JW513

life is one big wave, highs and lows but you gotta ride it and there’s always something to take out of the experience. At least you showed up, I’ve only forged twice in the past year. I’ve taken some classes by Carl and he is great. But all the spectators there don’t care who wins. I think everyone had fun just watching. This isn’t a knock to Carl because is a master. But I love your style of forging. Very colonial influenced. I’ll be there next year rooting for you. I should have introduced myself.

JPL Don't be so hard on youself... you did great. I tried to walk around and watch everyone.... I believe Carl came in first. I've never seen a judge go into such detail before each session began, but Beth is a very good smith. Going on Saturday makes me really want to get into smithing again, had to take a break due to some health and family issues. I think the best part is watching the kids from the HS forge, they all seem like very good kids who having a great time. I hope they stick with it.

I really don't have this problem unless its winter and we are doing a masonry related job....... But I just grab whatever moisturizer whomever bought in the house. It does help a lot and i should do it more often. That O'Keefs is pretty good aswell.

Nice job, you just gave that anvil a new lease on life...

I'd say here in Boston... Someone would post that for $650.... It would sit for a while, probably sell for closer to $500.. Don't do any milling to it... Sell it and buy a new one if you'd like. But there is nothing wrong with that anvil. A good smith (not me), could use yours, a railroad track or a brand new one made by Holland and produce very similar results. You

Thank you. Got it a week ago. I had no pain except for 3rd day morning. Not even real dry eyes. But I’ve been getting extremely bad migraines. Which I’ve never had before. It’s due to my eyes having to readjust.

If you know you don't know... thats ok.. Nothing more dangerous than someone who doesn't know, they don't know.

I'm going to ask the doctor, but i'm curious. I'm all set to get PRK on Friday. I''m just wondering how long others waited until they got back to the smithy.

I love this videos. Thanks for reminding me to watch them more often.

Put a new floor in yesterday. Recycled asphalt. Have not lit the forge in a year. Took one knife making class in the fall. This year is different, I’ll be going to the monthly open forge the New England Blacksmiths have in Brentwood NH. Next weekend I will put shelves up and organize it. Anyone in the New England area that ever wants to stop by or if you feel like having a visitor, let me know. I’m 45 minutes north of Boston up Rt1 or 95.

Regarding the old people. I've tried to get additional help.. I'm not the power of attorney and don't want to be. I was just a friend who little by little did more and more to the point they became dependent on me. I should have been more clear in my original post.. I also would like to do railings and gates/fences. A very good friend who started out as a blacksmith 50 years ago's just retired last year. I have his old blacksmithing stuff.... He soon found out there was more money in railings and welding/fabricating than blacksmithing and became known for his railings around Boston.... He left a huge void by retiring... I'd like to take his place in the market and he would be honored if I did.

Yes I am and would love too, that is part of my issue. I don't want to drag my personal life in here... But long story short, I've been taking care of an elderly couple for 11 years... Every year I do more and more, now he has dementia but still knows whats going on... He likes to go for walks and when that happens I get a call from the bank or his attorney and gotta leave work to pick him up..... She is starting to get forgetful.... Their doctors and attorneys all call me.. Its very complicated and stressful and unique situation but I'd never walk away. So that is a big factor. I'd like to move to the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York where my mum is from. But can't now due to the circumstances.. I know starting/owning a company is a big deal.. I've been helping run and now a legal owner of the family business since high school, I have a good idea of what does into it.. But I love forging and would love to find a way to make money doing what I love. the flip side is when you HAVE to do it, it might become a chore instead of something I love.

I still lack the skill, but this year I'm going to spend more time in the forge.. Last time i was in the forge was almost a year ago... Except for my knife making class. But working in the family business isn't working out... My own family has taken advantage of me and I can't do it anymore. But i'll continue on with them while I build up my company.. I've gotten into steel bending and old time strongman workouts... My goal is to start fabricating workout equipment. I'm going to learn how to weld as well... I'm in construction.. I have many friends who could always need something welded. I'd be interested in finding a foundry who can cast things for me. It's obviously would be a lot of work and maybe its just a dream but, the only time I'm truly happy and into what i'm doing is when i'm working with metal. So i'm just looking for any tips and ideas... Plus reasons why I should or shouldn't do it... I don't really want to work for anyone else. Once you work for yourself...No matter how much it might suck at times, i can't imagine not being my own boss. Either that or I become a public adjuster... There is money in that and I believe its relatively recession proof.

^Yeah, she's an amazing blacksmith... The door is always open, let me know when you are in the area... My (little) shop is about 45 minutes north of Boston. Of course with traffic it could be 2 hours.

My instructor Willow, from Prospect Hill teaches there.. She is great, I was nervous for my first class a few years back, the second I met her I was relaxed.. She knows a lot and metal, and shes an awesome teacher.... I'm confident anyone else that teaches there is good, there's a guy Mark that I believe, never met him but i've heard good things., I think it was renovated recently as well. sadly, i haven't been able to use the skills i've learned as much as I'd like too. I'm changing that this year!