[TheForge] old mail files, questions, and comments.

[Ralph Sproul]

	I notice some list members make two addresses on their posts to theforge.
I also notice that the post I made razing Frosty and Mike about electricity
for forging didn't show up in my inbox of e-mail.  Is this why folks put two
addresses to theforge? Does the automailer just send replies out - and not
your original posts?........or are you guys just not taking any chances?
	I also noticed yesterday when I sent that welding rod guide as an
attachment theforge sent back rejection notices - but the private mail
address went thru.  So you can't attach a file to an e-mail and have it just
post to theforge(without the attachment) and the intended attachment go to a
private recipient (thru what ever channel you guys want to conjur up).   :-)
	Amazing the things you learn when your bored.

	I just went thru and made a reference file in a "word" format of all the
tips, tricks, resources, and contact info from theforge over the past 6-7
years or so that I've been on it.  That document seems to read like a true
metalworkers reference guide. Some of the information that has been posted
on alloys, heat treating, formulas, finishes, stainless info, copper alloys,
braze techniques, how to's, and not to's is amazing in how much trial and
error it can save a person trying to figure it out in their own shop.
	There are two young smiths starting out in their own businesses in our
blacksmithing club - I'm going to give them a CD of this reference file as a
present - as they are always asking me questions about business and
metalworking (especially welding and installation).
	This huge batch of mail (which was 15 MB of "saved" posts) has been over
three computers and I've saved all the mail from one to the next and when
this was finally done (over the past couple months in the evenings) - it
could be a book on "terminology & technique" for a book on metalworking.
The end file was only 500 KB -so I realized I have to strip all the old
posts off saved mail in the future as it sure amounted to a lot of deleting
and repeated info!
	Ten years ago I hated computers as they seemed like they were puting people
out of work and made privacy a hell of a lot slimmer........but the
information exchange and educational factor is so worth it ...........that
I'm now becoming a real nurd/geek.   I even keep six pens and markers in my
coverall pockets.    :-)
	I get razed about it - but two are soapstone, two pens, and two sharpie
markers........ I figure it's their problem if they don't know why you need
all those implements in your pockets to earn a days pay.  Most folks don't
make anything anymore for a living anyway.

	I guess this last part was a thanks for all the information folks have
taken the time to post on the topics of smithing and
metalworking.........and then again, I think it's a huge sigh of relief that
I finally did something with all that old saved mail!!  See, winter is good
for something.

Ralph Sproul
Bear Hill Blacksmith