June 9, 201313 yr I don't know what I did wrong-best to delete the post???? Is permissions set to viewing by general public (not restricted)? Dale
June 10, 201313 yr I have no problem viewing it. Must be a facebroke user settings thing... Odd... Because I can logged into Facebook and I still cant see it!!!! Dale
June 10, 201313 yr Author That's the problem using other peoples stuff-it was at Pat's Forge at Normanskill Farm in albany New York. Hammer class put on by the Capital Districts Blacksmiths, taught by nathan Robertson. Good teacher, fun class. That guy can hit pretty darned hard-he's a heck of a smith.The other problem besides the stump is a small anvil, and a big chunk of steel with 2 guys whaling away with sledges.
June 10, 201313 yr Author The worst that could have happened would have been the anvil tipped over and hit the floor. We were striking like that a good portion of the day.
June 10, 201313 yr The worst that could have happened would have been the anvil tipped over and hit the floor. We were striking like that a good portion of the day. More likely the worst thing that could happen is the anvil flip over and smash some ones foot and they have to have it amputated because the bones were crushed beyond repair.
June 10, 201313 yr Author Oh,my..... And I wonder why people are too scared and afraid of lawsuits to actually do something.....Nuff said. Goodbye.
June 10, 201313 yr Author Just a little something to add. I am a professional smith with 20 years experience, Nathan Robertson is a professional with a decade or 2 of experience, and Doug Delrey has many years experience, the dramatic "someones foot could have been crushed and needed amputation" statement serves no one anything. Yes, the anvil was not very stable-dangerous, No. I was there, I caught it with ONE hand for crying out loud, I know what's what and that statement is ridiculous and inflammatory.
June 10, 201313 yr Author Also, for those who can't see it, maybe try the Northeast Blacksmiths Association facebook page. Sorry about my ineptitude in posting the video-I may be a darned good Smith, but my computer skills stink.
June 11, 201313 yr How about a post of the video that is non facebook?? although I know Nathan (and he lives not to far from me) and I'll get the scoop from him personally next time I see him, would like to see the video though - sounds like a hoot!!!
June 11, 201313 yr Author One of guys in the class took it with his phone, I'll contact him to see if he can do it.
June 11, 201313 yr You do not believe that a anvil of approximately 100lbs or heavier falling from about 2 feet could damage some ones foot to the point of crushing bones and ripping muscles or tendons if the person were only wearing boots or shoes without steel guards? I in no way think that it is ridiculous or inflammatory. It may be unlikely that it would hit some ones foot straight on. But unlikely things happen every day. Working in a industrial setting I try and look for accidents waiting to happen and do what I can to prevent them. I am not calling your skill as a blacksmith into any question nor am I trying to insult anyone. I am just pointing out for folks that may not have considered the danger that a anvil that is not securely fastened down can do serious damage to a human body.
June 11, 201313 yr I dont really care much for safety, but you were losing alot of energy through that little anvil wiggling all over and feel shame for that lost energy and wasted effort. Not to mention where it looked like when the anvil wiggled forward from your swing and you nailed the edge with a sledge too LOL. Heaven forbid that sledge rebounds and bashes someone's head. But you do what you want with what you got.
June 11, 201313 yr Author Wish I had my Fontanini there.... But, we got it done with what we had to work with-everyone went home with a finished hammer.
June 11, 201313 yr Thank You Mark - wasn't as bad as it sounded in the start of the thread - although things may be done a little different next time - The goal of it all is to have a great time and noone getting hurt. Like a lot of people - you use what you have and make it work. Making a hammer for the first time is always a good time, heck I take Nathans class every year for the camaraderie and to get outta my shop and make a hammer (even though I could easily do it in my shop).
June 11, 201313 yr Author I do it for the same reason.... The over reaction thing really bugs me.......
June 11, 201313 yr Nice video, that anvil wobbles and weaves but the shear manliness of making a hammer keeps it from falling down. Thanks for sharing
June 11, 201313 yr Don't think anybody that criticized actions of anvil is out of line ...The bobble and weave of anvil is some what disturbing.... At 43 second mark in video I would be inclined to stop and get better base for anvil.... Also in my mind anvil was a little small for such heavy striking.... Anyway glad nobody got hurt.... Dale
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