Joe H Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Well, here's the first thing I've ever forged. It turned out ALOT better than I expected it to. I'm really kind of shocked. My forging skills need alot of work, but luckily the grinder has been my friend for a very long time . It still needs some polishing, but I'm really pleased with it. It's kind of strange, I fab things from steel all the time and love it, but I don't think any project I've ever done has felt this good before. I think I'm hooked. Thanks to everyone for your efforts on this forum. I've read alot here, and without it I would've been a total failure I'm sure. Another cool thing is now I "need" some more tools! I'm gonna have to build a bigger shop. WOOHOO! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Mayo Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Good for you Joe well done keep at it! Looking forward to seeing your next. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Thats awesome! I'm working on my first RR spike knife now, i just need to get my coal setup going cuz my gas forge ain't hot enough. if i could pump out something half that nice i would be psyched! how'd you get the blade so level? i find myself putting to many hammer marks on what i work on.. and you shaped it so well, how did you keep everything so even? Looks gorgeus bro. Evan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammerkid Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 That looks good! I want to make one like it when I get coal for my forge I finshed last night!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRon_FOrgerI22 Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 THATS SO NICE!! You have only just started blacksmithing and you turned out somthing that nice. Good job, You are a blacksmith:). Did you use a railroad spike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe H Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share Posted October 21, 2007 Thats awesome! I'm working on my first RR spike knife now, i just need to get my coal setup going cuz my gas forge ain't hot enough. if i could pump out something half that nice i would be psyched! how'd you get the blade so level? i find myself putting to many hammer marks on what i work on.. and you shaped it so well, how did you keep everything so even? Looks gorgeus bro. Evan "forge thick and grind thin" I read that here, not sure who wrote it but it worked for me. I hammered it out to where it resembled the final shape, then went at grinding. I started out with my angle grinder, and a flap disk for the shaping. I'm very comfortable with an angle grinder, so that's what I picked up. I just eyeballed it straight and even and flat. I've spent a good 20+ years working with steel, so grinding is something I've become good at. Once I was happy with it I went to the belt sander for finishing. Probably not the most traditional way of doing things... Maybe once my forging skills are honed some I won't have to depend on the grinder so much. It sure was fun, can't wait to practice some more. I may do some work tomorrow, if the soreness in my forearm lightens up a bit. :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnr Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 That's a real good job there!! By the way? How's the arm ? You of course know that one project just isn't enough. It's a disease, LOL Finnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe H Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share Posted October 21, 2007 Thanks Finnr! My arm is pretty darn sore! I did manage to swing the hammer some today, trying out the suggestions I was given here. Whadd'ya know! Feels much better, with more control. I was trying way too hard I guess. I'm glad I mentioned the soreness, you guys picked right up on it and steered me straight, and it's much appreciated. Yep, I'm hooked for sure. I can see now that I need a coal forge, and a real anvil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Well done Joe!!!!!1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Old Sheffield England Saying: "If a true blade you would win, Forge thick and grind thin" Thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat pete Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 try capzasin and bio flex that condroitin stuff...I had the same problem ....it can take a while to recover depending on how old u r Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teknition Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Very nice job Joe!! For a first attempt it is quite a beauty, keep at it :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy seale Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 is a nice one. far as the arm goes...not used to usin them muscles? or your hammers too heavy-and technique that was mentioned before, or just a ol wore out rough hand that swung a 16# hammer most of his life- reguardless you will prevale!! above all... have fun!! remember what mom said bout playin with fire????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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