[TheForge] Nazel 4b

[Justin Fellenz]

Ries,
> 
> Hey Justin- I only have an 88lb hammer- a nazel 4 B is something like
> a 
> 400lb hammer, able to work 7" square material.
> 
Yeah, it's probably a bit much. I was thinking of offering 2k, but even
that with rigging and installation is probably not worth it. I admit, I
do have a thing for huge old chunks of iron, but I hardly have Mr.
Leno's resources. I have (had) more or less decided on an 88lb Striker,
but then tis came along. 

> Thats not buying a tool- thats making a lifelong committment. 

Well said. I always figure tools are for life, but you can overdo it.

> Of course, my friend George Rolstad has something like 5 hammers in 
> this size range, including one at least twice this big. But none of
> em 
> have been running in 10 years or so, and not destined to do so any
> time 
> soon- George is more of a collector, with the eventual intention of 
> getting his shop running before he dies.

Yeah. I can see that approach, I guess. I have a friend who does the
same thing. He has 16 or so anvils in pristine shape from 350-700
pounds and doesn't own a forge. They'll never see a piece of hot iron
again, and that's fine with him. Not really my style--I actually get
groceries and whatnote in my unimog, same as a pickup truck. I have a
lot of old tools, some of which are dolar for dollar not as efficient
as a newer version, but I put up with their ideosyncracies because I
like old iron. It's a balance. 

> but if your goal is actually to forge parts, 
you probably ought to look at smaller hammers.

It is. I'm starting down the road you seem to be well along, a kid on
the way and a desire to do metal art for a living. We'll see if I have
the talent. So a more reasonable hammer is, well, more reasonable.

Are you going to the Seattle Abana conference?

J