For you metal heaters and beaters

[Papaw]

The wife and I went to Beaumont, Texas to see the Gladys City/Spindletop Museum. http://www.spindletop.org/
Spindletop was a gusher that brought the oil boom to Texas  in 1901. In the recreated town they have a forge demonstration and we were lucky enough to catch the guy heating and beating some iron!
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/papao55/slideshow/Spindletop%20Forge%202013

[john k]

That is one nice photo spread Papaw, thanks.   Some of you may be wondering what the big iron hammer affair is, tis  a treadle hammer, foot operated.   I got one small comment on the smiths technique.   Leaving the hot cut hardy in the anvil when not using it, is a quick and excellent way to cleave ones fingers from thy hand, dangerous too.   Looks like a shop I could be comfortable in.   Looks like you were there observing for some time,  with that shot of the fire being pulled. 

[Papaw]

He was just setting up when we came in, so after going around the place, I went back and found him with a hot fire and working iron. He was making a sword because that seems to be what visitors most often want to see.
The trip hammer is one that the members of his club made for the forge. He said they made several. It was cool to see it in operation.

[oldtools]

WOW!!  Great photos...

[anglesmith]

Great photos, Tho I also shuddered to see the cut off hardy left in place !!  The MOST dangerous practice you could do while forging!!   Hardy in - cut - hardy out  is a MUST,  practiced and practiced till it becomes a automatic habit! Sorry I'll get off the soap box now.
Graeme

[oldgoaly]

Thanks for sharing your pics, always nice to see a shop in action!

[Nolatoolguy]

As always, great photos and thanks for sharing.

Looks like a cool place to visit.

[rudeawakening55]

  Thanks for sharing.....enjoyed viewing