the fun really starts. Make sure you have plenty of wire pulling lube on hand. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

When I got my first main post vise, I mounted it on an oak stump buried several feet with a concrete slab poured around it. That was over 30 years ago. Several times I thought about moving it but it's still solid and I now have two more that I can use if I need room to work longer stock. The stump has shrunk and I had to make several wedges to snug it up. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

Every Colombian I have seen has the C in a triangle cast in. Not saying they didn't make a generic for different hardware stores etc. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

If you have ever experienced or even seen a flue fire, you wouldn't hesitate to get it inspected by a professional and cleaned before lighting another fire. Better to be safe than sorry. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

One thing I thought was interesting in Drew's Farm Blacksmithing was the forge he advised to use was a JABOD. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

Sure bring it by the shop.

Welcome from the Ozark Mountains. If your grandfather made the mattock, the mark may be his. Was he also a blacksmith? Can you read the letters above the anvil? I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

Welcome from the Ozark Mountains USA. Not much to add since Frosty has covered it very well. By putting your general location in your profile, it will show up with every post. We have many members located in Germany, never know some may be near enough to visit and lend a helping hand. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

I had the same problem with my bifocals when welding, went to my Optometrist to get a new prescription. He advised me that he could write a new one, but it wouldn't help much. He said it was time to get my blacksmith cataracts fixed. I made an appointment with the eye surgeon who fixed Debi's cataracts. He advised he would be able to correct my vision to 20/25 with lens implant's and the only time I would need cheater glasses was for fine print and very close work. He is a very experienced Ophthalmologist with over 6000 procedures to his credit. Had them taken care of, the first eye the day after my birthday and the second one two weeks later. After a short rehabilitation, using eye drops and zero problems, I could not believe the difference. It's like my eyesight was when I was in my 30s clear as a bell and the difference in colors is amazing. I can actually see to weld and I can see the sights & target with my muzzleloaders and duty weapons without corrective glasses. The only draw back is, I have to wear safety glasses as my bifocals were safety lenses and I had them on all the time. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

I think they were on Amazon, not sure though. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus

Ya, that's probably my fault, got it confused with the Yorktown being at Pearl while under repairs. Before the battle of Midway. It's been a long time since John & I had any conversations and his passing. Still miss him though. I always teased him about marrying his daughter, so I would have him as a FIL.

If your Deb is anything like my Debi, and I were to do something foolish, she would kill me several times over. Not to worry there have been 364 members looked at this thread and I'm hopeful some of them are working on something. It doesn't have to be anything grandeur in nature to be incorporated in the finished bouquet but every little bit helps. I just checked the thread Steve started and so far only four members have sent anything in. So come on Guy's and Gal's time is a wasting. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sail’s. Semper Paratus