Three Rivers Forge profile
Three Rivers Forge
Three Rivers Forge
Blacksmith - forging iron in order to bring a little bit of the wonderful trade to folks everywhere!
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Thank you! Your support means the world to me and I cannot thank you enough. It's because of great folks like you that I can experiment with new ideas, create new content, and keep the iron moving here at Three Rivers Forge!

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Firstly, you get my undying appreciation for your faith in me. Your support will help keep the iron moving here at Three Rivers Forge, making it possible to try new things and create new content.

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Displaying posts with tag Shoplife.Reset Filter
Three Rivers Forge

Even with plastic ropes, you need to whip the ends to maintain the strength of the line.

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Carving Letters In Steel. . .

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Be Careful What You Wish For!

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Books for Blacksmiths

The Cosira books are, in my estimation, a very solid purchase no matter the subject.  In this case, their Decorative Ironwork is one of those blacksmithing books I'm happy to recommend.

I'm a sucker for the older style of writing and while the photographs might not be as amazing as what we could do today.... they are still fantastic!

Best of all, this book gives you actual measurements.  It's rare to find recipes because so many people today are stuck on this notion of just going with the flow and doing what you want.  This, of course, makes it impossible to judge works because there isn't a standard to measure by.

This is an intermediate level book, I think.  The projects require a level of familiarity with the processes of the smithy.  Anyone who completes these projects will certainly have bragging rights and it's been a longtime desire of mine to start at page one and simply forge every project between the covers.  Maybe that'd make for some good content?  Interested in seeing something like that?

It would certainly be a very good learning experience.  The projects might not be something you need for your home or a customer, but they would look fantastic simply as wall decorations.  If you do good work, let your work speak for you.

Decorative Ironwork is a valuable asset to have in your personal library.  Usually found online for less than twenty dollars delivered to your door, it's one of those purchases that it is hard to argue against.  It provides very simple, clear instructions, with photographs and measurements so you can check your work.  While the projects might seem daunting, being able to successfully forge even a small element from each project will pay dividends in your smithing career.

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Three Rivers Forge

Ropes and Pulleys - Moving Heavy Stuff

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One of the best things you can do for your shop or garage is install hard anchors.


Seriously, folks.  How many times have you needed to move something heavy but didn't have anywhere you could fix even a ratchet strap?

One good anchor in the ceiling, for example, makes it very easy to load and unload things from the bed of your truck.  While a fancy gantry crane might be nice, most of us don't have the room and really don't need such a thing very often.  With an anchor in the ceiling, though, you can drive your truck under it, lift the load until it clears the bed, and then drive out from under it.

With anchors fastened to the walls in strategic locations, you can use a rope and pulley to shift heavy tools and materials all over the place.  

I've lost count of the number of times I've heard guys complaining about how hard it is to move their heavy welding tables out of the way when they need the extra room.  All it takes, though, is a couple of places where you can fasten a block and tackle.... and you can shift that half-ton table with ease.

Okay, maybe it's not "easy", but it's a sure sight easier than trying to manhandle it with pry-bars and choice words!

Just remember that you have to be smart.  If you build your anchor points flimsy, they will rip out under load... and that makes for a very bad day.  Be smart.  Think it through.  Overkill the design and never try to lift or shift anything that is outside of your ability and experience.
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54 posts

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the Goal
The drill press is probably one of the most useful tools to have in the shop, and one that I use more than I would ever have imagined! To make it an even more versatile tool for the shop, when we reach this goal, we will add the excellent table made by Fireball Tools, or by shop for a vintage drill press that has better features, including a larger table. The addition of a larger table would allow for fixturing, the placement of jigs and fences, as well as supporting larger pieces. The drill press extension table sold by Fireball Tools is designed with the small shop in mind. Of course, if you're following along here at Three Rivers Forge, I'm sure you have the same passion for old tools that I do. Adding something like a Walker Turner radial arm drill press to the shop would be an amazing step forward. I can't say if one will be available at the time, or if it'll be available at a price I can afford, but I will certainly consider it an option. Small bricks build big walls, and little additions to the shop can make a tremendous difference in speed, efficiency, and design capabilities, as well as the overall ambience. Thank you for seeing the potential. Thank you for joining the team!

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