GolFisHunt

Nice work with the WI! As a newly graduated engineer, I was introduced to dousing on a construction project in a old industrial part of Detroit by an elderly tunneling supervisor during the last millenia. I naturally had my doubts. There were MANY unlocatable water lines of various sizes and pipe material. I fashioned a set of dousing rods from copper rod held in pvc pipe. My best find was a wooden stave water pipe at a depth of 4' feet . Can't explain it, haven't done it since, but a believer. I finished a spring Fuller today. An unapologetic plagiarism of Jim Coke's design. Also a mount for my hardy on the anvil block.

Railroad spike tongs mostly done yesterday, but mucked up the rivet. Finished them up today. Also started a spring Fuller. Needed to stop playing and start cooking for tomorrow. I hope y'all have much to be thankful for, and remember, life is uncertain, eat dessert first. Dave

Thanks Jennifer, I knew I recognized that shape from somewhere. My wife has horses, I have chores.

Yup, a metal slack tub is on my ever growing list. I am careful, but know it's a mater of time before I have a clean spot on my floor. We certainly wouldn't want that!

I finally got the indoor forge up and running. A good friend hooked me up with the fire pit and the Buffalo blower. Another friend fabricated the hood. I am blessed. I'm also out of practice. The bottle openers work, but are not up to par.

If that were an inexpensive garage sale straight razor, I would start with 320 grit and work down to 2000. On your heirloom, I would leave it like you have it now. All the marks tell a story, even if we can't hear them.

Too funny! Snorted vodka out my nose, now my eyes are watering. I made some progress on the indoor forge build. The flue is through the wall.

No shop time for me today, but my grandson was working on his hammer control.

Thanks, Glenn. Lots of variables to play with. Also, thanks for not calling me "Go Fish".

Check on both points. A lower tooth count would have helped the speed, but I was looking for smoother versus faster. I'll use an 18 tpi next time.

I thought I would try my hand at a split cross. It takes a WHILE to split 1/2" with a hack saw. I also textured an old ball peen hammer for the "wood" texture. It didn't turn out too bad. As there was Frost this morning, I played in the shop before mowing the lawn. Lots of rain here lately.

Good information, Jennifer, thanks. Dave

"Go Fish"?! You guys cut me to the quick. Yes, Jim, I know a guy. I caught him in an especially gracious mood last week. Hoping to hook it up tomorrow. But not until the grass is cut, I'm told.

Stunning work, Alexandr! Partially dismantled, cleaned, and installed a new handle on this Buffalo 200. Also neglected my lawn mowing duties.

In the process of reorganizing my wood shop (as if it were organized to begin with) to fit a forging station. Winter is just around the corner here. Working in the unheated garage doesn't sound like a lot of fun. With a little guidance from Jim, I got my pumper forge running correctly. I prefer the dirt forge for actual play time, but it was fun project to make it operational. I finished a hot chisel and an object that has a vague Calla Lily like shape.

It is definitely a right handed opener. I'll work on the dexterity of the next one.

Thanks! I'm Dave. It seamed like a good project to try slitting and drifting. The functionality test was a success, by the way.

Quite right, it is a bit off center. Probably less noticable after proper testing.

Tried my hand at slitting and drifting today. I'll call this a success after the functionality test.

Thanks, hope to do better next time.

I appreciate the kind words everyone. I am in no way disappointed with my efforts or the functionality of my tongs. The aesthetics may be a bit lacking, but, as a wise chilly man recently said, "pretty don't move metal". One tong came out of the forge a bit sparkly on the tip. I missed my mark on the rein set down, I think that's the correct term, making the reins and bosses different in lengths, and the bows different in shape. One rein is a bit more bent than the other. They do, however, hold the intended stock securely and in line.

I completed my first set of tongs from scratch today. Butt ugly but they seam to hold 3/8" square stock well.

To call it "cobbled together" would be an insult to shoe makers everywhere. If the clay ever dries in this weather, I'll fire it up. Jim graciously donated the grate and told me which end was up. I still need to acquire some appropriately size leather for the drive belt and fashion some bearings.

With my current skill set, I could make that out of wood. Probably not the best choice. Fabricating it out of steel seems a bit above my pay grade for now. I'll work on that.

Yes, Jim, I enjoyed my visit to Blacksmith Disney Land very much! Thank you for the gracious welcome, hammering lesson, and for the introduction to Jim McKeown as well. I wish I had more time today. I'll try to have more questions next time, I don't know what I don't know yet. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Dave