dennis_hl Posted August 17, 2006 Author Share Posted August 17, 2006 Found out a bit more about the building. Turns out it was built in 1893. The floor has always been a dirt floor, and there was a iron stairway just outside the doors to the shop that at some point will be reinstalled. There was also a rock retaining wall that can be rebuilt if I want (of course no money is available for any of this). I am focusing on the shop itself for now, but I'm generating interest in the community and folks are starting to filter through that have pictures and other info regarding the building that I'm in. The mine's second blacksmith shop (the actual building belongs to Michigan Technological University now, which is where the AE Seaman Mineral Museum will be located--work has now started on the old machine shop) is just within view of my shop if you climb a small hill. I'm also starting to move my iron through the giftshop. There is lots of interest in my miner's candlesticks, but less costly items seem more popular Hooks, key chains, and such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennis_hl Posted September 25, 2006 Author Share Posted September 25, 2006 The sandstone building is my shop at the Quincy mine, the large structure in the background is the No.2 shaft/rockhouse. I've done a bit of work in the shop, it's starting to look a bit more like a "real" shop. Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksmith58 Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Nice Shop. I have to agree with Swamp and Thomas! Good ventalation is very important. Mount your fire extingusher just inside your primary exit. If you can't put ot the fire, then leave! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennis_hl Posted October 16, 2006 Author Share Posted October 16, 2006 Here are some more pics of the shop. I've made some changes, it has more of a blacksmith shop feel to it. Suggestions and comments sought. The forge has a blower attatched to it now. The large tongs are original Quincy mine tongs, the farrier's tong is for size comparison. My vise stand and some of the tools from the assorted metal pile from earlier pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted October 16, 2006 Share Posted October 16, 2006 You have really made some improvements. Looks well thought out and in good order. One thing I notice right away is it appears to be really old and aged with bright wood in a few places. I wonder how it wouid look If you took the shine off the new wood. I have used watco dark walnut oil,, wipe it on and wipe it after it dries a bit,,,Not to get a furniture look, but to tone it down,,,likely a lot of other products that would work also,,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rusty ripple Posted October 19, 2006 Share Posted October 19, 2006 i agree with the fire extinguisher in bold plain view, even putting a big abnoxious sighn above it that says "this wasn't here in 1832, so ignore it unless you see a fire. why are you still reading this sign? there are more interesting things going on in the shop, if theres a fire and you're reading this sign you should stop reading and extinguish it, seriously by this point it might be too late and you should just run..." or something to that effect. the rule of thumb in regards to anvil height is it should be at knuckle height if you're standing next to it making a fist. its better to have it too high than too low, to low and it will destroy your elbow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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