[TheForge] hammer of the gods

[Ralph Douglass]

Chris Worsley wrote:
> 
> 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

Chris my point it that 'tradition' if differnt to different folks and is
different as to what time period that is being used as the source.

I mean everyone assumes that traditional made stuff is hand made. But if
you look at many of the crafts books from the Rennisance period then you
will see a lot of stuff was made using tilt and drop hammers.
So I get a tad bothered about all the 'traditional' stuff.
Now if you would have said that you work at making things by hand that
is a different story.
And I too would agree that is what I do, including power hand tools as
needed.

BTW I was not really angry or upset with you personally. Just with the
choice of words, and to be honest it is a small thing and is not that
important in the scheme of things. (smile)

Ralph
-- 
"Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision."