Cindy

I do a bit of scrimshaw and that is a very interesting idea you have there. Blood stains and stays in various mediums, but I'm not sure how permanently. Maybe you could mix some blood with the ink. Decomposition smell might be a problem, but it would be such a small amount I doubt it. Now I'm going to have to do some experimenting.

We did our second demo yesterday at a small town event. It's lots of fun, but tiring. I tried to get stuff made up before hand to sell, as it seems to always take longer to make things at a demo (not the forge you're used to, people talking to you, etc.). But I really enjoy doing that. We had some boy scouts stop by and talk. They had been to summer camp here in Missouri and had taken a week long blacksmithing class sponsored by BAM. It's great to see young folks getting into this.

I love it! You have one lucky son. I haven't tried a hawk yet. I've been considering one from a ball peen. Did you drift the hole any for the handle or just leave it as it was when it was a hammer?

I can't help with the ID, but if it weighs 220 lbs and you got it for $200 then I think you got a good deal. Use it and enjoy.

I've tried making my own touch marks with little to no success. I found a guy that I think is less expensive than most the others I contacted and have gotten stamps from him. You can even send a sketch or picture of what you want and he will make a custom stamp for you. He also has a bunch of pictures of stamps you can choose from. He will email what the stamp will ultimately look like and you can make changes before he makes it. It's called Buckeye Engraving. The address is 4485 Crystal Pkwy: suite 200 ; Kent, OH 44240, Phone is 330 677 5685 and fax is 330 677 3936. I found it simpler to email him at [email protected] If you decide to use him, let him know that Cindy in Missouri recommended him.

I like it, but what is it?

My gosh that looks GREAT! I have never tried to bend flat stock like you have. It looked like to me when I first saw your drawing that it would be impossible. I will have to try it myself sometime. Keep up the great work and more pictures. Man that is impressive to me.

I can't access blueprint bp0322. Is there any way I can get to this blueprint? Thanks

I like it. I think those things are kind of hard to make. At least it is for me. Good job.

I'd be interested in doing this monthly project. Material limits would be ok, but I'm way too new at smithing to have a time limit (other than a month).

Gerald, thanks so much. I never thought of blacksmith puzzles. I tried metal puzzles and tavern puzzles. Thanks again

Just wondering if anyone knows of a book or internet site that has fairly simple tavern puzzle patterns. I've looked on Amazon and googled tavern puzzles, but not coming up with much. Just thought someone might know of a book or place that I could get such a thing. Thanks, Cindy

I have the DVD and like it a lot. Of course I'm pretty new at all this, so everything is a learning experience for me. It shows how you can do quite a lot with not much. It changed what I think an anvil is or has to be.

I'm pretty new at this smithing thing. Two things that I've found helpful is a video I got on ebay. It's called "Knifemaking Unplugged" It showed me you can do a lot with very simple things that are not "traditional" blacksmithing tools. I think you can get it from Tim Lively -- Handmade knives since 1974 as well as ebay. Another helpful thing to me has been on ebay. A store called Poor Boy Blacksmithing Tools. This guy makes tongs, hardies etc at reasonable prices until you learn to do those things for yourself or if you just don't want to. He has good info on anvils and shipping costs too. Mostly I'd say it's important to just do it. Everything I've made, done, tried and failed etc has taught me a lot. One thing's for sure, once that blacksmith bug bites you, it ain't EVER letting go!

We're coming up Sat. morning early. See you there!