thresher Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 My goal is to craft Damascus drop point blades suitable for game dressing/skinning. Something I've been wanting to do for decades. Nearing retirement, I'm gathering information and equipment to be able to implement my plan. Working as a piping/mechanical designer in the offshore platform industry (aka "designing navigational hazards") I've served my time in fab yards and machine shops. Always fascinated with the artisans and craftsmen who often took time to explain and demonstrate their "tricks". Over a summer in high school, I worked for a farrier, which I think, sparked the blacksmith fascination some 45 years ago Call me a "late bloomer" if you like. Even when I retire (though I'll be doing things I feel are really important) I know that I will still want to create things. Iron is my preference. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Do you plan to weld up your own billets or buy them premade? Will you be forging them or stock removal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thresher Posted February 24, 2018 Author Share Posted February 24, 2018 I may start with billets to get acquainted with installing and dressing bone slabs prior to the forging side of the issue. That I can begin now relatively easy prior to investing in a forge and anvil of some sort. Ultimately, I will be forging my own though. Thanks for the response. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 You do know that you can build a forge and get an anvil for about the cost of filling the gas tank on a small imported pickup truck; but if that is an investment to you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thresher Posted February 24, 2018 Author Share Posted February 24, 2018 Yes sir. I have been hanging around IFI as a visitor for a while. Was impressed with the knowledge base. Decided to join. Plan on making a striking anvil and small forge. Will continue to keep an eye out for a "proper" anvil. Refuse to feed the buying frenzy of $6+/lb current climate. Would love to get my hands on a 125ish lb HB, eventually. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I had a cousin living at the lakes at Katy once; now back in Bartlesville OK... Read up on the TPAAAT as it's a good way to find anvils at a decent price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thresher Posted February 24, 2018 Author Share Posted February 24, 2018 Small world, no? Will take a look. There is a few between here and Austin that seem to have not gone nuts with their pricing in the interest of prompting the craft. I see honor in such individuals! Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Welcome aboard Thresher, glad to have you. TPAAAT isn't only for anvils, it works for virtually anything you're hunting. It's amazing how many people have a pile of mystery tools in a shed left by great uncle Dudley and would be happy to have the space instead. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thresher Posted February 24, 2018 Author Share Posted February 24, 2018 Cheers Frosty. The adventure continues ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metalmangeler Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 I think buying tools at really low prices is great when you can but maybe $6 per pound is not that bad, when you are producing nice Damascus I would like to get some I will pay up to $8.00 per pound. Just a random thought, don't delay too much waiting for a tool at 1960 prices. Your time is really what is valuable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Of course to forgeweld billets a drop or even a piece of new bought 4"/4" square stock will work just as well as a US$6 a pound anvil and I buy mine at the scrapyard for 20 cents a pound. A fancy anvil will NOT make your billets better. Getting out there and making a bunch of them is what gets them better! I go past the scrapyard every time I dump the trash... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metalmangeler Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Thomas's Idea to use a drop while you wait for that really low priced anvil sounds really good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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