Ben Hoover

Bought a Nordic forge 2 # hammer, sharp beveled, so since I don't yet have a sander I hand filed and hand sanded up to 320 grit. 

   Gotta get some finer grit, but it's a good start.

First hammer for forging was a $10.00 harbor freight 2.5 pound cross pein.   I have a couple other small hammers for when I don't need to wail on something, and just bought a Nordic Forge Rounding hammer, 2 pounder, and spend the morning hand filing and sanding it down to a near mirror finish to remove the bevels.  If I get enough (make enough as I get better) I will order a hand forged hammer, but I do agree with the experienced that, other than making sure you don't get too much hammer and find a handle that works are the biggest things.  

Today I fought the rust monster with a wire wheel and boiled linseed oil. I think I did okay.

I was actually making a joke. While I have them, I prefer looks good measurements.

Worn shilling?

That I have, including the plumb and levels.  Now if I can my micrometers...

Thanks Frosty. I'll add six of those. Already got the ones for my joists.

Y'all are a wealth of info!! I am doing barn style doors as I close it in. Will check on those post bases too.

Yep.  And it is going to be in concrete as well.   

Thanks Irondragon.

I can barely tie shoes. How do I resize images

No more forging only when it doesn't rain.  Went and bought the materials today to build my lean-to that will eventually be completely enclosed to a 12X20 smithy in the back yard.  I hope to have the posts in the ground next weekend and, if all goes well...  a roof over it so that I can finally fire up the forge again after a months long absence!

Aus, she is absolutely gorgeous!!!  I love the collie/sheltie breeds.  

My fault. Didn't realize yours was full sized. Mine is a paranoid compact speed freak.

That is great Aus!! And your sheltie is gorgeous.

Gonna have to look that up.  Thanks again.

Good advice.  I don't drill without the work clamped in place.  I like being able to count to ten without removing my shoes.

   I'm going to make certain to listen to the machine and make sure the drill bits aren't squealing xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.   Fortunately, right now I am pretty much working exclusively on bottle openers and hooks, so not a lot of variety on the  metals I am using, but I do get some free mystery metal from time to time that I will need to pay attention to.

   I appreciate the advice Frosty. I will heed it.

Thanks Frosty.  Now to figure out the speeds needed for the little things I do.

Wife came home. Said she knew I needed one... it may not be a Cadillac but I'm looking forward to trying it out tomorrow. 

   My first power tool.

So now I'm conflicted.  Should this be in 'Show us your blacksmith pets' or 'It followed me home'?   It's a little from column A, and a little from column B!!  ROFL!!!

Thank you JWMelvin.  My Googlefu would not find it.

That is a masterpiece.  I tried to find it on Youtube but I am unable to find it. 

Looking forward to seeing the croc Ausfire.  Love the spider and pretty much all the things posted here.  

You Bob Rossed it?  A happy little accident!