TLeeBlanq

Good 'ole Grady County dirt.

Frosty, Am guilty of not wearing an apron, and going to try to work smarter, at least when I think of it. Road rash ain't so bad. Have not been there, nor do I want to find out on that one. Did get my feelers hurt recently when moving a fridge from upstairs apartment to the main house. Got it down ok, but forgot (uneven ground) and exited concrete at an angle with about a 3" drop off on one wheel. The fridge won and I went sailing. Did massage nose quite well along the way, and when all dust settled just sat a bit and pondered it all.

I have small interests (division order %) in couple older wells in the panhandle of Okla that are still producing after 50 years as well as interests up on the North Slope (up Frosty's way) off the Dalton. Am in process of disposing just under 400ac in Kansas and will be retaining mineral interests on another 1/4 section that has been in the family for several generations-just in case. Do know that whole area was investigated in the 60's as was a small part of seismic search that took place. Drilling, shooting and recording during the day, and runnin' the bars of Dodge City at night. Re hazardous waste: am reminded of the TV series "Breaking Bad" which I think is greatly underrated as to content and reflection of the current mindset of a significant portion of the populace. Recall reading that in the State of Wyoming has area to bury/dispose of expired wind generator blades (until someone figures out a use for them.)

Do have an 8lb (somewhere) but avoid at all cost (lol) and use the 6lb only rarely. And yes, one is serious when the 8# is brought out. Would like to play with a power hammer as suspect it to be much fun to move metal. Do have a jig laid out on the bench for use in constructing Gray Hoverman OTA (long range) TV antennas in which aluminum or copper wire is shaped to finite lengths depending upon desired freqs. Am "going to" (see unfinished projects) finish building an 8 bay for over the air reception. Am down in a swale here at the country place with 100+' trees blocking incoming from nearest transmitter > 50 miles away, and the single bay gets a tad wonky at times during bad weather picking up only 1 network. At the main place north of Austin, put a single bay in the attic (highly restrictive HOA) and get 25+ channels and on occasion over 30 total. Of course it mostly networks, some independents and PBS. Apparently house at good location and height (but does not seem so) as reception exceptional 360 degrees without rotation. I do run an inline amplifier tho.

Thank You Irondragon for your reply. I do expect, that to a large degree that I have gotten behind the power curve concerning breaks and fatigue, and am always looking for a place to sit down. In the short time on the scene, in review of some of the posts, am surprised at extent of interest, and far reaches of the globe represented. Therefore, probably best that my comments not include any idioms which tend to be locally recognized. As I have already received one ding, sorry, one black mark on my record which is never to be removed, refrain from any rendering that could be inappropriate, misinterpreted, circumlocutious or ambiguous as a goodly number of the members may not be native english speakers. Am pleasantly surprised to see pictures of creations by those with remarkable artistic vision posted.

Thanks JHCC for getting back. The last real restructuring on metal of any thickness was on (then) new ZTR mower that I could not keep mower drive belt on. I suspect that at the factory the wrong idler pulley / engagement pulley "Arm" was installed and after multiple reinstalls, removed the whole mowing system, laid down beside it, pondered at length, and decided to rework the Arm changing running heights/angle of the belt as directed to cutter quill. It was worked cold over railroad iron as metal thickness nearly 1/4 inch and enough meat to bear the effort. Did take some beans to get metal moved. Reinstalled and have had no more problems in that area. Unfortunately, I never had much technique and tried to out-horse it. And yes, it "no-workee" anymore. Suspect earlier lifestyle/ mindset partially if not primary reason for multiple failures in spine. Recall more than once hoisting 220V AC window units over heat solo. Did not weight more than 150pds at the time, that was when I (thought) I was invincible as well as incorrigible. I have taken a few classes during the years. The "earliest" formal training began in 1961 and was issued hammers, dollies, slapping hammer(for shrinking metal) taught the black art (lol) of using 60/40 lead in autobody panel repair. Over the years have attained a certain degree of skill in the workings of some metals. However, it a lifetime of learning and one never learns it all. I do have a lot of bad habits. Enjoy them all. (messing here.) A few in my blacksmithing class did get a guided tour of the San Diego shipyards. That was quite a treat as they do nothing in a small way (such as a (plasma)water cutting table for plate steel ^1" thick larger size than foundation of a big house with overhead gantry. Usually have had a good relationship with mentors as would try push the welding machine to limits (as well as my own) doing things it may not have been designed to do. Recall taking metallurgy class and CWI preparation studies under former AWS president who was a hoot. It has been my observation that females are more suited for finite skilled repetitive tasks than men. Another observation about women-they don't just get mad, they get even!

