[TheForge] tools

[Matt Gallagher]

  Its going very well. I just got some new tools and soon I'm going to
remake my forge, the refractory has started to crumble, so I'm going to use
a different recipe and different consistency. Also, I'm using a different
frame, which should be more efficient. (if you cant tell, my mind is that of
an engineer :P) Instead of a cube-shaped stand alone mud-brick forge, I'm
using an old charcoal grill with a refractory lining. I decides to be cheap
and make my own refractory. I use red clay, wood ash, and mortar in the
dry-mix, then just add water until its the right consistency. Sound good?
  In the way of projects, at the moment, I'm just trying to get used to the
hammers, tongs, and anvil I have at the moment, so I haven't done anything
major. Ive made a fire rake and almost finished a display knife that was
supposed to be a Christmas gift, but i wasn't able to finish it in time. All
thats left for that is to re-harden, temper, and put a handle on it. I was
thinking a nice burled oak stained dark to bring out the grain? I don't
know, thats just my woodworking side coming out.
  Well thats it for now, if anyone has any suggestions for me, tips, or
ideas, or if anyone finds out what those tools are worth, let me know, I'll
be keeping tabs on the list.

-- 
~Matt Gallagher, your friendly teenage blacksmith