[TheForge] Working alone in shop

[Phlip]

Ene bichizh ogsen baina shuu...

> I have been a smith for only a few years, and have recently moved my shop
> from my backyard into a portion of my business's shop.  I am thrilled to
> have the space, to have a roof, and most of all to have a level and flat
> floor!
>
> I've also been able to get a small power hammer and access to a great air
> supply...so all of a sudden I've been able to build the shop I've longed
> for.
>
> Here is what I am experiencing:
>
> I am very safety conscious, perhaps to excess but given my passion for hot
> molten metal and hammers  I don't really think it is excessive.   When I'm
> forging it is so hypnotic and wonderful, but I also sometimes feel afraid
> when I am working alone.
>
> Have/do any of you ever experience this?  Any thoughts?
>
>
> Mata

Well, when I've smithed alone, I've been happy as a clam. Much as I love
teaching and learning, sometimes it's just very good to be out there, doing
your thing, and screwing up or figuring out something without any
distractions.

But, to address your problem, if you aren't comfortable working alone, then
probably you either ought not to be doing what you're doing, or else you
ought to have company. Accidents can and do happen, and while most of them
are fairly minor- cuss 'ems, rather than 911s- if you're doing something
that could kill you or knock you unconscious, you need back up.

Look at what you're doing- are you likely to need an ambulance if it goes
wrong? Then don't do it- alone. OTOH, if all you risk are cuts and bruises
or a fairly minor burn, enjoy....

Saint Phlip,
CoDoLDS

"When in doubt, heat it up and hit it with a hammer."
 Blacksmith's credo.

 If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it is probably not a
cat.

Never a horse that cain't be rode,
And never a rider who cain't be throwed....