[TheForge] Re: shop tools and layout

[Andy Vida]

Catherine Jo Morgan wrote:

> 3) Design it so it's possible to work outside when the weather is
> pleasant.

	Great idea, but also consideration should be given to
	lighting.  I don't know about anyone else, but judging
	temperature requires a significant adjustment of the eye 
	when moving from inside to outside; more so than vice
	versa in my experience.

> A screened porch would be great. Even a roof could be enough.
> One of our list members lives in AZ and her first studio was the patio.
> It worked fine.

	Mine was uncovered in the yard.  I lived on an acre in
	Scottsdale, which is very large for that town, and had
	a pretty decent setup going.  Nothing fancy, but there
	wasn't that much that I felt I could not do there. 
	Forging in the sun was something that I learned to do.  
	LOTS of water and a hat are good ideas.  It rarely rained, 
	so a tarp to cover the bench was sufficient.
	
> 
> Re tools. Remember you COULD start with:

> Vise (a post vise is best but a sturdy mechanic's vise will do for a
> start.)

	Be careful here because a machinist's vise is not designed
	for being hammered on.  We had (have???) a beautiful Starret
	vise (about $800 these days)that some guy cranked on too
	hard and the casting failed.  A post vise can fail, too, but
	in general they are tougher; partly because they tend to be
	beefier and partly because they are wrought iron rather than
	cast iron.

	Break an $800 vise and you will cry.  At least I would. :(