GottMitUns Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 To the whole IFI gang. I would like to ask for your prayers and a little grace for the next 2 weeks if I ask simple newbie questions that are easily researched. I do short term missionary work every year thru my church, and this year have been asked to set up a black smith shop in Nicaragua at a Young Life or Vida Jovian camp there. I have been on the phone with Glenn and have a plan for getting a 55 forge up and running and there is already a anvil on hand down there that I saw on my last trip but not much else. I have 2 duffel bags stuffed to the weight limit with reference books and time consuming start up tools that I'm taking with me, and they have been scrounging up axles, springs, barrels, buckets, pipe and clay. What I am going to be the shortest on is time and knowledge and certainty. I would know if I have 110volt 12volt or 0volt, or if I will have a tin roof, thatched roof or no roof over the shop area until I get there. Once I am there I will have about 5 working days to setup and teach what I can from my limited knowledge base to someone who may of may not understand my brand of tex/mex Spanglish. I should be able to get on the web at night and early in the morning, if I can I will try and post pictures of what things look like and the progress that gets made. Thank you for your support!Russell Doerr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 Ok, I cant speek for the Old Grumps but I, as a Middle aged Grump will give you a pass for the next two weeks, further more I will Try to offer as much Good advice as I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 First off show someone there how to use the internet and access IForgeIron. This will keep the knowledge available and flowing after you leave.If you have any questions, just ask. We will try for direct answers but will throw in references that you can look up for more detailed or specific information.Enjoy the trip and take lots of photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 You want a little slack do you? I have a LOT of slack for folk doing good things. I'll be honored with the privilege to do what I can to help you help them.Pics, lots of pics! A recipe or two might be nice too. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GottMitUns Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 Thanks Charles and Glenn. I will send as many pictures as I can and I will defiantly show them the IFI web sight. Russell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawman Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Good Luck Russell.Sounds like a heck of an adventure.I have not forgot about your tongs by the way..... my hammer ought to be here in a couple weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Sweet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GottMitUns Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 Thanks Frosty and Lawman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Good luck Russell. What an honorable undertaking! Good onya mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpankySmith Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Awesome, Gott, and I'm jealous, what an adventure that will be. Can't wait to see pix and hear news, best of luck. Keep Isaiah handy - "See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Cochran Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Just be careful out there. My dr is a missionary that went to China recently and I just heard he's been arrested. Hopefully you'll have better luck. I'll keep your group in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Buena Suerte! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 (edited) Reset your blacksmithing barometer to expect no electricity. That means bellows or hand blower, any large chunk of steel for an anvil, the forge tuyere possibly set into the ground, etc. Be creative and don't let the lack of something you would expect to find here become an obstacle.Best wishes and stay safe - I used to spend quite a bit of time south of the border but I can't run fast enough anymore. Godspeed and good luck. Edited August 5, 2015 by HWooldridge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianinsa Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Good for you and may the forge be with you!BTW. I think what you're going to do is splendid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GottMitUns Posted August 6, 2015 Author Share Posted August 6, 2015 Well I'm just about packed upOf the 190 pounds of luggage I think 20 pounds of it is clothes, sleeping bag and toiletries. The rest is blacksmithing gear and books, there is a Champion blower, 4" post vice and a Victor cutting rig complete with hose and regulators in amongst that stuff.. I had to balance the 40.00 per bag verses the time it would take to recreate what in the bags given my limited 5 day window.We are flying out of Houston at 12:30 on Saturday.We have 9 other people going down so everybody gets to check one of their bags and one of mine!ThanksRussell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 We're with you in spirit Russell. Fare well and God speed brother.Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GottMitUns Posted August 11, 2015 Author Share Posted August 11, 2015 I Made it down and things are going good!shop is real close to set up and we have our first job in the morning. Noe I have a heat treat question to throw at yall. I have to build some hatchets for dressing concrete with. They will be made from leaf spring rolled around a mandrel I have water or motor oil to quench in I'm thinking about leaving them normalized. What do yall think? If I do quinch them, what in and what color do I draw them back to. i will get back on the web in the morning as Internet is limited thank yourussell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 xxxx "forbiden" deamons! Might want to cut a bit more of the back out to pass stock threw, more than half but no more than a third (the curve has plenty of strengh. If we are talking about soft simi vitrafied adobe or normal adobe an axe dose just fine, hard and soft brick cut muck better with a wide cold chesel to score (make it like your cuting steel) Draw the axe so a fine file just touches the blade. Harder is great but most folks use a file and a soft stone to sharpen them, the locals may well be using a file and sand stone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 Russell: Didn't you bring a copy of Wygers', "Complete Modern blacksmith?" It has all you need to know about making stone dressing tools. From: field ID of scrap to heat treat for the intended use and maintenance.Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 Better to bend than break. Depending on how hard the tools quench, I might go purple to peacock blue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GottMitUns Posted August 11, 2015 Author Share Posted August 11, 2015 Thanks guy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GottMitUns Posted August 11, 2015 Author Share Posted August 11, 2015 my morning reading! on the way to Matagalpa to scrounge up a axle and some oil for the blower. 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.