Donnie Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 I have always had to move my anvil to use it. I used to forge something 3-5 days a week. Arthritis finally put an end to my ability to work. I have done very little forging for the last couple years. Since I have to move my anvil for each use, and I only use the part directly under the hammer, I cut a two foot section of pry bar and mounted it vertically. I have to work seated, as I can stand only a few minutes. I now use a 1lb. hammer and a 1 1/4" face anvil. I have forged several small knives and hooks. It works like a charm. I now light the forge much more often. It ain't over, till it's over! Don't ever give up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch4ging Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Nice Donnie! I have my own issues and get down and frustrated. That was inspiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Good to hear, I fight hammer-hand arthritis, and every time it rears its head I think, "This will NOT stop me from forging!!" Thanks for the encouragement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Spanky; that's the reason one of the SOFA guys built some very small powerhammers that actually mount in the hardy hole and use the anvil as the anvil. Only a 2-3# ram but it allows him to smith even with hand issues...(I spooked one of my co-workers who was complaining about the hot steering wheels we get out here after a long day of work with the car out in the sun---I told her it felt GREAT on my aching knuckles...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Thomas, can you point to a link for them? And my first cup of coffee in the morning serves as a warming blanket to my hammer hand - feels WONDERFUL, so I understand the car steering wheel! Donnie, I really admire the ingenuity to get back to work - awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnie Posted July 14, 2014 Author Share Posted July 14, 2014 Spanky, ingenuity is a mighty big word to be in the same sentence with me! I was just tired of just existing and not being able to do what I enjoy doing. My arthritic spine and hips can surely move my new anvil a lot easier than the 100 pounder. The 1 1/4 face of my tall skinny anvil may sound may sound too small to most folks. But, it is wider than the face of my 1 lb. hammer. I don't really miss the hardy hole. I was taught to do scrolls off the edge of the anvil. I never really used anything more than hammer and anvil, so it works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Donnie, I think that's great. We get so caught up in what we think we need that we are blinded to the possibilities all around us. Every time I see some third-world smith making great knives on a sledge hammer anvil, it reminds me of just how spoiled we are. You need to post some pictures of your setup so others can see just how "complicated" a shop you really need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Yes, pictures Donnie... please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 SpankyS unfortunately I saw the mini-powerhammers in person at SOFA meetings and Quad State around 2001; Ed Rhodes (sp?) made them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notownkid Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Donnie Have you tried Glucosamine & Chondronitin with MSM supplements? I don't know your age but this might help. I've been on it for 20+ years and have had Chiropractors and an Ortho surgeon and Nero surgeon tell me to keep on them. Many friends and relatives of all ages take them daily. Biggest problem is it takes 3-6 months of taking 1500mg a day to get feeling it. There are a ton of stuff on the market today with Glucosamine in them that I don't know about, but many articles have been written about the good effects of Glucosamine from all over the world many by Doctors. Can't hurt, never heard of an adverse problem like most prescribed medications, doesn't effect your stomach or digestive system either. As my mother always said "of those Riitis Boys Arthur is the worse" She wasn't kidding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I tried glucosamine for 6 months, did nothing for me. What has helped, surprisingly, is....(believe it or not)... Ginger. I work in medical field, it's often called a Poor Mans Antiinflammatory. I take it twice a day, after a couple months I looked up one day and realized I couldn't even recall the last time I'd taken ibuprofen, I hadn't needed to. Your results may vary, of course, but it works for me. Or at least it does until I spend several consecutive days of 6-7 hours of forging! Then the Ritis Boys show up again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Please remember that this is a blacksmithing forum. Any medical suggestions should be well researched and run past your medical doctor. We are not doctors and do not play a doctors on TV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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