thecelticforge

Yes to all. I have bought, borrowed, created my own, and downloaded drawings. As for making things on the fly, that is hard to answer as I can't recall making anything that I have not made, at least in part, before. However, when I do find myself on unsteady ground, I make a model with playdough. Then I take that and transfer it to iron. I could take exact measurements, but for the kinds of things I make, that is seldom needed.

Thomas, I have little experience with brass. Isn't it much more brittle than bronze? Would bronze work better for knife fighting?

It looks almost identical to the one we used at Fort New Salem.

Mine is on the left, but I have plenty of room around it so I am constantly using both sides. I will use the far side (bic on the right) especially if I am working larger pieces of metal that I have to move with the crane.

Looks to have beautiful balance!

Anvil's in America by Richard Postman has a list of serial numbers by year for Trenton, Hay-Budden and Arm & Hammer. Remember all three made anvils for others with the buyer's logo on them. However, if you see a serial number on the front foot it is by one of the three. You then have to look at the bottom. Most Trentons have an oval depression. Most Hay-Buddens have an hourglass depression. Arm & Hammers might have oval, but their unique characteristic is the area under the heel were rough finished. (horked from somewhere)

Looks like through mortise and tenon construction. It sends the signal that they don't like company. I really like the design. I have been thinking about what kind of iron gate to build to keep the bears off of my front deck and this one will fit the bill perfectly.

From what I have heard, the Hofi way is just good basic techniques that keep you from destroying your health. Use your largest muscles when you can, etc... Just remember to never let your lips contact a cold anvil...

I wouldn't swear to it, but I am all but positive that Euroanvil and Hofi anvils are made in the same foundry. There are a few minor differences with the design, but they are the same quality.

I am in Dahlonega. I would love to help you along but I am not sober at the moment so check back next week!

Speaking of stumps... Is a wooden stand not an option?

Carriage bolts will serve very well. You can even heat them and make them appear as nail heads. What ever you decide on, just make sure that they have to be inside the shop to remove it. Motion sensing lights are a boon also.

I think it is a butter churn....

With pipes like that, the turbines will just keep the rain out! I bet when you breath your breath goes up those suckers!

Best guess is around 1300 BCE. The start of the iron age.

I would start with a set of bolt/tom tongs. Yes I know that making your own tongs is a great skill. However, intil you finish that first pair, the burns on your hands may turn you off of blacksmithing.

I was thinking about making a swamp cooler to blow cooler air over the forging area. I got new tires yesterday and they had a fancy portable swamp cooler there and it helped a good bit. I recon a basin, pump, hoses, and cooler pads would turn the trick.

I am working on the exact same project. No snags so far. I also turned my ice cream motor into a whetstone motor.

Leg here, but it is still attached. I have to wear plastic/titanium braces most of the time, but I am more capable than most people. I just can't run more than 5 feet without falling down.

Hi Dennis, yes, I have used wire feed and I am a fan. However, the price shoots up a good bit for one and I am tired of sleeping on the couch so I need to get the addition to the house done.

All I will really want to do is mild steel and occasional tool steel (fullers and such). I think this one is the way to go.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/tls/1850929339.html This one more like it?

After months of looking for a decent welder, I think I have found a winner. Have any of you used this type? It seems to be exactly what I want. However, sheet specs and customer reviews are not always reliable. http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Power-Tools-Welding-Welding-Machines-Arc-Stick-Welders/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg1Zbnvt/R-100041326/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053#BVRRWidgetID

No matter how hard I try, I can't make my forge come up on google maps.