The states I have looked at normally takes 6-7 to unwind through the system. Due to the crowd of folk at the sales this year, held inside with seating, cards with numbers issued, cash money paid before you leave the building. xxx I make it a practice during DD that if a building such as garage or SS. go to the said state Environmental control group as they usually have lists of those that have fouled and have the attention of the authorities.

Hi George: No, I did not know of your legal background. There was a lot of land that had built up on the various counties "struck off" properties in multiple states that were put back into private ownership this year (2022). The counties in the state of Arkansas had so many in their back pocket that the auctions have gone on for months, usually 2 days per week. I discarded all my various county states record developments of the states in which there was an interest except for Arkansas in event I am audited and required to prove-up my activities to the IRS. In review it was relatively easy to see the effects that illegal drugs have had in some tax districts. There were significant number of "crack house" properties in multiple states, and suspect the drug has decimated multiple counties tax base, I recall years ago while doing some DD on a possible (TLC) Tax Lien Certificate in Arizona, physical examination of said property after reviewing legal description that situs was under public road (city street) while showing to be held in private hands (to bolster your remarks about values and inaccuracies.) Yes, there is a lot of junk out there. I have purchased/held (TLC) in Arizona and make some profit (15%simple) at the time. My very small study of various state postures and proceedings suggest significant disparity in getting real property back into private hands. Forget the name of the state now(think it was in the eastern U.S.) had very short redemption window, and a one shot deal. And at one time, Liens conveyed (not extinguished)in New Mexico!! I think that has been changed. N.M. has funky business posture I.M.O. In a few years from now (6-7) to be more specific, we will again see a large build-up of public held land due to the present direction taken by current administration. Not much was learned from the relaxed or reduced "down payment and qualification requirements" of early 2000's and we will see it again as many will walk because they overbought with little vested interests. Yes George, I do watch the mail daily anticipating Final Decree from presiding judge in another state on a Probate case that has been going on since 2015. It has been a learning experience. The timetable would have been considerably shorter except for CV-19 interruption and my reluctance to travel (out of state)to court during the event. Did accept responsibility of Conservator and ward lived to onset of Covid at which point I halted proceedings after filing DC and LW&T in court. As I was named (alternate) Executor (everyone else had died off) slow walked until judge called status hearing which in essence flushed me out. So, long story tad shorter, proceeded Pro Se, as Judge could not force use his esteemed colleagues in the process other than G.A.L. which was appointed D.A. I have noticed with interest that some counties, within some states, interpret state law (the same written word) differently, to some degree. It is the same with insurance companies. I called one Carrier's hand (at the state level) on an issue, and their response- Yeah, you are right, but until we go to court, we will do---. And some allow County Commissioner (CC) subsequent disposal of (annual) unsold properties, subject to (CC) approval with buyer paying printing of advertisements in local paper. Enough Palaver

Hog pen here.

