Application of Tungsten Pins and Drive-in Studs
There are any number of traction devices on the market today but a few of the most useful and least likely to create problems with the upper limb are the Tungsten pins, drive-in studs and nails with hard facing. All three are easily applied and provide significant security for horses that have to spend any time on blacktop, concrete or slippery rocks. [more]
Forge Welding
By Russell Colvin, CJF
Forge welding is a combination of heat, timing and surface preparation. The heat sources we will discuss in this article are gas (propane or natural gas) and coal/coke. Welding is a little more difficult in gas fires because of temperature limitations and the fact that gas fires tend to be oxidizing (excess oxygen). [more]
Avoid Unnecessary Damage to Your Nail Puller
A significant number of crease nail pullers are returned to suppliers each year because of damage that can be avoided – not as a result of defective material or workmanship. It is possible for heat treatment or defective metal to be a problem but be sure you used your tool correctly before returning it. [more]
Abrasive Belt Care and Safety
Storage conditions are among the most important factors affecting the performances of coated abrasives. Coated abrasives will usually perform at maximum efficiency only when they are properly handled and stored. [more]
Prepping Your Buffing/ Sharpening Wheel For Knife Sharpening - By Roy Bloom, CJF
The following information will be useful in setting up a wheel for sharpening your hoof knives, including the hook. These photos are of a wheel being set up to sharpen left hand knives. Since this type of wheel is directional, you will need to groove the opposite side of the wheel for right hand knives. Knives should always be sharpened or buffed with the blade facing down to avoid injury and to get the best results. [more]
Forging Steel Handled Punches
The photos below were taken at a hands-on clinic hosted by Jim Smith in New Hampshire. Making a hand held punch involves much the same process but you don't have the complicated process of welding and heat treating that is involved in the steel handle tool. If you decide to make some steel handled punches keep in mind that these basic forging steps are only the beginning. The most critical steps are the welding and heat treatment steps. [more]