I completed the cooper's driver. I'm happy with how it turned out. I only need to oil the handle and it'll be ready to be used.

I only hardened the working end so the struck end will be less likely to chip or damage the hammer that strikes it. I tempered it pretty far back so that it's tough since it doesn't need to be super hard since it will only be used on mild (softer) steel hoops.

I wasn't sure how much to file the groove on the working end (the peen-like end), so I left it how it is now figuring I could adjust it later.

#blacksmith #blacksmithing #cooper

I'm going to the smithy with the intent of finishing the cooper's driver this afternoon. With any luck, I'll have a completed driver hung on a handle this evening.

#blacksmith #blacksmithing #cooper

I started forging a cooper's driver today. I got the eye punched and drifted, the working end forged out, the struck end forged and shaped, and some rough filing on it.

Next time I'm there, I'll do some more filing to get the ears symmetrical, and I'll need to flatten the working end and start filing in a groove because it'll be too difficult when it's hardened. I need to harden and temper it too. I can likely get all that done next time in addition to hanging a handle.

#blacksmith #blacksmithing #cooper #coopering #tools

It's been a minute since @Woodmachinist (AKA Matt) posted a video, so here's one about making holdfasts for his workbench.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-D03M10ewU

#Blacksmithing #Workbench #Holdfast

Blacksmithing in School: Traditional Craft and Modern Practice

https://www.steinerskolen-norge.no/display/edecf743-146a-1569-f3ad-78f844870731

Nouvelle source de fer puddlé pour la #forge !
Une vieille chaîne marine trouvée dans le coin de St-Eustache, datant probablement du 19e.

#wroughtiron
#blacksmithing