Fiery Friday - Simple Blacksmithing Tools - Files

Welcome back,

     When I was a kid and was taking my bicycle apart (or anything/everything else) to try and modify it for the better, I occasionally needed a way to take away some metal or maybe just debur something I had just spent 20 minutes cutting with a dull hacksaw blade. My father wasn't much of a mechanic nor did he work with metal at all, so when I went looking for tools in the garage I was somewhat limited with my selection. One thing I learned quickly was that I hated to use files. Having no grinders of any kind I was forced to use my fathers files. I despised using them as they seemed so slow and tedious. As soon as I had saved up enough money I went and bought myself a 4-1/2" angle grinder, then a bench grinder, die grinders and so on. Of course these we the better way to go, they were power tools. (insert manly grunt) What I didn't know is that all of my dad's files were old and dull as can be. When I started getting into blacksmithing I saw other smiths using files all of the time and I just didn't see why they would waste so much time with them. Then I actually took the time to watch and saw that they were removing metal accurately and fast! I soon purchased a brand new good quality file and fell in love with it immediately. I now have a small selection of sharp files, new and used and use many of them daily.

Files will only cut in one direction, just like a hacksaw blade. This is my favorite file and yes it is the first new one I purchased. I've had it for ten years or more and it still cuts rather well. If you only apply pressure on the cutting stroke and let up on the pull back the teeth on the file will last a lot longer.

Here is a rat tail file I use daily as well. This is a cheap file I purchased at a low quality tool store and so far have had good luck with it. Other cheap files I have tried have not lasted a tenth of what this one has. In my opinion, you're much better off paying $12 - $20 for a good file that will last you years rather than a $3 one that won't cut well out of the box let alone stay sharp.





When I'm at the local flea market I keep my eye out for a sharp file that I can pick up for a couple of bucks. Usually out of 50 files I might find one worth picking up and using . I'd rather have an older "broken in" quality file than a new cheap one.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for next week when I show you how to Hot Rasp steel.

New Post on Community Cluckers

I have a new blog post on Community Chickens. To read the article visit Buy Chickens Not Prozac, Can Technology Bring Us to a Simpler Time?

Following the Harvest Moon

September and October are always exciting times when it comes to astrology. Perhaps there is no time in the moon's cycle that is more attributed to myth, legend and folklore than the full moon. The effect of the full moon has created a stir for thousands of years, and not just concerning werewolves. Even today the monthly occurance is acredited with increasing fertility and inducing births.

This September was an especially exciting full moon as it landed on the Autumnal Equinox. There is a myth going around the internet that claims that if a full moon falls on the equinox that it will create a "Super Harvest Moon" and the moon will appear three times it's usual size. Zach and I always take pictures on the full moon in September and October, but this year I was sure to get out on September 23rd tripod in hand ready to capture this rare circumstance in astrology. And, of course, I was victim to the internet scam and though it was a beautiful moon, there was nothing abnormal about it.

This past Saturday was the October full moon. We usually go out the day before and after as well. The moon rises about 2o minutes later each evening throughout the Fall. In Michigan the sun sets so early that from Friday to Sunday, we took pictures ranging from daylight to sunset to nighttime at each rise. I always like to be ready as the moon crests the horizon because it is usually that awesome orange color. The moon at the horizon also appears larger to the naked eye. There is much debate as to why this phenomenon occurs. Many say it is an optical illusion, a trick of our depth perception and that if you actually measure the moon it is the same size at the horizon as when it rises and turn white in the sky. Others say it's refracted light caused by the humidity in the atmosphere, that this acts like a giant lens magnifying the moon. Either way, it makes for one beautiful sight. "The Harvest Moon is so named as it is the full moon closest to the Equinox. because the light reflected from the moon's rays allowed farmers to work longer in the fields during the crucial time of the harvest." (paraphrased from the Farmer's Almanac check out this link for some other interesting Full Moon Names, like the Full Corn Moon, telling Native Americans when the corn was ready to harvest). To check rise times in your area visit Moon Rise Calculator.

Community Chickens

I'm so excited to share this link with you. Community Chickens has published my first article, Visiting Grandpa Tiny's Fowl Fest. I am now saving all of my future "Poultry" themed posts for the online magazine. I will post the links here as they are featured. Hope you like it!
Visiting Grandpa Tiny's Fowl Fest 

Devil's Trumpet

Zach and I went to a corn maze some weeks ago and while we were finding our way through the twisting labyrinth of brown rustling stalks, we kept seeing this strange weed, it looked like a very angry Milkweed.

It truly is one of the weirdest plants I've ever seen. It reminds me of something from Little Shop of Horrors.