Thank you Thomas for getting back. I am going to have to live quite a while to get finished as projects seem to multiply. I do not have an anvil per se, but rather a railroad test section of "road" rail which still able to drag around. Having been trained as an autobody repairman way back, was taught the practice of actually shaping and repairing metal. The hammers used are very light compared to the Smith. Where in the central part of NM are you located? I was entertaining purchasing in McKinley County for a QOZ/QOF project and it still on my mind if not active. Called the County Clerk in Catron County after annual land sale to see if any did not sell (they usually holding property) but this year EVERYTHING sold. TLee

I may have missed it going through the remarks, however think it should be tossed out here again. Most of my tools are not new, fresh or have the latest safeguards. And I gonna fess up here, have defeated most presented on the device. Having said that, the angle grinder is right up their with the chainsaw concerning dangers. I meander, the older angle grinders came with a thumb switch which allowed turn on, and thumb then could go do other things as in help hold the device. I have one that has developed a mind of its own. You know where I am going with this. Yep, there have been times it will self start, if laid with disc facing up. I still use it, but watch it like a red-headed step child. Several of the "newish" ones, requires thumb held activation (constant hold)mentioned in this thread. To expound upon the day, received latest chainsaw acquisition, a battery powered 10" Ryobi which brings the total up to 4. I presented said Ryobi (still in the box) to wife and told her it was her 40th wedding anniversary present. Her response was not what I had hoped for. Several days ago (actual date of ann) did get pleasant reaction when presented wife with 6.5 ft collapsible fishing kit complete with bag. I don't want you guys to think I am total loss. As an aside, one of the newish angle grinders (slower RPM) has wire wheel mounted, I left the guard on that one. I can just imagine having to pull piece of steel out of my hootus at an inopportune time.

MY BAD!! George: Thought I was responding to your last, which was actually directed to Kentucky. Sorry. However, the dangers of casting would still be relevant. br5409: Sorry, I did not mean to jump in your business but now that I'm here, think you best listen to some folk that have been around the block couple times. Good Day to You All.

I wondered how the steam locomotives were able to generate such power and (slow to learn here) through reading finally sorted it out that the conversion of water into steam has a 1700% expansion rate!! That's what makes casting problematic as if you get a tad of water (even a drop of sweat) under the molten surface, your day is going to go downhill quick. Am (too) familiar with the hot chunk of slag in the shoe (bunny hop time), a time or two managing to get a chunk in the ear, and even on my head. The last 2 was from out of position mig welding.. The former was chunk burned through top of leather shoe. Again ,learn slow, but now have made up couple leather "tongues" that hang over top of shoe. Concerning molten metal, one time (just for grins) took a MIG to "full axial flow." That was some hot stuff. There is no sound from the machine as the consumable (fed rod) liquifies in the air (there is no short circuiting process-no popping sound.) Was over 300Amps (if memory serves) and (I could) do only on a horizontal flat quite thick plate. Welding puddle was about 3/4 inch wide. I have rounded up several out of date smaller propane tanks and R.O. tank and will use to make a propane refractory of sorts. Have messed with propane converted the Huskavarna Kawasaki 21 HP ZTR to "propane." Before converting, did do a survey of sorts, checking exhaust temps from each cylinder. Was surprised to find a restriction in flow from one bank and therefore, kept drilling holes in the (2>1)muffler until both sides were pretty close. Then made the switch and piped in via "demand" type regulator. As propane clean burning, engine oil never darkens albeit it synthetic and cools quite rapidly. Controls/mixture learning curve tad different depending upon ambient temps. Sorry, tend to wander, a product of old age, I guess. Re altitude,7500' tad high for my abused body, but can handle up to about 6200 without assist. I did review the Wyoming weather service and downloaded annual wind rose graphs. Yeah Bud, you do got some wind up that way. That not necessarily a bad thing though as one might consider building a wind generator (just for the &&&.) Take Care Guy

"Shorty" in the story was Creek, about 30 years my senior. Was looking real hard at property in extreme SE part of OK as has weather pattern/climate/temps there that does not exist in rest of state. Even went to land sale in Idabel (think) but did not buy. You mention traveling the seven seas. Is that of your own doing, or military service? Recall one of the trips to Dominican Republic where cruise ship was escorted (placed) between ship and Island of Cuba for the entire area, a Coast Guard Cutter. Surmise that to intercept any fleeing Cubanos. Would like to do some casual sailing in a pocket cruiser in the ICW or hang out in Florida in the winter , but wife (and I am now beginning to) think am getting too old for such rigors. Take Care, keep your head down, don't volunteer, and stay well.

