Conrad.blacksmithing

Thanks for the advice Jlp, I've been talking to Andrew Larson for a while and he has given me some great advice. I don't think Andrew is on the forum though.

That's interesting Jlp, have you sold a lot of hammers (and other tools)? When you said "(excluding handles)" did you mean that you dont warrant your handles?

That's a good idea JHCC! The heads will definitely last a lifetime. I haven't been in the craft long enough to see if handles last 5 years, but I'm sure a well done hickory handle will last that long (if taken care of).

Now that I think about it Ctg, a customer may be reckless knowing they can get a replacement handle. I still got to think about it. Knowing how long my hammers last, I don't know if there is need for such an extensive warranty.

No, right now my dad strikes for me and my dad's friend's son wants to learn the craft so I might get him to strike. Billybones, I haven't really thought of the warranty but I plan to replace handles if they break. Taking a class would be a great idea. Learning how to make hammers is a wonderful thing.

Jlp, it takes 2 1/2 hours to forge + 2 more to handle and finish. It takes a while compared to some people but I don't make them often enough to get practice.

I still have to work out pricing but as soon as I'm done with an axe order I will start pumping them out to get ready. I'm having trouble trying to figure out how much I should sell them for. There are so many variables that I have to consider (I'm relatively new and don't have a big name, shipping, and Pieh's 40% commission).

Jlp I do agree that 4140 (when heat treated correctly) is a little better than 1045 but 1045 is really easy to treat. Just d uh no in a water bucket! I'm also excited about Pieh tool. It will just be hard to make enough hammers while I'm in school. I really need to get my Kerrihard running.

I have yet to make an eye punch ctg, they seem valuable though. I forged a couple 2.5 square circles today. I learned not to water quench 4140 hammers (one cracked). I also learned that I don't like 4140 for hammers. But I am glad I was able to get the practice because I might be making hammers for Pieh tool soon.

That is cool it was made just before the turn of the century. Now you can say you have a tool from the 1800's lol.

I see it too. Did you look up a chart. Without AIA (Anvils in America) it's hard to find the date.

The numbers look pretty banged up. You preferably want all of them but you might be able to make out some and find the date. On Hay Budds I can tell the date by the first three.

I'm not sure what you are asking but it is definitely a Trenton. For the date, try looking up a serial number chart. It works for Hay Budden. What exactly do you want to know?

Thanks for the compliments guys and gals.

I punch and drift all my tools. I dont know any better way? The temper was about 450-475 degrees.

I used 4140. Have yet to see how the edge holds up, but I think it will do fine.

I am almost finished with this axe, just waiting for the customer to decide if he wants I his initials in the handle. I have failed four times on four axes and now I'm almost done. Finally!

Those stamps resemble serial numbers on Hay Buddens. Although without other pictures I cannot tell you which brand.

I did that on the last hammer tongs I tried to make. Was having one of those days too. Then I burned a cheek on an axe that was almost finished. Tomorrow will be better right? Love the tools Mark. I forged the replacement axe for the last one I ruined with my dad today. A while ago a guy ordered an axe from me and three times I have made one and had something go wrong so I have had a lot of practice for this one! I will profile and *fingers crossed* finish it tomorrow. And I'm restoring a Wilton Bullet.

I don't do much with the ears but I also don't do things like everyone else. Just do what you like and eventually it will turn out. That's my moto.

I just bought two twenty foot bars, one 1/4" x 1" and 1/2" round for twenty bucks. Ten bucks a pop.

Awesome anvil! I love that weight, I think it is perfect for forging small to medium size steel. I would love to see that anvil collection!

Thanks for the info everyone! I really appreciate it. It makes total sense that the corners would get harder and chip.

Thanks for the info! I don't think it was a swivel because the mounts are 1 inch thick but what do I know? I'll definitely look for the date.

I just bought a Wilton bullet vise and am planning on restoring it and selling it. I don't know anything about these other than they sell like hotcakes. I will be doing research but for now do any of y'all know anything about these? Date of manufacture, history, model number system? I know anvils like the back of my hand but not vises. Any info or help with repairs is greatly appreciated!