20 Movies of 2004

I went to almost half as many movies in the theater this year as in 2003. Doesn't seem like this was a particularly poor year, though it wasn't a 1999, so I maybe I'm getting standards. Or broker.

( 20 movies over 52 weeks )

More Almost Practical Blacksmithing

Last month I decided, predictably, that I needed to use the new forge to make Christmas presents. After some thought and poking around on blacksmithing sites, I struck upon the idea of making sundials. One has been finished and is now standing proudly in Lubbock, Texas.



(All images are links to the fullsize images.)

All in all it took about 4 hours at the forge and another couple at the workbench getting it bolted together at the right angles and grinding the hour lines. The vertical support and the bow are both made from salvaged one inch railing stock. Drawing out the tips of the bows has made an excellent case for getting a power hammer once I have room. The little folds on the tips, while a not bad as a decorative detail, are actually massive failures of my smithing technique. Oh well.

I need to think of a better way to mark the hour lines for the next one. Grinding them with a dremel tool just isn't working. Mask it off and use chemical etching or sandblasting, maybe.

( More pics )