I know, I know.  Got off on a bit of a tangent with all the talk of ropes, pulleys, knots and such, didn't I?

Never fear, my friends.  I'm a blacksmith first and foremost, so we'll get back to our regularly scheduled programming now.

I'm passionate about the trade, but I'm equally passionate about history in general and the technology used by our ancestors.  Though I've studied the Ashley Book of Knots, I also saw how the knowledge contained within its covers could be directly applied to the blacksmithing I enjoy so much.... and wasn't.  Every time I watched a video of some smiths trying to manhandle a power hammer into place, I had to wonder why they didn't just rig up a few ropes and pulleys.  Seeing Will's video where he crashed his hammer because he didn't have any ropes at all.... well, that was a bridge too far, in my estimation, and I thought it was important that we start talking about the issue.

Tomorrow.... a new book review!

Seriously, folks.  How many times have you needed to move something heavy but didn't have anywhere you could fix even a ratchet strap?

One good anchor in the ceiling, for example, makes it very easy to load and unload things from the bed of your truck.  While a fancy gantry crane might be nice, most of us don't have the room and really don't need such a thing very often.  With an anchor in the ceiling, though, you can drive your truck under it, lift the load until it clears the bed, and then drive out from under it.

With anchors fastened to the walls in strategic locations, you can use a rope and pulley to shift heavy tools and materials all over the place.  

I've lost count of the number of times I've heard guys complaining about how hard it is to move their heavy welding tables out of the way when they need the extra room.  All it takes, though, is a couple of places where you can fasten a block and tackle.... and you can shift that half-ton table with ease.

Okay, maybe it's not "easy", but it's a sure sight easier than trying to manhandle it with pry-bars and choice words!

Just remember that you have to be smart.  If you build your anchor points flimsy, they will rip out under load... and that makes for a very bad day.  Be smart.  Think it through.  Overkill the design and never try to lift or shift anything that is outside of your ability and experience.

Dave does a great job of illustrating all of the unseen things that go into making the grille, something customers really don't understand.  Not only do you have to make the finished product, but you have to figure out what tools you’ll need, how you’ll make the tools, and then run through a dozen iterations of the different parts until you find what looks best.

There’s nothing easy in the blacksmith’s shop, which is what makes it both rewarding and frustrating.  

If you’d like to help support the ironwork here at Three Rivers Forge, consider getting yourself a shirt, hoodie or drink sleeve.   https://www.storefrontier.com/three-rivers-forge

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go make a tool to make a tool...!  

https://href.li/?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3Q87zymTyo&t=24s