I took a lot of pictures of it so I could look it up when we got home. Turns out it's called Devils Trumpet, or Datura it's also called Horn of Plenty or Downy Thorn Apple, among others. Zach and I collected some seeds because we thought it would be cool to plant around the yard.

We quickly flushed them down the toilet after reading about this plant. It is extremely toxic, I read on one site that even hummingbirds can become sick from drinking too much of the nectar. That's what we need with dogs and goats around, eating everything in site.

It grows good in corn fields because it thrives in soil that is turned annually. I found this little excerpt on Wikipedia that I thought was appropriate for this time of year,  

"Datura belongs to the classic "witches' weeds," along with deadly nightshade, henbane, and mandrake. Most parts of the plants contain toxic hallucinogens, and Datura has a long history of use for causing delirious states and death. It was well known as an essential ingredient of love potions and witches' brews."
Spooky little plant, isn't it?

Our New Look!

I've been working on some exciting things around the blog lately. With all the added page elements I felt the old look was getting a little cluttered. This wider format gives us more room to talk about farming. Enjoy!

The Cheese Poll and Community Cluckers Updates

I want to thank everyone who participated in this week's poll. We had twice as many votes as last week, and hopefully this week we will get even more. Sharp Cheddar was the overall winner, which I guess means that most people like their cheese to bite back a little, followed by my favorite, Goat Cheese, then Mozzarella and Brie/Camembert in a tie for 3rd. For those of you that voted, do you have a brand that you recommend? Zach and I are always looking for new cheeses to try, any suggestions would be great! Also, if anybody has any ideas for a new poll, let me know. I'm always open for ideas.
I have some exciting news, I'm getting ready to submit my first blog for Community Cluckers. It's written, I just have to stop fussing over it and publish the darn thing. Our profiles are up for everyone to see, there are 24 writers in total and some really interesting people from all over the country. I'm really excited to start reading what they have to say about chickens. To view the profiles visit http://www.communitychickens.com/profile/profiles.html If you're a member of Facebook, don't forget to click the "like" button.
Don't forget to vote this week. The poll is about farm animals. Fun!

Farm Meeting, Fiber and Knitting Night

We had our 3rd Farm Meeting last night and it was a beautiful evening. It was quiet, peaceful and cozy. We all sat around the fire with warm spiced cider, delicious autumn flavored cookies, and tea. We laughed and told stories all the while the faint clicking of knitting needles was keeping our hands busy.

Stacey made wholesome oatmeal cookies with dried cherries and macadamia nuts,

Camille made decadent pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, Kathy brought delicious biscotti to dip in our tea and my mom, Shawnie and I made almond frosted decorated sugar cookies.

We spent the night sharing, teaching, and learning. Camille took to the needles at lightning speed. She did fabulous! When I learned to knit, my first attempt looked like a stick full of knots. I was dropping stitches and adding stitches and the knitting was so tight that I had to strain to move the yarn. She did great, her rows were perfectly even, she'll have a scarf in no time.

Stacey also did a great job, she's knitted before but needed a refresher. She picked a yarn that was beautiful! It was a chunky oatmeal color and with the large needles it made for a really hardy project.

We also had an expert with us, Kathy, my mother-in-law is a beautiful knitter and crocheter, she taught me to knit and I hope one day I can do as beautiful work as she does. To see an example of her work check out the January 30th 2010 post, Learning to Knit. That beautiful crocheted quilt is her handiwork.

She mostly worked with my mom, but provided instructions that were very helpful to everyone. Maybe now that everyone has a better handle on the basics, we can start looking through her large collection of patterns.

We also used the carders and took the spinning wheel for a ride.

Everyone gave it a go. It was a great night shared with kindred spirits and creativity.

I'd also like to thank everyone for the beautiful gifts I received. I was blessed with many surprises and I love each and everyone of them. Kathy made me knitted washcloths with a twisted pattern throughout.

Camille gave me these adorable canisters with ceramic chicken lids in red! The color I want to do my kitchen, how did she know?

And Stacey embroidered me this adorable flour sack towel, and brought me an amazing wool scarf all the way from Ireland at the Avoca Woolen Mill. Maybe she can do a guest blog on her trip to Ireland? Hint Hint. I was one lucky girl last night, thank you all again for a wonderful evening.

Cheese Please! Mimolette

I thought I would start a new post theme. You see, I have a guilty pleasure. It's not cheap romance novels, or soap operas, it's not ice cream or chocolate (though I won't turn my nose up at a Dark Chocolate Dove Bar!) No... it's cheese. Without notice, I've realized that Zach and I consistently have a decent brick or wedge of cheese in the house. We really enjoy a snack of cheese while we're settling down in the evening. Sometimes with a good herbed salami, buttery crackers or wine. (Sadly, I have to watch my allergies with wine.)
So I thought I would write a post if we try a new cheese, let you know what my novice palette finds out, and see what you think. If you have any recommendations or favorites, please pass them along. Let us know what you think, and it will give Zach and I a reason to try a new cheese. He He!

