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 stamps@steelhandstamps.com 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!

I really like your hawk. I haven't tried one yet. Any helpful tips for a beginner? I've been working with leather longer than smithing, but I think your sheath is great too.

I'm not sure I have the smarts to post a picture. Would I pick the insert image icon and then download (or is it up load) a picture from my digital camera?

Thanks for everything regarding this thread. I've located an anvil and will probably be purchasing it soon.

I've got a piece of railroad track that might work for a while. If it's not long enough, surely I could locate a bigger one at a scrap yard or welding shop or some place like that. Maybe I'll try that til I find that perfect smaller anvil. I'm only anticipate forging small quick demo pieces.

I do appreciate all the help. That looks like a pretty good anvil on craig's list, but by the time I pay $190 and drive to and from Topeka, KS that would be a fairly expensive anvil for me. I will keep an eye on craig's list though. I go to a lot of antique shops and flea markets all over in my travels to black powder events. I go to estate auctions also. I've seen anvils at these but they were either in real bad shape or went at an unbelievable price. I think collectors must go looking at auctions. Any way, I will keep looking and I'll let you know if I ever get one.

Thanks. I know ebay is expensive. I work in a job where I come in contact with about 25 new people 4 days a week. I ask them about anvils, I ask my co workers about anvils, I ask my friends about anvils. And I post on a site that has I don't know how many blacksmiths (who all have anvils that were given to them or cost next to nothing), but I still have not found any anvil of any size for sale. Except on ebay.

Thanks, I've been watching ebay. There are several I have my eye on. I think I have been under estimating how much per pound a good anvil will cost me. I'm sort of "frugal". I'll keep you posted on how this all develops. I might have the anvil I want in a few days. Or I might have to look a while longer.

I like that a lot! I have yet to forge anything (on purpose) successfully. I will keep trying. Hope you post some more work, I think it's great.

Would a Vulcan anvil be an ok choice for the type of work I'd be doing on it at demos? Mostly mild steel, smaller projects. Did Vulcan always have a steel face or were some of them only cast iron with no steel face? Also, I see some 70 lb anvils on ebay that the seller say are Vulcan, but the only mark on the anvils is a 70 on the front. How can they or I know if they are Vulcan anvils? Sorry to ask so many questions, but I really don't know much. Can you recommend a book that has information about various anvil brands? Thanks

I don't have much to trade. Only been doing this for a year or so. I make knives mostly at home, but would just do little quick mild steel projects at events. I figure to display my knives and do some smithing to draw a crowd. We are members of BAM and you're right, I should check with some of those folks.