Bob S

Let's follow Steve Sells' excellent advice and try to not make this about individuals. I am happy to acknowledge anyone as an excellent smith, but I am also happy to acknowledge any statement as being self-aggrandizing or unlikely, whoever might have made it. I think suggesting that some people can't or shouldn't be criticized is unwholesome, especially if they are presenting something as being categorically superior to others.
As a professional blacksmith of 10 years experience, I feel that I know enough to say that technique should inform, but serve, form. Belief that technique is an end in itself is something I will leave to hobbyists and those whose target demographic they are.

where you get it for $100 ?

I went to the website with no problem (Mac).

They have a 176 lb block for over $1100.00. Seems high to me. If you are looking for holes get some heavy plate and make 'em.

finer than frog hair. :P

take some time to smell the roses (or maybe a campfire)!

since the video has been removed, what are we talking about here?

seems like the bit job would be a good fit for a two man shop.... steady cash coming in but still able to get away from it when you need to. however it works out all the best to you Larry. come back and hang out whenever you're in the mood.

Bob

I have a few ideas which should make the job significantly less difficult than usual.

I would probably make a new handle. The threads might be a little hard on your hand.

But it does have a funky kind of look.

Nice vice. I have a 3-1/2" on my layout/welding table. Very handy.

The most important thing about anvils is how they are mounted to the Earth. I have a 25 pound piece of steel mounted to a tripod stand that is anchored into a cement slab that I use to make hammers, top tools, and hardy tools. I'd much rather use that than a 1000 pound anvil setting on a stump! Even for little work the mount matters, and until anyone tries a properly mounted anvil and sees the difference for themselves they will never know why I keep stressing this point.

. Perhaps I could get a big enough drill bit, heat up the steel and hot drill it?

needs more cowbell...

Drewed: I just found a guy in Columbus, WI (about 40 miles north of the 'Sha) who is getting rid of a room-ful of heating coal for free. I checked it out on Saturday and it looks like bituminous - a little larger than needed (it's large nut to baseball size) so I brought home about 300 lbs. of it. I'm gonna try to burn some this weekend and see if its any good.

If it is, I'll make another run up there. Let me know if you want to meet and you can give some of this a try. I'm a real newbie so I am taking any kind of coal when I can get it. Or just email him from his Craigslist ad: http://madison.craig...2941719615.html

Scott

Bob,

That's a great deal. If you don't need to sell them together, I'd like to buy The Blacksmiths' Craft and Catalogue of Drawings.

Kevin

some beautiful work here. including a solid titanium handrail.

http://www.l-m-c.com/

Fastenal would be (some of) your competition. http://www.fastenal.com/web/en/16/tool-and-cutter-grinding

You might be able to beat their price but they cover a lot of ground. I'm not sure how many on this board use 3/4"+++ drill bits. You might try calling your local Fastenal and get a quote for a few sizes of drills. Could give you an idea of the price.

But good luck.

http://www.centaurforge.com/Coal-Coke/products/277/

needs more cowbell....

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Phil

Sad news.

I avoid using the 'b' word for that very reason. If I have to categorize myself I call myself a metal worker.

The 'b' word evokes the whole spreading chestnut tree image and seems to limit creativity with way to much emphasis on the boogity boogity of forge welding as the be all and end all.

But I kinda like rr spikes. :unsure:

I am in the process of rebuilding a Commonsense power hammer and it looks like the spring is pretty much flattened out. The adjustment was all the way in when I tore it down.
I am thinking about heating it and stretching it out some. Has anyone done this?

Nice cook ware. Make a spatula with the same radius as the pan.


is that a dog? :o

I have never noticed spam being a problem.

Also I wonder what is the advantage of "Across multiple sites login". What is the upside?

I see already how many people on Facebook "like" this site. I'm glad they do (I guess) but I don't have nor do I want Facebook. Will my presence here be affected? by my non Facebook stance? Will I still have access to IFI without being on Facebook?