Randy C

Check with the school's art department. Most sculpture programs include lost wax casting as part of the curriculum.

My press has (2) 4 1/2" cylinders and they evened out by themselves. I was worried about the same thing but it turned out to be a non-issue. I

I agree. The Nimba anvil is an interpretation/improvement of an Italian pattern not a copy.

My buddy, Steve Barringer, has a Big Blu 110 and a155. He has upgraded them several times including this most recent valving improvement. The most recent improvement has made the two hammers quite a bit more powerful with quicker cycling although they ran just fine before.

That's my friend, Robert Silver. He's a member here. I think he goes by RSilver here.

I've had a chance to try it and was suprised with the power. It's more than what I need while taking up less room and requiring a smaller/cheaper compressor.

I bought a hand hammering video that features Amit Har-Lev demonstrating the techniques he learned from Hofi. I have the Hofi hand hammering video as well but think Amit does a better job explaining the swing mechanics.

I agree with Monstermetal and Mainley Bob.

Hey guys. I have a question concerning the log splitter valve that I pick up for my forging press. It is spring centered and has 1/2 npt ports but the in and out ports are 1/2" as well. I have noticed that most new log splitters have spring centered valves with 3/4" in and out. Will this be a OK or should I get another? My press will be using a 16 gpm pump and two 4 1/2" bore cylinders if that matters. Thanks

This is what I use: http://www.baileypottery.com/cones/cones2.htm

You should try to show up at the first quarter meeting for NC-ABANA. It's taking place on March 20th. Everyone is always welcome. Here's the announcement that was sent out: NC ABANA Members, As usual, I am a little late with the newsletter (about 2 weeks) so you all may not receive it in time to hear about the First Quarter Chapter Meeting. The meeting will be at Dean Curfman's shop in Morganton, NC, on Saturday, March 20 at 9:00 AM. Doug Merkel and Anderson Phillips will be demonstrating. Thanks and see you on the 20th.

I was speaking specifically about an adapter plate with the same bolt pattern as the guillotine tool Grant manufactures.

An adapter plate for mounting your guillotine tool would be a good idea as well.

Looks good man!

Thanks man.

Randy, Nice videos. How many GPM does your pump put out?

I built mine with 2" of clearance at rest. My brother is building one now and he is going make extra bottom dies that vary in thickness to allow thicker material to be worked. I think that is great way to give your hammer an adjustable stroke.

I just searched "sound proof" on ebay and a lot of affordable, sound absorbing blankets/curtains came up.

I bought it from the ebay store that Nakedanvil mentioned earlier. They have really good prices.

I've used the used the Safe-Wool a couple of times to build pottery kilns and as the back-up liner on forges. It seems to work just as good as the fiber that is not lung soluble. I have not used it as the hot face in a forge because I have not found the Safe-Wool rated any higher than 2300 F.

very nice! In the second photo there is a different base. Did you fabricate that or is it a found object? Great work man.

This is another way to give the auto companies another bailout. The government claims that it is stimulating the economy but it is only stimulating one area of the economy. If they were serious about stimulous, they would give everyone a tax credit. Not just the people who happen to have a "clunker" and want/need a new car. This $4500 dollar credit is nothing more than Washington giving back some of what they have taken. We should all have tax cuts so we can afford to spend more. But that would be to easy and give us just what they don't want us to have, freedom. In other words, I think it's a bad idea.

My favorite is the Big Blu. Plenty of power and exceptionally smooth. They design the hammers so each segment can be filled with sand to deaden the ring so all you get is a thud. They also have the best customer service that I've encountered.

Brian, That a great lesson! Thank you. Are you teaching anywhere this summer? I've got some vacation time coming up and would like to learn from you. Thanks