I had a nice long reply typed up last night to you and then the laptop froze and lost it all. So, will try to recall and just hit the high spots. As a young man did acquire a skill in the autobody field, which at that time, a great deal of effort was made to "repair" metal rather than toss in the bin. For a period of time, lived in Norman and plied trade at auto dealership, and most of my fellow employees were "Native American" as they are called now. I worked and partied with the same folk. Usually I would drive as the Indian is not known for holding his "liker." And I usually drove better/paid more attention to my driving when drinking as knew if stopped, it would not go well. Recall one time after full evening of enjoyment, was directed by "Shorty" to certain location (which now would be somewhere under Lake Thunderbird east of town. (This about 3AM) and we proceeded to wooded area where a "fire" was being held by local tribe. We fell out of the car, and I tailed Shorty as figured he must be known and I surely was not. Long story short, I was the lightest skinned pony at the roundup. As I was his guest, was accepted and no one confronted. He said there was trouble within the tribe and there were 2 different fires (we made both) and by that time I was nearly sober. Got in about 9AM Sunday Morning and was the Missus hacked. Gonna post before this locks up. Not at all the story from last night.

Hey Guy: Had to look up Bradley as did not recall it. Now I got it. Do you remember the vehicle up in a tree just east of Chickasha (would have been where hwy 92 dead ends into the E/W hwy on the south side of the road.) Yeah I kinda' got around Grady County some. The Rush Springs used to have some of the best watermelons around. Actually having L3-L4 and L5 fused together in lower back in 2019 has cut down on my frisking around much. Surgeon did not repair the break up high, just left it alone. And I not going through that again... See in another of your post remarking about fellow in uniform reminded me of an older fellow the wife used to work for before we got together. He was kind of an no BS fellow and a hoot. One time after we both had several libations, I brought out a semi-auto pistol for him to look at. It turned out he trained on that series in the military and was already in country prior to the June 44 invasion as was dropped behind the lines to create havoc. He told me about almost getting into a fight on a bus in England years later going to reunion as was wearing a particular beret/hat of sorts/ and couple fellows on the bus took exception as only certain war veterans were supposed to wear. And they doubted his credibility- for a bit. He was one of the Darbey's ? Rangers. Will get this posted as laptop has began bad habit of locking up after long stretch. Yeah, I know Grady County. LOL

Hey Frosty, Thanks for the Invite. Have only been up your way "way-up-high" above 35K feet at 600+MPH on the way to China. Do reside most of the time in the Piney Woods of East Texas, although hold title( read pay ^^ taxes) in several places I seldom visit. Do have an acquaintance I used to play music with (bluegrass band) in central Texas that was former County Clerk in said Texas who now spends summers in your fair state (probably)to escape humidity down this way. Do hold some stock on the north slope up your way in exploration of that nasty out-of-favor crude products. It should be getting cold enough soon for seasonal work to begin as I understand it. However, it right off Dalton highway. The place where I "stays" is rather remote, but folks seem to be moving in - from everywhere! I do have some stories, some kinda hard to believe, several surprised I made it through, and a couple I can not tell (as some of the actors are still alive.)

