[TheForge] nail header question

[Steven.Walker at its.state.ms.us]

>I just talked to Tom this morning. He states that he makes his headers
with
>the taper down [\ /] , and that if you make the nail properly its not an
>issue. He said most of the problem comes from trying to head a cold nail.
>The nail should be HOT, so that when it cools it shrinks away.

Hmmm.  That's interesting.  Must just be my bad technique then.  I
certainly don't doubt that.  I will say though that I've used a buddy's
nail header with the taper up (/ \) and I didn't have any problems with
nails getting stuck. But just about everytime I try to make a  nail with
the taper down (\ /), my  nails get stuck.....and I am heading with the
nail HOT.  Just must be my newbie technique.  I'll keep trying.....practice
makes perfect.  But I also think I'll also try to make my own nail header
with the taper up (/ \).
Thanks for all the input, fellas. This list has proven to be a great
resource for a beginning smith.

Steven