Gandalfgreen

Thanks Pat apreciate that. Cant wait get at it again. Post vice is gorgeous that's what I have been hunting for but really hard to find or too exspensive for me right now. And rack is beautiful too.

Well the info you supplied I am greatful for.

Critiques I dont mind thick skin wont offend me if its junk its junk if it's good it's good. I posted to get as much feedback as possible every point of view can teach me something. I had an excellent time absorbed as much info as I could and tried to do my best. Was timid with striking I am use to using a knife so movements I feel affected how I was striking and holding and even standing to begin. Then I was shown the proper way and feel like I improved. More time I spend now using hammer and repeating the motions just like with a chef knife the more fluid I will get and muscle will remember excited to strike hot metal again. First time I did better then I thought I would and now want more.

Haha very true round bar to start I imagine can twist round bar but very hard too. But I understand what yeah both saying.

Thanks Frosty yes i do see what you mean but most of the twist is blacksmith error in learning. My twist was off from begining. I had a twist in it to begin from improper 90 degree turns during my begining steps. Learned from it and also took a little too long on the twist so metal was cooler then should be and I also twisted the opposite way of the twist i had created all factoring into that as well. But I do see how twisting first could help but I think I need to improve my hammer strikes so dont ruin the twist if did before. This is all just me thinking out loud. Thanks for input frosty and jhcc again. I want to swing my hammer as I sit here thinking hahahahah I'm addicted.

So today the gracious JHCC invited me to his shop and introduced me to my first day in a shop and actually putting hammer to metal. I had the greatest time and cant wait to complete everything for my work area now. He showed me how to dress my hammer then taught me the very basics to make a S hook. Here is how I did any feedback I will take I want to learn and thanks to JHCC.

Not sure anyone still paying attention to this but when practicing with clay does size of clay matter? Say I have clay molded into round bars half inch thick or smaller will that make the clay not act the same as when larger mass when hitting with hammer? Just trying to practice and get feel while still setting up and have read that chilled ckay acts like hot steel but wanted to make sure the mass if the clay didnt change that affect

Well enough reading and watching. Going to bed then try my hand at hammering some clay in the am before work.

All my reading had made me want to forge more and plan alot more cant wait to finish my setup so I can start.

New to this site but have noticed in some videos block brushes. Another industry that uses brush exactly the same and has actually few different types is commercial food industry has block brushes to clean grills so if you have a restaraunt supply store in the area that is a good place to check depending where live. Some come on long wooden handles that you would need to swap out but others come with handke fits in palm

Lmao just 2 cut from the same cloth And yes I wanna go to just look. And find some things I have in mind for projects but want to get stand supplies first

Yes Frosty the wise I will. I was just speaking my mind going stir crazy today haha. I still in process of properly coating my gas forge so just planning things out so done right the first time.

Sounds good I need to get to scrap yard haha thanks for help and link.

Thanks to all. No welder yet that's next big buy.

I know there is lead tape for golf and tennis. Wonder if lead sheets for crafting cut and wrapped would work? So many thoughts haha

Also say I had some large magnets if I sunk some holes into the timber I use and place anvil on top would that help quiet and hold my 70lb anvil. I have some rather strong magnets espicially if I stack them.

Thanks I understand. Right now looks like I will have to build. Have been trying local tree services for a piece of tree but no luck. I dont have shop will be in my back yard. If can get and afford piece of tree big enough wanted to barry 2.5 to 3ft and 24inches above but having no luck.

Anyone still have a picture of his stands cant get them to load. I am trying to figure out good way make a stand.

I really need to plan a trip.

Well I have my anvil forge hammer and tongs. Now need to get forge set up and ready for some metal and flame

Sounds really fun

Site has already saved me and given a bunch of knowledge thanks to all. My start up may be slowed down but atleast it will be properly done.

Right now I have a Hells Forge was gifted to me any thoughts? Single burner

Yes she is a keeper. And that is an amazing story and score. Now my turn to make her happy. Not sure if I can out do you but I will do my best.

Well my wife is amazing or was sick of listening to me and she bought me the NC knifemaker. I going with both amazing and sick of hearing me but thankyou all for the help and info I havent stopped reading from this site when ever have free time. Hopefully no issues.