[TheForge] Kids and Wheelchairs

[John Husvar]

Well, when I've had to work from my wheelchair and/or just wanted to try it,
about 20-24 inches seemed about right, depending on just what kind of
hammering I was doing. When I wanted to _really_ whack on a piece of iron,
I'd lower it to 18-20 inches.

So for kids you'd probably want to be able to vary the height between maybe
12-16 inches. Cribbing it up with a bunch of 2X6 and 4X6 wood cutoffs would
be ideal for mounting the anvil. Drill them so you can put some
rebar/whatnot all the way through to keep the wood pieces together.

Another possibility is rig up some square tubing to  telescope over a base
with lots holes and a pin or two. Should be able to get a good range from
such an arrangement. Make it like automotive jackstands.

I set things up so I could spread my legs around the anvil mount enough to
get a distance from the anvil that would allow me a full swing.

A leather apron that will cover the knees and thighs is a _big_ security
blanket! A piece of hot iron in the lap will get your attention real
quick!:)

I used one that covered from neck to thigh while sitting and tucked some
under my legs to keep the leather somewhat tight across my knees.

Another consideration would be using locking tongs that fit the work pieces
tightly without the person having to exert pressure if they have hand
strength issues in one hand or the other. (Or of course, just provide a long
enough piece that tongs aren't necessary, but you already know about that:)

Actually, working on many small items is a little less fatiguing sitting
than standing, even if your anvil isn't at any "ideal" height.

This is also one time when heresy is indicated: I find it much easier and
safer to have the horn pointed to the strong side if doing much hardy work;
keeps the hardy away from the hammer hand knuckles. So the smith doesn't
have to repeatedly insert and remove the hardy tool.

I'm of course figuring young folks aren't going to be beating the living
heck out of the anvil. Adult wheelchair users tend to develop very strong
arms and upper bodies, though. For them think strength and harder hits.

On 11/9/06 11:24 AM, "Saint Phlip" <phlip at 99main.com> wrote:

> OK, all, I  just got a piece of equipment that will help me set up one
> of my dreams- a station that is height accessible for kids and folks
> in wheelchairs. A couple days ago, a friend gave me the cutest little
> leg vise, I've got a spare small anvil, so all I need now is a stump.
> Problem is, I need to figure what height I want the stump. So, I need
> a favor...
> 
> As many of you know, the "proper" height for the face of an anvil is
> the distance from the ground to the knuckles while standing, the
> reason being that that is the place where you can deliver your most
> efficient stroke. However, that doesn't apply to folks in wheelchairs-
> leaning over to hit your piece on an anvil at that height might risk
> dumping them out of the chair onto their faces- not a good thing ;-)
> 
> So, those of you who are in chairs, please give me a height which
> would be a comfortable height for the face of an anvil. And, those of
> you with kids, please measure to your kids' knuckles that are big
> enough to work on an anvil, but not over 5 ft tall, and give me those
> heights. I realize that what I come up with will be a compromise, and
> therefor perfect for very few people, but if I can come up with an
> average, it ought to make smithing easier for our folks who aren't,
> like me, in the 6 foot range.
> 
> Thanks,

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