Something Different

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Looks very good so far Dylan.

Dave

[Dylan]

Progress update.
Here are pictures of the progress that I've made.

Kenny, and Lynn, you both have a good point. I'm well aware of how hot the fire gets. I guess that I'll just have to hope that any competition judges don't know as much about blacksmithing as you. (Not likely to happen know my luck.)

Dylan

[RUssL.]

Dylan,

I think that this is a terrific piece, in both design and execution.
You've really got something there.
Well done.

Russ

[Cottonwood]

Very interesting piece, Dylan. It is refreshing to see something so original and different. Very good work!

[Dylan]

Update! Well I've finally gotten back around to working on this. Here are some pictures showing what I've done. I'm trying to get it finished in time to take to the Congress.

[Mark Dellinger]

Dylan,
I can't wait to see the finished carving. I had a brother who was a blacksmith. We lost him 3 years ago in a motorcycle crash. This brought back a very warm memory. When we chose our hobbies I went into carving and he went into black smith work. He was one of the physically strongest people that I ever knew. I saw him handle the tongs many times just as you have them portrayed here. The only thing missing is that hot piece of steel fresh out of the fire. Great idea. Please be sure to post the finished product. Thanks for sharing and thanks for stirring those old memories.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Farmall]

Actually, I have seen tongs that length used. Everyone is right about the distance from the fire, but you don't need long tongs to hold a long piece of metal....the length of the metal will keep your hand far enough away. For example, making a fireplace poker - have seen blacksmiths just use their hands as the metal was so long and they were only working on the far end.

[Dylan]

So now that I have most of my stuff unpacked and put away, here are some finished pictures.

I got some great tips on how I could have made it better while I was at the congress. Let me know what you think.

Dylan

[Mark Dellinger]

Dylan,
Like it very much. The horse shoe is a nice added touch from the last time that I saw this.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[TOEKNEE]

it looks good to me!