[TheForge] hammer of the gods

[Chris Worsley]

Ralph,
What's your point about tradition?  All I was trying to say was that I 
wanted to hand forge things and learn how to do it by HAND. The things I 
made as I was learning did not require a power hammer. That is why I 
sold mine.
I use coal in a forge with a squirrel cage blower, I use several angle 
grinders, drill press, belt/disc sanders, electric lights, safety 
glasses, Kevlar gloves, NO apron, and a radio. I am not confining myself 
to "preserving traditional techniques" at all. I use the tools the get 
the work done that I want to do.
If you reread my post you will see that I did happily use a Kuhn air 
hammer in the past when working with Brad S. because we were a 
production shop that had to meet deadlines for architectural ironwork 
set by the customer.
At home in my shop, it is different. I set my own deadlines.
Chris

Ralph Douglass wrote:

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>>I found it much more satisfying to learn the craft as it was learned
>>traditionally, using a striker when necessary.
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>>Chris
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>GRRRRRR!!!! This is one of my pet peeves! TRADITIONAL to WHAT? 1900,
>1000, 1844, 2005?
>Strikers were used when there was no source of power for a trip hammer
>or other tools.
>Smiths used what they had and would adopt new tools if it worked and
>saved effort.
>DO you use gas? or coal or charcoal. I mean really if you are going to
>be doing stuff 'traditionally' shouldn't you also use the correct fuel.
>Now lets talk about anvils? Is it the correct one for the tradition?
>
>Boils down that while a pwr tool will not make you better it is a tool
>that perhaps should have more time spent in learning.
>Used correctly it can be safe and you can work longer ( less arm
>fatigue) and safer.
>
>Ralph
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