Hi Guys,

I've been reading the thread on true prices of hand crank blowers and have decided that I need one. I'm currently using a cool air hairdryer on my forge, but I want to go totally non-electric.

That said, does anyone in or near Ohio have a line on reasonably priced hand crank blowers? I've check everything from Craigslist to Ebay and found nothing. Well, I found one blower on Ebay, but it seemed way over priced based on the prices listed in our forum.

So, I'm willing to drive 4-5 hours to get this baby. Please, anyone in Ohio or surrounding states who knows how to get a blower let me know. I'd much appreciate that.

Best,
Leo

Leo, Quad State will soon be here. I have not been to one of these annual events yet but am told that being there makes you feel like a kid in a candy store.
Anything and everything you might want in blacksmithing tools, and lots of it.
I think it happens in september? There must be plenty of folks here on IFI who can tell you more, where/ when, etc. Good luck. Dan:)

I agree with Dan. Never been to Quad-State myself, but have heard the stories and seen the pics. Plenty of equipment available there. Not that far from where you live and you could catch some good demos there, also.

I've been to over a dozen Quad-States and plan to drive over 1000 miles to go to it this year; it's only a little more than a month away! Time to start selling plasma to build up your buying funds!

info at Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil (SOFA) Blacksmith Association

This sounds excellent. I'm heading down to the blood bank now to get my first $50.


-Leo

Does anyone know when the registration form on the SOFA site will be activated?

I sent them e-mail yesterday about that; haven't heard back yet. Will post when I do.

You guys get compensated for blood donations?!!?!?!?!?! I feel so gipped!
I've been donating fairly regularly to the red cross for years and all they give for it are some cookies and Juice. Being type O negative (can be given to anybody) they are calling me all the time. Maybe I should make 'em pay!
:mad:Dan.

Against the law to sell *blood* but you can sell plasma and other sub parts; though I never have. I have had friends who did so.

I got my 10 gallon pin with the red cross doing monthy apherisis when I lived in Columbus OH; they had a major cancer hospital and so always needing platlets, O+ didn't hurt either. If I had been 0- they probably would have kidnapped me!

I still donate but living in a small NM town it's only when they have a drive at work. I did find out that a double red cell donation doesn't work well with altitude!

They still take me although I've become diabetic and am on a bunch of medicines.

Leo, PM sent your way

They still take me although I've become diabetic and am on a bunch of medicines.

I was under the impression a diabetic couldn't donate blood. Or do you only donate plasma?

I was diagnosed in 2,000 and luckily I'm very stable. I have to do something really sloppy like put myself in the hospital to throw my A1c above 7.

Frosty

I have been diabetic for 20 years (type 1). About 15 years ago the Red Cross realized that my blood was as good as anyone else's except a bit sweeter! Once the ban was lifted I have not had any trouble donating. A1c below 7 is pretty darn good. I went on a 6 month diabeties vacation and hit an 8.3. I am off the apathy wagon now and expect a 7 next visit.