Forging A Railroad Spike Froe For Kindling | Construction and DIY projects | Forums

KVR said
Walter's take on it.

I spent my life in forging.  Some open die work, but mostly closed die.  I've forged everything from front axles for semi-tractors, pipe fittings for nuclear reactors, and landing gear for jet fighters.  This was done on hammers from 1,500 to 50,000 pounds.  This is my entire professional career.  I hope to put in a small forge at some point in time.  I've already gathered up most of the needed parts for the furnace.

KVR said
jbish130 would love your input on the blacksmithing thread

Anything anyone wants to know.  I would love to help.  I've deal with every kind of forging machine from hammers (steam, air, board, and hydraulic), mechanical and hydraulic presses, upsetters, roll reducers, wedge rolls, you name it.  All kinds of furnaces, gas, oil, and electric induction.  All kinds of forge shops, too, from basic job-shops to state of the art high production shops.  I've run the equipment, managed the shop, and functioned as a shift plant manager over all departments.  If not for my heart attack, I would still be doing that work now.  Anyone who does this, or has done it for a long time, knows that it kind of gets into your blood.  I actually loved my work, and loved working in the forging industry.

Anything that anyone wants to know, I'll do what I can to help.