[quote=vintagemotif]
Originally Posted by kwendt
Originally Posted by vintagemotif
Better than lifting weights![/quote
ROTF!!! Actually... I just hefted my 90 lb anvil into the back of my Jetta last week, to get to a local blacksmith meet. I gotta tell you... it takes me two arms for that.. but I can one handedly sling my 15-91 around without a problem. Did I ever mention that my right arm is bigger than my left? yup. That's me. I don't do pink and ruffles... I do do hammers and tongs. I love all things mechanical...
You can lift a 90 lb anvil....and there is such a thing as a blacksmith meet? Way cool! So, what do you make? you could make pretty hinges for sewing machine cabinets....just picturing beautiful vintage hinges for doors.
90 lbs is light. It's my traveling farriers anvil. You pick such a thing up with your forearms, not your hands. Hug it to your chest and it's easy as can be. I can't move the shop anvil by myself.. it's 250lbs. I can, though, tip it over... ask me how I know. :lol:
Re: are there still blacksmiths? Actually yes. I'm a member of FABA, the Florida Artist Blacksmith Assoc. We are an affiliate of sorts with ABANA, the national blacksmith org. We have meetings all over the state of Florida. On any given saturday, there's usually a meet somewhere, doing something. There are many state and local chapters of ABANA throughout the US. Check your home state... you'd be surprised.
My specialty happens to be 18 and 19th century decorative colonial ironwork - candle holders, latches, musket ram rods, fireplace cranes, hooks, triangles, tools, curtain rods, carved animals heads and the like. I am an apprentice in the art, so it's simple stuff for me most of the time. I made a pennyfoot, three branch, black iron and copper bound unity candle holder for my wedding. :mrgreen: once I did a 4' long, fish tailed/pineapple twist broom stick out of 1" square stock. (no, it's NOT my ride!)
Yes, I could make pretty hinges for a sewing cabinet, but I don't work in cast and I don't usually work in copper or brass - other than as brushed or wired accents. Since I'm a hobbiest, I don't actually get the chance to pound much. I'm the only chick I know that will come to a screeching halt when I see a pile of rusted junk in the roadside trash. Truck springs, old files, tractor bearings.... all very useful! The files make awesome large utility knives and the springs make great tools.
Now, since I've been edu-ma-kated by all y'all, I would come to a screeching halt if I saw an OLD SEWING machine by the side of the road..... hey... a girl can dream!