Plasma cutter

Today we went back to Hope, Missouri to help out fellow blacksmith Joe.

Joe has a new toy. It's a Plasma cutter. He gave BT a few quick lessons and then it was his turn to try.






It sure makes quick work in preparing to make a gig.

Forging in Hope Missouri

Today we visited Joe's shop in Hope Missouri. Joe has been a little under the weather. He might tell you a lot, but he is doing much better.




Bernie uses Joe's trip hammer.





The reason for our visit was to help Joe forge 6 hinges for doors on a restored log cabin.








Now this is what you call a clinker!






The hinge will look something like this.



One of the two doors with the 6 hinges laying on the floor.

Free coal

Two blacksmith discuss some coal that was free for the taking in Arrow Rock, Missouri.

Blacksmith Coal

What does a ton of coal look like?

It looks like this plus 5 more sacks that were left in the front of the shop.

We took a trip Saturday to Scrub Oak Forge in DeSoto Missouri. It is one of the storage areas for the BAM coal supply.

The blacksmith lifted this coal 4 times. That's 4 tons times.

First he lifted it into place in the bed of the truck. Arriving home and accidentally locking the keys into the truck, he lifted it onto a trailer. From there he lifted it onto a 2 wheel dolly. He then wheeled it inside the shop
and lifted it into the storage area.

No wonder he slept good that night.




Sorry I forgot the camera on Saturday, I missed some beautiful picture opportunities.