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I Forge Iron

New Student at Brian Brazeals


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I am so amazed by those of you with immense blacksmithing knowledge, that you are freely willing to share it here on this site.

You are the reason that the art of blacksmithing will not die out. I get energized everytime someone wants to share their knowledge and experiences. There are so many things that hold the attention of people these days that are not lasting and have no value in life.
This is not one of those things.

This is a great art,hobby,trade and i am blessed that you are willing to share.

Thank you,
Mark<><

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Darren is doing great. It is a pleasure seeing someone listen and ask questions when they did not understand what Brian said. As Brian and Karen say "He gets it". He finished a pair of "Ultimate Tongs" today. They look great and worked well holding the punch in this set of pics. http://picasaweb.google.com/LDWynn/DarrenDay5#
I tried to get enough pictures to let this act as a tutorial as well.
I will get to take more pics tomorrow so we will see what he makes then.
Now, check out the pics.

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As usual an amazing thread! When i visited Brian and was striking for the first time, i missed a blow and thankfully didn't hit his anvil, he was so graceful, he just looked at me and said "don't worry about it, this crowd doesn't know the difference"! Totally put me at ease. Looks like Darren is getting the full treatment, and is doing great. I'm gonna have to save up some cash and invite Karen and Brian out to my place for a class.

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For a Change of pace we went to Agriculture and Forestry Museum. It ended up being a day of tool making where Darren spent more time on the directing side of the anvil rather than the striking side. It was a productive day.

http://picasaweb.google.com/LDWynn/ForgingToolsWithDarren#

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We went back to the Ag Museum today. Brian showed Darren the technique for drawing out a long taper for making drifts, or tong reins, or anywhere else a nice smooth long taper is required. Darren did a lot hammer technique practicing today for preparation of tomorrow. Time to start making hand held punches, fullers ... http://picasaweb.google.com/LDWynn/DarrensDay6#

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Dick, I think the line is the shoulder remnants of the jackhammer bit. The base of the bit is forged to the size of your hardy hole, the shoulder on the jackhammer bit is used as a "stopper" and the top forged down into the tool to form the hexagonal piece.

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There is an octagonal flatter Brian made. It works great on the hot cuts or something that you want to fan out.

Today was a successful day for Darren. He was cutting 3/4" 5160 in one heat. He was able to prepare and hot rasp the striking end of punches in one heat, and he got a complete understanding of the forging aspect of several different techniques Brian has showed him. Its cool when you see that light bulb come on.
They were still forging and getting ready to use the punches when I had to leave today, but here are the pics I was able to get.

http://picasaweb.google.com/LDWynn/HandToolsDay8#

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great pictures Lyle, thanks for posting. It looks like Darren is learning alot and his tools look great. I see those ultimate tongs are coming in handy, I need to make a pair for myself, Brian gave me one side of a roughed blank when I was out there.
Good work Darren, you are going to go home with some nice tools and a ton of knowledge

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Darren started using the punches today. He started with the round and square punch. He learned the process on the first try then successfully punched holes with both the round and square punches. Brian then had him punching with the slot punches, in both thin and thick steel Darren punched through a piece of 1/2 inch thick stock with no problem then drifted the hole with no problem. Darren then shot a video of Brian making a beautiful fullering hammer. Brian prepared the piece of 2 inch round stock while I struck for Darren. Darren made a large hot cut hardy for his anvil back in Australia. He looked like a pro going through the steps to the hot cut. Here are the pics I was able to get. My wife showed up and got a few of the fullering hammer being made.

http://picasaweb.google.com/LDWynn/Day9WithDarren#

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Today was the last full day for Darren. I got some pics this afternoon as Brian was hardening and tempering Darrens fullering hammer. That is one fine looking hammer. We weighed his haul of tools he will be taking back with him and it is around 62 pounds worth. He is in good shape. It was a pleasure working with him, and feel as if we have kindled a long lasting friendship.

http://picasaweb.google.com/LDWynn/DarrensLastDayMate#

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Today was the last full day for Darren. I got some pics this afternoon as Brian was hardening and tempering Darrens fullering hammer. That is one fine looking hammer. We weighed his haul of tools he will be taking back with him and it is around 62 pounds worth. He is in good shape. It was a pleasure working with him, and feel as if we have kindled a long lasting friendship.



What is that hexagonal shaped hardy tool?
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