Harmless Dave

Thanks all. You have confirmed what I have heard throught he grapevine. I'm using the hex as a texture and shape starter. Parts of the rod will be twisted and parts will be flattened or flared. The taper will go from hex to round at the pointed ends. I'll post some pics when I get started. I have to have the sketch approved before I can start and I have to find the stock. Thanks again.

Hi guys, I am designing a memorial sculpture to honor a deceased Vietnam vet. It will be about four feet high and maybe 1-1/2 feet wide. It will be an impressionistic flame. Since it will be mounted outside, I am considering using 3/4" hexagonal bronze stock. I have never forged bronze before. Are there any tips or techniques that are different than steel? Temperatures, finishes, etc. Any other material I could use for outside? Also, where is a good supplier? I have found only one in Denver, CO and NY that handle small orders. Thanks.

Thanks for all the info, guys. I have scheduled an appointment with the president of the event and will discuss this issue. I am volunteering and not being paid.and I am making only hooks, rings, scarf pins, and leaves, so there should be no issue with dangerous items. If this can't be resolved, I guess I will sit it out. I don't make any money blacksmithing and really don't need to spend a lot on insurance. Again, thanks for all the suggestions.

Hi all. I have been asked to provide a blacksmithing demonstration at a Scottish Highland Games event. They have asked if I have insurance, as their's won't cover me. What type, and where, could I purchase a one day policy? i live in North Carolina and the event is also here. I am a member of ABANA. Thanks in advance.

Hi all, I'm looking for a main anvil for my little smithy. I was wondering what the advantages / disadvantages of a sinle bick vs a double bick? Comments? This is my first post on this site, so be kind please.

I think you mean .2836 pounds per cubic inch. Just a slip of the fingers, I guess.

Thanks. Sounds like fun. But, she needs to use the vacation up before 3/31

My wife and I are looking at taking a mini vacation sometime between now and the end of March. We would like to go to a blacksmith event within about an 8-10 hour drive from north central NC. We have looked at the ABANA event in Lumpkin, GA, but it seems mostly focused on historical information. We would like something that has demos, hands on work, tailgaiting, etc. Any suggestions? Harmless Dave Green Bear Forge

Hey Dave, Are you going to Allan's for the tool build for our tire hammers? I plan on being there for the 2 day build in June. Some of the other smiths, from our tire hammer build, will be attending.

Hey Stu, Are you still operating out of the bottom of the barn where I picked up the old anvil??

Yes, it works great. Much faster than hacksaw-ing and quieter also.

Pick this shear up at our NCABANA 1st qtr meeting at Big Blu in Morganton. I was in out MINI Cooper and had to have a friend trailer it home. Estimated weight about 450# - a little too big for the MINI. After a clean up and painting is now looks acceptable for Green Bear Forge. Price was about 1/2 to 1/3 of the ones on eBay.

Hopefully that is rust around the bottoms of the hoops and not blood!

I found that "Backyard Blacksmithing" by Loreli Simms to be very clear and helpful when I started.

Went out to the local salvage yard (has everything from steel to wood to masonry) looking for a quench tank and a table top. Came home with a one of each. The quench tank is SS and has a sliding top. About 15"x24"x24" deep already mounted on 5" swivel casters- $25.00. They used two fork trucks to put the steel plate in my F-150. It is 48"x96"x1". I figure it weighed about 1000#. After they got it in, the owner said $95.00. The only other great deal I've gotten lately was a 200#, well used anvil for $225.00. The deals are there if you can wait. Harmless Dave