Sam Salvati Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I was down in TX visiting a friend to help him get his Japanese style spring hammer(with a tire drive) tuned and stuff, and just as we got it going really good the el cheapo motors exploded a capcitor! Oh no! I had posted a photo of the TX sunrise on my facebook from my phone that morning, and James asked on it "where in TX?" it turns out only a couple hours away so we decided on an impromptu visit. James was cutting hay all morning but got my call and said sure come one by. Kind of on the fly so he did not have a chance to get anything setup to hit hot steel but the nickel tour was totally awesome! James now brings in quite a few different size hammers, from the 22 to 33, 55, 88,120, and 165. The 120 looks awesome, smaller footprint then the smaller size saymak. James was getting a rare 2 piece 165 ready to go to a customer, it is quite an impressive hammer! James and Kate his girlfriend are most gracious hosts, and got to meet James' father Mr Johnson who is a very nice guy. Here's photos: IN stock hammers ready for tuning and testing. A BRAND spanking new 165 that was just stunningly gorgeous!~ You can tell by the smile on my face that I wanted this hammer badly. controls and flywheel, the top of the flywheel was at mid-gut height Dies, HUGE The 165 two piece frame and anvil Control side of the 2 piece 165 My 33 and James 33 sure looked small next to his 88, and the 2 165s, here is a ram James had from a 33, adorable!!! Check out the rings too, no leather or whatever people thought were there to rot out. 33 Lower guide ring James said he might have some part time work for me as an anvil, had to decline, my head is too hard it might chip 88 dies James uses in different combinations for different techniques, very cool concepts! A really cool ribbon piece the Man himself, I told him not to smile because blacksmiths never smile in photos but he's just too easygoing of a guy I look forward to visiting again with a little more planning, so I can try out the other sizes especially the 165!!! It was awesome to finally meet You man! Here's a shot of the beautiful TX sunset over a freshly cut hayfield just outside James' shop door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Cool pics, thanks Sam. Where were you originally that you had to drive two hours to get there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel.85 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Awesome Sam. Any pics of the 120? Im only about a 6hr drive from James' shop, cant wait to head down there some day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K A Willey Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Looks like you had fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willway Forge Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Droooooool Drooooooool... I want! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HIGHSIDER Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Wow!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 Cool pics, thanks Sam. Where were you originally that you had to drive two hours to get there? Hollis hey! I was just outside of Dallas, south and west. You are in Texas! I did not even think to look anyone up as I had planned to be at my friend's place the whole time. Awesome Sam. Any pics of the 120? Im only about a 6hr drive from James' shop, cant wait to head down there some day. Hey Dan, I do but not really a good perspective picture, it was in among all the stock hammers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Sam - yes I am in Texas...and about 4-1/2 hrs from Big D but holler if you are ever in the San Antonio area - I'm up I-35 just a bit north of the city. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 Will do!!! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironstein Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 SWEET! James is a great guy to do business with. I am super happy with my 88. They are nice machines, i haven't had a single problem with mine. If i am ever in Texas i will surely go visit him. I want that pile of dies you photographed! Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Hey Sam. Just exactly were you? I grew up in Central TEXAS and now live in the Longview area--2 hrs east of Big D. If'n you every make it down again you have another to visit, you're welcome anytime. Yes, James is a super guy to be around. Never hear anything negative out of him and is ready to share his knowledge with anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakwoodironworks Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 Looks like a great place! I sure do want one of those hammers. I guess I'll have to save my money!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.