Whiskeysup

Looks like a lot code i.d. and a production date/ shift/ time code.

Dropped by a local tire shop yesterday after I noticed several coil springs in their scrap pile. Asked if I could buy them. Answer was no, it all goes to the scrap yard. I said I would pay more for them than he would get for the whole trailer full. I went home without springs. Go figure.

My granddaughter was curious and wanted to learn about smithing. Had some great discussions about the art and technology of the craft. She's now hooked. I see my coal usage going up but I gladly welcome it.

Finally found a leg vise for a price that wasn't painfull. I didn't take a before Pic, it was pretty dirty, just a little rust. Screw and screw box in great shape. Made the stand from an oak 4x6. Marked with date and weight? (50 lbs) Thinking it's a Columbian?

Make a great T shirt Thanks for posting my pic-I am an idiot with computers. Definitely an analog guy in a digital world.

old anvil.msg Found this in an old dresser I was restoring, coincidentally I am a bottling supervisor in the bourbon indusry here in Kentucky. Thought you all might enjoy it.

Two years after starting the build, a new granddaughter, tearing down the old and building a new house I finally got the forge done and started making tools. Making lots of mistakes but am learning a lot. Didn't know how easy it is to burn steel. Made a hot cut hardy from a truck axle, boy that was some hard steel. Ugly as xxxx but it sure cuts! Feel free to comment. Still figuring out the best placement of everything, so far it's working out real well, having lots of fun.

Am planning to cut a bourbon barrel in half, the water will keep it from leaking. The other half will be for coal storage. Guess I can always add a bucket to it if frozen or use a stock tank heater. Figured water would be handy for wetting the coal as needed, cooling parts while forging etc.

Was wondering what you all use to keep your quenching water from freezing in the winter. I have an unheated shop and am thinking of putting salt in it. Dont want to use antifreeze because of the dogs. Thanks for any suggestions.

Tons of Shagbark hickory on our place, going to find a a piece of seasoned dead fall and start shaping.

Was at a flea market last weekend with my wife and granddaughters when I found this for $5. Got the "not another hammer/old rusty tool" look from them. Still very new to smithing but knowing that rounding hammers are not that common couldn't pass it up. Was pretty grungy but it cleaned up nice. Just need to fit a handle, weighs about 2 1/2 lbs. Let me know what you all think, always looking to learn something new.

Here's mine, brand new to smithing, found this up in Southern Indiana. Columbian about 100 lbs. Sweet ring and great rebound. Stump off a blow down from last winter. Paid $2.00/ lb. The face was in terrible shape, weld splatter all over it, very careful scraping,mild sanding brought it back.

Was at the Lanesville Indiana Heritage festival yesterday(crazy about old tractors,machinery etc.) when I saw a couple of blacksmiths giving demonstrations. He said he made the pattern out of styrofoam and had it cast. Beautiful and impresive.

Absolutely

Thanks, very cool. I am hoping it would be useful for making chisles.