Categories: Projects and equipment; Commerce and business
Word count/read time: 402 words; 2 minutes
Part of the challenge with hobbies and crafts
is that some are so vast they require specialization. Regardless of the type or
category, even the smallest part of an obscure endeavor can be a lifetime venture.
I consider myself an almost jack of some trades. Simple jewelry is one
aspect. There's nothing wrong with the basics, i.e.
mastering the fundamentals. Maybe I can't
do a tension-set platinum solitaire with a bezel-set gemstone band
or ever be a full-fledged bench jeweler though what I do will be praiseworthy.
Sometimes you want to try something for no other
reason or motivation than just wanting to.
So begins my next adventure in metalworking: making knives,
edged implements, and blacksmithing. Simply, I want a 1000+ layer samurai sword,
weapons of all types, and some cool other pieces.
Yeah, everyone is jumping on the knifemaking bandwagon.
I'm sure many will be getting out of it as quickly as they started and
drown the market with used equipment.
Perhaps I will make worthy stuff.
Maybe not, but this is not about or for anyone else.
While I have lots of equipment and tools, specific blacksmithing
ones are not in my arsenal. I could fudge it and cut corners,
make a knife right now, but the frustration might curse my enthusiasm.
I pondered making a forge but decided to purchase one; no
need to re-invent the wheel. This one should sate my needs
until it breaks. It could also be used for melting, annealing,
tempering, and other things not related to blade making.
A friend commented that it wouldn't be long enough for a sword;
with doors at both ends it's designed to doggy-style a second forge.
So now there's a forge, ceramic blanket, blanket rigidizer, castable refractory mixes,
forged steel anvil, tongs, hammers, and other
accessories. Raw materials, heat-treatment tanks/containers, and
additional forging and specialty equipment will follow.
The most desired "super tools" after the basics are a power hammer,
powered hydraulic press, and a belt sander.
The hammer would be useful for shaping silver and gold ingots
so it's a worthy investment.
DIY versions of these are quite the rage among
the financially challenged so I bought plans to make one myself.
Of course, there is the issue of how everything will fit into a crowded garage.
Soon the cars will be ostracized no matter how perfect my tetris!
Not there yet but it's getting tight.
Posted by M: July 13, 2023
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