CrazyGoatLady

We used to keep the pelts, but the breed we raise now have thinner hair for more heat resistance. They don't really make nice looking pelts. I always thought it'd be neat to make a blanket or something out of them, but that's not really in my wheelhouse of skills

Chris, Tommie says you can bring your shears and shear our rabbits

Thank you Frosty. That's very kind of you to say

My smithy was named Little Bear Forge and our farm was Gunslinger Goats because our herdshire was named Wyatt Earp and several others were named after old west figures. After my grandkids passed away, we renamed the farm to Sissy & Bubba's Farmstead for them, because that is how they referred to each other. My forge name didn't sound right anymore. Didn't reflect me or the farm as a whole because we were more than just goats by this point. And wherever we are, it will always be a farm. So I changed it to S&B Farmstead Forge

I'm really enjoying this series of videos as well as all the content you put out. Thanks for taking the time to do it

Oh Thomas... you and your family are in our prayers. Just went through this myself and I understand what it's like.

I know, right?! It will be a year in July

Thanks Frosty. Yes, I can and do move all around it when I need to. I use the horn for drawing out quite a bit and for turning hooks and trueing up rings. Although, I'm finding myself turning scrolls more over the far side of the face more often now

I'm in Texas also. Welcome aboard. I have the Emerson 100lb. Traditional. It actually weighs 105 lbs. I did a LOT of research and I read up on all the ones you mentioned. I've been using mine for nearly a year now. The only thing I don't like about it is the lettering on the side stands proud of the anvil and close to the face. If I'm working over that side, I have to be careful or I'll hit the lettering and mar my work. To fix that, I could grind them down, which I'm not inclined to do. However, it's also because I work with the horn oriented to my right. If I were to point it the left, that wouldn't be a problem at all. It also will come with mill marks that are pretty visible on the face and horn. I sanded it some, but they don't affect the smoothness of my work and it's been work hardened in the areas that I use the most so it's smoothing out on its own. The only other thing is I wish I could have afforded a heavier one. Not trying to sway you away from the other ones. Just a little review. Hope it helps and happy hunting

Thank you Frosty. I sure appreciate all the kindness from you and all the gang. I'll look into that. It will be a permanent fixture I hope. Goods, thank you for such a nice compliment and comforting words.

Thanks Jennifer. I should holler at you soon. Haven't had any girl talk in awhile I want a black finish, but not shiny. I guess I'll make a trip to look at paint soon. I need some new welding gloves also. Got a hole worn through on my lefty. No bueno

That's about what I figured I'd have to use or something akin to that. I normally just use Varathane paste wax, but I don't know how well that holds up in the elements. Thank you Chris

Thanks for reminding me of that JHCC. I forgot, but I've read through it before. I remember the urn you made. My Dad would have loved that I'm making these things for them. I wasn't a smith before he passed away, but he'd be tickled that I am now. It was good work to do and my heart was certainly in it. I'm rusty and my hands are soft again. I wore in a couple of good blisters, but I kept going because I wanted to get the forging done today. Now onto finishing. And that's real nice Thomas. I'm picturing what these will look like with a little solar light hanging from them.

Thank you Frosty and thank you for asking. I'm just taking it one day at a time. Keeping myself busy and trying to keep from wanting to be lazy and sleep. This hook is for my parents gravesite. I didn't want to mention that, but I figure I might as well. It was good therapy and I have another one to make and some crosses that I haven't quite decided on a design for yet. And when I was welding that up, I was thinking it looked like a fire poker and I've never made one. It's funny how forge welding seems kinda intimidating and yet today, I just decided to do it on the spur of the moment and it went smooth and easy. Didn't even use any flux. Can you recommend a good outdoor paint or finish? I don't really like paint, but if it's the best thing I'll use it.

I like that JHCC Maybe a little better pic. I'm still trying to get the hang of posting pictures now

There's been so much wonderful work done that I can't begin to catch up on commenting in one post. But everyone is doing so good. Sorry I haven't been on much lately. Got out to the shop for the 1st time in about a month. This is a shepherd's hook. I used 1/2" round and squared it because that's what I had on hand. I was going to weld on the piece that goes in the ground but I decided to forge weld it and bend it back instead. I can see I need to straighten it a bit at the bottom. Ended up being about 19" tall and that is what I was wanting was a short one in case anyone wonders. Thanks for looking and y'all have a good day

Your in my prayers also Randy. Feel free to PM if you need a shoulder Chellie

Thank you so much everyone. I am thankful for all of you being here for me more than y'all can know

Sending prayers from here also

Thank you Chris for letting everyone know for me. And thank you for all the kind words and support from everyone. It means a lot. This is much more difficult than I thought it would be. But I was there at the passing of both of my parents and I am blessed to have been given that privilege. My Dad passed away in 2003 and what George N.M. said made me smile because that was exactly my thought about her seeing my Dad again and my Grandbabies that went before her. She also has another great grandchild there too. Thank you all so much for prayers and good thoughts. Y'all are in mine too

We'll be praying for your sister and your whole family Thomas. Be safe and just be concerned with taking care of your family

I try working two things at a time sometimes. Any more than that, and I get flustered! Or I will end up setting one aside for a little while then come back to it.

Sorry to hear this Frosty. My little Doxie will be 9 years old in July and she's had a slew of health problems in her life. If I even think about her passing, it brings tears to my eyes.

Bosko, very nice looking hooks. Don't get too caught up in how long it would take a more experienced smith to make them or anything for that matter. You'll just beat yourself up because you feel it's taking you too long.The more you do, the better you'll get. Like DSW HandCraft was saying, I've never been around a blacksmith at work in my life. I've learned by watching and the help of the wonderful folks here on IFI both publicly and privately. Then take it to the anvil. There's a lot of little nuances (spelling?) that you'll pick up by working that you won't any other way. You're off to a great start

It looks great Jennifer