[TheForge] TheForge Digest, Vol 83, Issue 48

[doveknives at aol.com]

Normally I just lurk since I get to read so seldom due to work.  But I thought that I would pipe up on some of the thoughts.  

  I have used Craftsman tools for 30 years and still have no trouble going in and getting a tool replaced.  I have even had them up grade me when the tool I brought in was out of stock, at no cost mind you.  Perhaps the branch has a lot to do with it. Just as mentioned by several other posts I had a collection of old Craftsman tools that can in the shop I bought in 1985.  The tools were very old and to this day everyone of the old tools still work.  I really like the old huge power hand drill, what a monster!  Will nearly rip your arm off if it binds in the hole.  

  Second: I have used both Chinese and Turkish hammers and have had really great luck w/them.  I would not hesitate to buy one if I could find one locally.  I did buy a Russian hammer of about 200# from Tom about 8 months before he died that he said had not been worked on or adjusted, told me it weighed about 6500# . Had to cut the fenders off the double axle trailer I had taken to pick it up cause the hammers weight mashed the tires into the fenders.  Got it home to Colorado w/o a problem, but had a hard time finding anyone who could lift it off for me.  The 6500# capacity fork lift from down the street only succeeded in lifting its rear tires off the ground.  I finally found a fellow w/a big bucket loader that was able to lift it off and set it on some 1.125 steel rods I had just inside the door.  Rolled it on the rods to the forge and replaced the 100# LG .  This hammer is so controllable that I don't use the 25# new model LG I have anymore.  I'm thinking about selling it to buy a smaller air hammer like one of the Chinese to get away from the toggle links and arms on the LG.  The self contained and utility hammers I have owned or built have been many times safer and more controllable for students to use than the LG.  I know there are some out there that will say " A properly adjusted LG will be as safe as any air hammer." I have been to Sid's rebuild school and have rebuilt and restored over a dozen hammers and I still will replace the LG w/a self contained if I can, I may have to build one.  This I can do w/ the tools that I have since I have a well equipt machine shop w/three full size CNC VMCs as well as a CNC lathe on the way. I'm just a little lazy, but, I may do it just to say I did.




Trusting HIM, 
Steve Rollert 
keenedgeknives.com 
doveknives.com