During my time at the JCC school in North Carolina a few wks ago, we used a piece of equipment called a Treadle Hammer. This is essentially a foot-actuated sledge hammer which leaves both hands free for the chasing & repousse' chisel work on the iron.
Invented in the 1700's (driven mostly because apprentices were demanding an outrageous 5 cents/day!), this specialized piece of equipment just isn't available at Home Depot or Canadian Tire - imagine that!
So what does a blacksmith do? He builds himself one, of course
Special thanks to my friend Anthony Goodrum from Alabama for his kind & generous support to make this project such a breeze!
Invented in the 1700's (driven mostly because apprentices were demanding an outrageous 5 cents/day!), this specialized piece of equipment just isn't available at Home Depot or Canadian Tire - imagine that!
So what does a blacksmith do? He builds himself one, of course
Special thanks to my friend Anthony Goodrum from Alabama for his kind & generous support to make this project such a breeze!