Above is the family barn that holds my home shop. Built in the late 19th century it is a post and beam structure with more modern framing elements added over the last century of use. It is pretty handsome on a crisp autumn day! Below is an inside shot. It has been reorganized since this picture, but still gets cluttered with tools and projects.
My favorite shop anvil is a 133 kilogram (270lb.) Kohlswa anvil. I am the second owner. It is a "London" or American pattern anvil with a large horn and long heel as well as a long, narrow face. Made of cast steel it is a fine anvil and rings like a bell.
Here is my largest shop vice. It is a Blacksmiths' leg vice. It has 6" jaws and is a good heavy tool.
These core tools plus a forge, hammers, and hand tools make up the basics my traditional workshop.
I have a number of more modern tools as well, but we will look at those another time! Until next time, try not to have too many irons in the fire!
Wow! Love the old barn, I am not as set up as this and do most of my forging outside in the warmer months but will someday have a small shop set up in the pole shed at the side of my property. Looking the bright side, when I am ready to build the shop I will have great ideas to make it just right... God Bless, Daniel Bell Of Minnesota
ReplyDeleteDaniel,
ReplyDeleteThe barn is great, but it sure is cold in the winter! My first shop was a 10 x 14 shed. The front wall was a big sliding door. I used it open in the summer and closed in the winter to stay warm. It was fairly warm and was big enough for most work. I think craftsmen are always dreaming about how to improve their next shop!
All the best wishes,
Steve
I am also an educator and have a woodshop that has all the old metalworking tools and bench that used to be a part of PA industrial arts. The school is looking to get estimates on the value of this old equipment. Where do I start?
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