I just love tool makers

[Allen]

Makes me want to give this a try. How about you?

http://vimeo.com/38165983#

[simso]

Part of my original mechanical apprenticeship was making tools, we had to blacksmith a cold chisel, forge and shape, man that was fun

[Paul B]

Not only do I want to do it, I've spent the last couple years gathering information on how to set up so that I can do it. Now I just need a workshop to do it in.

See also : http://www.lindsaybks.com/dgjp/djgbk/series/index.html

[auscab]

Nice clip Allen, I love blacksmithing , and have a full 1890s set up that I pull out and set up when I need to. A permanent set up like that would be nice, with the brick forge.

[rocket]

Great clip,, of a tradesman/ artisan creating a thing of beauty with their hands , inspiring .
Thanks Allen.
Rod.

[J.F. Custom]

Thanks Allen - that's a great video. Really nicely produced too.

Ode to three lifetimes to be able to do all the things that interest me! As it is, I've already spread myself thin... That hasn't stopped me from eyeing off blacksmithing books at the local bookshop though. Would love to give it a crack.

Just great to see other passionate individual artisans doing this 'old world' stuff though. I guess perhaps others view custom luthiery in the same light.

Jeremy.

[Lillian]

Don't miss out on his Birth of an Axe. http://vimeo.com/37360333

[Allen]

Looks like they've had a bit of trouble after posting these video's and going on line with there ordering system. Too many orders to fill, so had to disable their shopping cart software until the backlog can be filled. Good for them, and nice to see there are still plenty of people wanting to buy quality hand crafted tools.

[Shane Woonton]

If you like tat, you should also check out Phillip Patton's thread over on OLF where he builds a damascus steel paring chisel
http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopi ... 33&t=37220

It's a thing of beauty!

Cheers,

Shane

[P Bill]

A very good mate of mine is a master Blacksmith. Over the years he has made me chest hardware (hinges, handles), a purfling pick, my logo branding iron, irons for Spanish tables, and various kitchen utensils. I just did a full setup and adjustment of his DB in exchange for a bench holdfast.

Blacksmithing is a revival craft and I'm sure there'd be a group in most areas. The hardest thing to get these days, at a good price, is an anvil.

[Clancy]

My brother-in-law has spent his life forging & casting for a living.
His hobby used to be making anvils.
For reasons that will sound familiar, he gave it away.
Seems people weren't prepared to pay the cost of a high quality, personally built, item when they could buy a cheap overseas made one.

I just called him & he said if you find one with '"Bradford Kendall" or "BK" stamped on it then it'll be a good australian made one.

[auscab]

I did this on the forge back in 2007, comes in handy with the big tables and machinery. One of those good fun type projects . Jarrah with Elm wheels . I would have liked to do wood cutting tools but doing this as a hobby came in real handy for workshop repairs , jigs ,presses. All sorts .

[simso]

Beautiful.

[Nick]

A bit OTT just for lifting stuff ain't it Rob? I'm with Steve, beautiful job
I was talked into building a black powder weapon by an old workmate some years ago who happened to be into blacksmithing as well as gunsmithing. Upshot was, I got some bits made for my gun out of Damascus steel (of which I got to watch being made too, fascinating process) so I currently have a Damascussed lockplate & an unfinished barrel & buttcap. Hmmmmm must get around to finishing that project one day .

[auscab]

Thanks Nick and Steve , yes a bit OTT , I know I just tell people I didn't want chains rattling all over the woodwork.
But the reality is year after year of building means you make nice things and then they go , your left with an empty work shop, some cash, which is like cupping you hands and holding water, and you have to start again.
so my theory is stop and make something for yourself once in a while. and do your best. Years of pleasure and the xxx holes cant tax you on it .

[sam]

Hi Rob,

Great craftsmanship and good karma - I have bits gathered to make some wooden
blocks, as well. Your kick of inspiration is very welcome.

Thanks for the photos.

Sam

[Paul B]

Rob,

Real nice work. You rock.