First fire!

[Aljeter]

This past weekend I finaly got to light up the forge. This is the first fire in it and the first tool I made a coal rake. This is only the second time I have done any forging and the first time alone.

[Don A]

That's a good looking forge... and a fine rake as well.

Looks like you're hooked.

Keep hammerin'

Don

[Aljeter]

Thanks Don. The forge works really well, I was not sure if the blower was gonna be enough. I found out that it was more than up to job. I need to make a few more tools then will be good to go.

[HWHII]

Looks like your about to go down a slippery slope. It's not late to turn around? Beware it is very addicting. Worst than smoking if you decide to quit. Have Fun!

[Aljeter]

Im already sliding down. I wont have much forge time this week. I need to write my college history term paper before Sunday midnight.

[Willis]

Write your paper on the history of blacksmithing This is indeed a very addicting hobby.

[Frosty]

Nice looking forge, it's a good size. The fire rake looks good, nothing like a good fire rake, it's what I use in the wood stove for everything.

Some folk call smithing addictive, heck I joke about it but it isn't. What blacksmithing really is, is the ULTIMATE boy work,play with fire, hit things with hammers, bend things, cut them with HAMMERS, it's hot, smoky, dangerous, stuff can cut you, burn you, fall on you and break things, it's smelly dirty and just oh SO manly. I'm surprised all men aren't smithing. Oh okay, so the guys who rappel into volcanoes, work in BIG foundries and astronauts have a release that MIGHT, just might ease the need to smith.

I am a touch mystified though. You're actually taking a couple days off to write a paper? Oh, what IS the world coming to?

Frosty the Lucky.

[Aljeter]

Nice looking forge, it's a good size. The fire rake looks good, nothing like a good fire rake, it's what I use in the wood stove for everything. Some folk call smithing addictive, heck I joke about it but it isn't. What blacksmithing really is, is the ULTIMATE boy work,play with fire, hit things with hammers, bend things, cut them with HAMMERS, it's hot, smoky, dangerous, stuff can cut you, burn you, fall on you and break things, it's smelly dirty and just oh SO manly. I'm surprised all men aren't smithing. Oh okay, so the guys who rappel into volcanoes, work in BIG foundries and astronauts have a release that MIGHT, just might ease the need to smith. I am a touch mystified though. You're actually taking a couple days off to write a paper? Oh, what IS the world coming to? Frosty the Lucky.

Thanks Frosty.

Well it didn't work out with me taking off a couple of days. I still fired it up. Been making alot of wall hooks, and some hooks that will hang on c-perlin.

[Frosty]

There are lots of good projects to hone skills on, the best being the ones that don't require too many different techniques. Things like pokers, hooks, bbq tools and such are good for drawing and basic bending. You can add finial flourishes to start learning new techniques. Finial scrolls, flames, leaves, animal heads, etc. all are good practice without adding too much per project.

Later it's time to try joinery in more complicated patterns like grills, grates, trivets, gates, railings, etc.

I've gotta go to an auction now to see if there's anything to add to the "It followed me home" section.

Frosty the Lucky.