Recent content by Rick Marchand

I will back Kevin, with regard to engineered quench oils going bad and cooking into a sludge. My Houghton Quench K gave me 6 great years of use before I started noticing a black "skin" forming on the blade. It would come off almost like a sheath. I felt that it had to affect cooling and...

About as much as -5F qualifies as cryo treatment, I guess.

I noticed a difference in oil life when I started adding vitamin E to the tank. If you don't have access to engineered quenchant or just prefer organic oils for health/environmental reasons, canola is a decent substitute. As for "used" oil... I think that people looking for answers, are...

I use that, too. James knows his hammer technique for sure. I am also a working drummer so the Hofi method came easy. There is a drum method called the Moeller Technique that closely resembles the Hofi way. I use a mash up of these styles.

Salt pot!... You've been following that Kevin guy around too much... Ha! I'm actually quite jealous. Once I find a permanent shop location I would like to make a pot. That program in my kiln thread was the best I could do to avoid overheating the steel. But realize that I did not intend for that...

Have you ever looked into the Hofi Hammer method? It completely changed the way I forge and greatly reduced hand fatigue/shock. I no longer lean over the anvil, can forge for longer periods of time, was able to increase my max hammer weight by 2lbs and my hand/arm/shoulder/back feels better than...

Electric Kilns and Ramping Kevin has addressed your concern with edge thickness better than most ever could. All I can add to this thread is a comment on electric kilns. Even a slow ramp speed has the potential to overheat your steel. I spent a week with my Sugar Creek Kiln testing programed...

You are not alone Josh. After being fooled by heat waves or altogether missing a defect, I too, scrutinize after forging(before normalizing). In the vice, on a table or with a straight edge... I am very particular about my forgings, now. Good thread.

Here is a little more info on how I dress the faces... Ha!.... I couldn't resist!!! The French Hammers - I square the faces, the gently "roll" them side to side and top to bottom on a slack belt. Small radius on the edges to eliminate gouges from bad hammer throws. The Drawing...

Hey Folks... yes... another hammer thread... I just love em!!! I'm really happy with the group of hammers currently have in my user line up. My handles have evolved to a short(8-9") length with an oval/octagonal cross-section. It is very similar to the Hofi-style. I rub a bit of beeswax on...

I didn't even know this subforum existed... yes..... sad isn't it? I've been browsing around. Lookin' good. I hope to contribute what I can.

:biggrin:Hi Folks, I'm kinda new to this site, though I recognise many of the members here. I have posted this thread on another forum with a surprisingly good response. Frankly, I didn't think it was anything new but I guess it is one of those "smack... why haven't I been doing that?" type...

Hey, Mr Tuckey! The Hofi hammer method has really been working well for me. I like those ergo hammers a lot... a buddy has one. I suggest you get the video. Sam Salvati is making me a couple Hofi-esque whackers in the 2.75 and 3.75 pound range. Have a Merry Christmas

I'll miss my friend...

Finally got off my butt and signed up! I recognize many names, here... let's hope you don't recognize me and delete my account... Ha! Look forward to seeing you on the forums. Rick