Subject: More swage block stuff

From: [email-masked]
Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 09:20:08 -0400

As far as buying a swage block or any potentially useful tool, I have learned
to operate on a "get it now" basis, if I can possibly swing it.  I can't even
count the number of times I have lamented not buying something because I
couldn't decide. If it is available and the opportunity is right...get it!
 Even if it does mean your spouse and cat wont be able to eat for a few days.
 If it turns out after a couple years you dont need it, it wont be hard to
get your money back. 

But the main reason for this post is this:  I have got two of Wally Yater's
finest blocks.  But the problem is I am getting somewhat long in the tooth
and weak in the arms.  Flipping these things end for end and up and down on
some kind of stand is sending me to hernia heaven.  Anyone have any good
ideas for handling these things?  Wally's go about 130# apiece.  What do put
them on so it is easy to get to the right spot that's always on the bottom
when you need it?  Any thoughts much appreciated.

Kindest regards

Don Plummer

---

From: Jim McCarty <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 1996 12:04:54 -0500

> when you need it?  Any thoughts much appreciated.

Several newsletters have run a piece on a real nice swage block stand, 
think it originated in the Northwest Ohio newsletter. One highlight of 
this stand was a hydraulic lift that came from a hospital that you 
used to hoist the block and flip it. These lifts are sold by Harbor 
Freight for about $90 - they mount in the back of your truck. Could 
send you the sketch -- what's your mailing address? Better yet, send 
me your swage blocks and I will replace them with a (much) lighter 
one, won't hardly charge you anything for the service! The Yater 
blocks are the best I've seen, understand someone else bought his 
forms and they are back. Anyone else heard the same?
-- 
Jim McCarty
Father Helias Forge
Taos, MO
Editor Rural Missouri Magazine
Newsletter editor, Blacksmiths Association of Missouri

³Foolish consistencies are the hobgoblins of little minds³