I was on the internet the other day, looking for how-to articles and books with projects. I ran across this website. Halleluiah!!! I have been a welder and fabricator for about 35 years, but I only started blacksmithing about 10 years ago. I started by joining ABANA and eventually found the regional chapter in this area. The NorthWest Blacksmithing Association was a real find. We have 2 conferences a year, in spring and fall. great way to learn how to forge. These people have been friendly and easy to talk to.
Of course I dove right in and took some classes, found some tools (my wife says I will use any excuse to buy or make tools). It didn't take long to reason that I needed a power hammer. I didn't want an old mechanical hammer, and I couldn't bring myself to buy a new pneumatic hammer, so I designed one using Ron Kinyon's air circuit. I call it Li'l Abner and it has worked so well that I sell plans (and kits) for those who want to "build-it-myself".
I am teaching blacksmithing at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Oregon. It has been fun and has improved my skills, because I have to show people how to forge, as well as be able to explain the techniques involved. I am putting together a binder of how-to's for the class. I have found many, very basic articles (including some from this website). I would like to find some articles that are intermediate and more involved than tongs and flowers and such. Any help/ideas would be appreciated.
I have one 'starter' question: What process will protect the temper colors from fading?? Painting them with clear coat paint only dulls them and washes out the blues. I have seen some items that had temper colors and they had some kind of coating, yet were still bright and colorfull. What is it???
Again, I am happy to have found this website. Happy hammerin'

Hey Mister!

Welcome - Good to see you here!

Jump on into the discussions - you've got a lot to contribute and the folks here are great!

Welcome to the site! If you go to user CP and enter your location we will know where you are. Blacksmiths have terrible memories for non smithing information. LOL!! Enjoy the friends that you are sure to make here. Pop into chat and get to know us even better.
Finnr

depending on the piece powder coating should work.

Welcome to the site, it is always great to have new members. I remember last year about this time when I first found this site. It was indeed a hallelujah moment.

from paul thornes demo at last conference he uses rustoleum crystal clear coat... said he tried various things but it was the best he found...

Did you try clear lacquer?

I have used a matte finish on some axe blades to keep the colors, it worked pretty well, especially the bronzes. Welcome aboard!

Krylon clear acrylic works pretty well.

Welcome, doesn't John Prutsman help out there (CCC)? He volunteers at Ft. Vancouver.