Alex Middleton

You'll be happy with Geoff's design. I modeled mine after his plans and have had no complaints. Welding won't be an issue for you.

That's the way it is in most of the U.S. too. Utah and a couple of other areas of the country are just "special". Lol

Nice one Joel! I'm still liking that bulletwood.

Those are nice Garry. I hope they garner some interest for you.

Now that I read through it again, I think you're right Dan. Unfortunately that's not something i could help with.

Where are you located Dan? Are you looking for plasma/laser cutting or waterjet?

I'm assuming you've bricked up the openings as much as possible. Maybe try a blanket of kaowool over top of the forge to try to hold the heat in better? Not a long term solution, but it might help diagnose the problem.

Unfortunately there's nothing from the department that I could inlay that will fit, look right, and still be functional. I've been sitting here playing around with some different designs and I'm currently leaning towards inlaying a medallion of sorts with the numbers cut or engraved into it. I'm not sure if I'm going to go with brass or stainless, but I will figure that out as I go. Thanks again for all of the input.

Have you been talking to my wife? She says that they need to be turned too lol. I guess I'll have to lay it out a few different ways and see which I like best. Thanks for the help!

Inlay is something that I hadn't thought about. I've only done it a couple of times, but the process is straightforward enough. I was going to pick up some brass sheets on the way home today anyway, might be worth the effort to cut out a couple of numbers and give it a try.

Maybe I should think twice about posting after having a few beers!. Still a beautiful set!

I've been working on this one for a friend. He's recently decided to hang up his gear after 20 years in the fire service. I want to do some embellishments to the handle, specifically an 850 and an 820 to commemorate the two local departments that he has served on. I have everything at a rough finish state, but something just feels "off". I can't put my finger on it, so I thought I'd put it out here for some thoughts. This is a better look at my initial concept sketch for the carving. My idea is to have the numbers in relief, surrounded by a field of golf ballish dimpling. Maybe I'm just over thinking things, but this one is pretty important to me and I'd really like to hear your input.

Gorgeous Gary. I really like the contrast between the blackened blade and that eucalyptus.

Connor and Andy, you guys are going to loooove hand sanding when you get to that point. Lol

That has got to be one of the sexiest things I have ever seen!