Thank You Thomas for the positive remarks. Regarding "craft," today decided to revive an old pickup to hopefully to see me through the now visible "hard times' that upon us. (I will leave out causation at this juncture.) When running it was noisy, unkempt in appearance, and well shop worn. It has carried me over multiple western states, finally coming to rest in the Woods of east Texas. I do know if the old fuel drained and replaced with fresh, a new battery installed it will fire and run. Another reason for the resurrection, is that most are not familiar with the 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup, diesel powered vehicle which is quite rare (if one would want such a beast.) What does that have to do with craft. Well, sometime before I became the owner of said compression ignition vehicle, some enterprising previous owner cut out the back portion of the cab down to the bed level and installed an elevated fiberglass topper over the bed. (Am not sure if it was used as rolling house or what, but did have carpet at one time.) Anyway, back on track here, said truck has been languishing in the open since 2007(last inspection sticker) with the bed angled downward to drain off the rainwater. So will now cut out a section of a roof panel from decommissioned late 80's ford pickup (metal thickness similar) and fabricate back cab panel of approximately 51" wide and 16" in height including several transverse complex angles at window height. I do expect there to be significant number of unkind heathen words flung at the idiot who thought up the idea to cut out the back of the cab (or the other idiot that would buy such a vehicle.) Thomas, this is where I will do much hammering (albeit the weight of said hammer in ounces) with occasional use of one with cojones, goodly amount of grinding, use of plasma cutter and MIG, boo-coo shrinking, much cussing, strengthening of the panel surface to prevent "booming" by use of bead roller, probably(more than)some drinking, loss of hair, skin and gnashing of teeth. I will enjoy seeing the "endgate" of the project though.

Thanks for the Welcome aboard. Have been up in Wyoming several times and strongly considered the state as the go-to get-away place for multiple reasons. But as Mama has 2 votes to my 1 in any major decision, anything other than the coast of Texas ruled out as (probable) last known address. We have yet to make the jump from the Piney Woods of East Texas, and the present upward trend of property cost down that way in the last year has dulled (my interest) significantly. I favor the Wyoming positive attitude and posture concerning business activities. It would seem to encourage such through less onerous taxation, fewer hoops (busy work) red tape requirements to secure licensure in various bus structures. And one does not have to run the AC 9 months out of the year. Thanks Again.

In retrospect. believe the first year of unsupervised attendance of the local blacksmith shop would have been about 1948. My parents were business owners in a small town in Oklahoma, and I a townie, barefoot and free to roam the (small) downtown area. Therefore often frequent local blacksmith shop run by 2 brothers. (In small towns of yesteryear, everbody knew everyone, and got on to them(just like their own) if they got out of line.) The coal forge was on the east wall of the building with a walk access door immediate on the south side. I seem to recall both a manual crank and electric driven blower device, but too many years to nail down. The building ventilation was through a large door on the south end, and another at the north east corner where the ag type equipment was brought inside for repairs. The inside was somewhat dark or smutty, from coal smoke I suppose. Directly in front of the forge was the anvil mounted on a stump (think) and directly across on the west side of the building was a wooden swing mounted by chains to the ceiling where I would park my young hiney, usually swigging on an RC Cola or strawberry Nehi, and munching on Acme potato chips. I was cautioned never to look at the light of the electric welder which was used quite a bit in the back. Going back in later years and revisiting sites, find they were not as large as they originally seemed to be. The shop was probably less than 24 feet wide and no more than 40 feet in length. The swing provided ring side seat for all the action of the man with the hammer. After proper heating in the coals, the "piece" was placed on the anvil, and the smith massaged it normally less than 2 minutes before putting back into the fire or quenching. (Am somewhat hazy here, but think that pretty much the extent of the process.) Did move away from the area before reaching the age of majority, and did acquire a few skills that were marketable during my earning years. Originally, I was trained as an autobody repairman, this so far back, 60/40 lead was used in the repair of auto metals. Over a period of years, certain degree of proficiency was acquired in welding- gas, electric Stick/MIG/TIG in ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Also several courses were completed in the metallurgical field. I did not get try blacksmithing until quite late in life and found my upper body strength lacking (diminished) and not able to swing the iron as well as needed(chronic Illness.) What am I doing here? Specifically, insight and learning on developing casting/furnace building for use in smelting of lead (bullets) and various other metals for casual purposes. (I have a set of "new" aluminum heads that never made it to an engine as were damaged by forest fire while sitting in the garage near Paige Texas.) Life has been fun.