Flintlockshooter

Thank you Charles. I had to move the dryer back because it was going to melt! I may take you up on the charcoal, but I think I'll give coal a try soon.

As I approach retirement, I want to start yet another hobby. A couple of years ago, I made a heavy work bench and started buying power tools, hand tools, attachments etc. I also started doing a lot of research about blacksmithing on google and youtude (tremendous resources), and I bought a few books. I bought some worn out farrier's rasp and some other pieces of steel, plus wood for knife handle scales and tomahawk handles from Ebay. I made my forge (in the picture) from an old truck wheel my neighbor gave me when he cleaned out his barn, lined it with refractory cement and I used 2 inch black pipe (both purchased from Amazon) for the forced air provided by an old hair dryer. I purchased a used anvil. The forge is fired here for the first time using charcoal. I was attempting to anneal one of those farrier's rasp. It seems easier to work. There's a local farriers supply store in the area where I can purchase coal and coke. Anyway, hello!