GaryL

Thanks Charles and Arkie, I am far from knowledgeable on this subject but in my experience, most good metal files from Nicholson are made to be directional which many novices are not aware of. Once the tips get worn or folded from back filing they become dull and just don't file as they should. Back in Metal Shop in the mid 60s my instructor spent an entire class on the proper use of files and told us he would rap our knuckles if he found us using them wrong. I had a big box of old files that were just about completely worn out and I tossed them and the recyclers but wonder if I should have given them to a buddy who does play with smithing and makes some nice knives.

I am not a Smith but I do lots of basic repair on lots of different things. I also frequent yard and estate sales when I have some free time on the weekends. It is amazing to me that just about every sale has a bunch of older metal files, most are trash or at least half rusted because they sat in a damp tool box on one side. I don't buy any of them unless they have some life left in them but buddies who like to forge stuff like knives seem love old files. What am I missing when I can buy pounds upon pounds of old files for pennies and often take them away for free? There is a Smithing gal around here who knows I am a cabinetmaker and she stops by a few times every year searching for my dull saw blades but she has no interest in old files. She has made me a few nice fixed blade knives from the old saw blades and wood scraps I gladly gave her.

Not much else in the iron forge realm but a couple nice old dirt bikes I don't know a lot about. I did see what appears to be a nice vintage early 70s Honda and a very nice older Rokon. I think I did put my location in my profile with some other useless info and I can see it so no clue why others can't. If I had to make a guess I would think the PO had horses and might be this old forge was for banging out shoes but that is just a guess. Yes, the blower does push air through the bottom hole in the pan and seems to keep going for a few seconds after I stop cranking. He has no interest in learning the smithing art but is willing to get it sold to someone who will put it to use if that is even possible these days. From my own research it appears to be missing a sheet metal deflector hood but the rest is all there. Thanks to all who have responded with great info.

A buddy has this old forge in his barn and wants me to help him sell it. I know nothing about blacksmith tools so I hope some of you folks can give me some guidance. About all I do know is the blower is working and it appears to be in working condition. Hopefully my pictures will post since I am new to the site and this is my first post. The forge/blower is located close to Port Jervis, NY right where NY, PA and NJ intersect by the Delaware River. Thank you for any info. GaryL