Today I will be featuring an Imported Mimolette Cheese by Isigny Ste Me're  
The Facts:

• Hard cheese, cave aged 12 months
• Location: Northern France or Holland
• Packaging description: "subtle fruity aroma, moderate nutty flavor"
• Compliments: "light red wine" ex. "Pinot noir or a fine Ale"
• Cows milk
• Interesting fact: The cheese is pitted by cheese mites who actually eat the cheese and create the rind. They are brushed off periodically.
• For a good description of the history of the cheese, namesake, date of origin etc. visit http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-mimolette-cheese.htm

What we thought:
We let the cheese set till it reached room temperature then sliced pieces from different part of the wedge. It has really good flavor, definitely nutty with a bit of a sharp nip. Reminded me of a moderate Parmigiano-Reggiano but with more aftertaste and maybe a little saltier. The texture is somewhat dry and waxy in consistency with a little bit of flakiness, again, like a Parmesean Reggiano, it creams up early on as you chew, and it gets creamier throughout the wedge as you move away from the rind. There are slight texture differences throughout the wedge as it almost lays in layers moving from creamy to rind-y, then back again. I didn't smell the "fruity aroma" instead it was more of a mild sweet/honey smell, and again, definitely nutty. "Wise Geek" compared it to an Edam, I think I will have to try that next and compare. Anyone ever had Edam? Do tell.

So, what are cheese mites? That's what I was wondering. Many of the scientific names include "Tyroglyphus casei Linnaeus, Tyrolichus casei Oudemans and Tyrophagus casei Oudemans" (Google Definitions) Notice the "casei"? Reminds me of the good "bugs" in yogurt like L casei. I kept in mind how much I love yogurt while I was eating the cheese, picturing little insects crawling all over the rind. Once site (About.com) mentioned that the mites are not visible with the naked eye, but instead, when gathered in clusters, appear to look like brown dust that moves about the cheese. It was varied between resources as to whether the mites actually add flavor.

Diehl's Orchard and Cider Mill

It's just not Autumn without making a trip (sometimes several) to Diehl's Cider Mill.

They are located on 1479 Ranch Rd in Holly, MI 48442-8668. It a great little place tucked back in the woods, on dirt roads where the gold and red trees hang over head like a canopy.

They have THE BEST cider and doughnuts around! (Even Ceddie thinks so, although he not a very selective critic.) Their doughnuts have a sugary crust that crunches open when you bite into them, then you get to the warm soft center, and their cider is deliciously sweet and tangy with lots of apple flavor. (I know that sounds like an obvious description of cider, but I've had cider that just sort of tastes blah!)

The best part of Diehl's is that you get to watch them make your cider and doughnuts. This is the doughnut machine that fries the doughnuts and flips them to get both sides.

They come shooting out all warm and toasty before they're dredges through massive amounts of delicious cinnamon and sugar.

Here is where they make the cider. (I apologize for the quality of the pictures, the process is behind a window that was splashed with cider.) They place a wooden frame down on top of a large plastic plate. Then they put a cloth down inside the frame. Then they fill the frame with ground apple pulp.

Then they fold the cloth up over the pulp and repeat the layers until they have a large stack.

When the stack is high enough, they roll the whole thing under a lift, and the stack is pressed upward against a stationary top, and all the apple cider is squeezed out.

Vintage Halloween

Halloween is a big deal around our house. And while I love all things Halloween, I would have to say that some of my favorite collectibles are our vintage ones. Most of the vintage items we have are reproductions, either we've made them to look old ourselves, or purchased them that way.

True Halloween antiques are extremely expensive. A lot of the materials used to make decorations back in the day were paper or cloth, which as antiques go, are high ticket items because they don't last the years.

You can find old children's costumes with paper masks on-line or in selective antique stores. These go for some big money because the material used was so cheap to begin with, to make the costume more affordable, so any that have made through the years void of moths, mice or just plain carelessness, are quite the find. There are some paper mache candy buckets and lanterns that I would love to get my hands on, but they start at around $100 for little ones, and go up from there.

So instead, we have quite a few things that only look old, but still give that old fashioned feel. These are Halloween Noisemakers. The pumpkin rattles, the witch zips around on a wind up contraption, and the bat rings like a bell.

We made this cat some years ago, I saw the face on a website that provides free vintage clip art. I simply re-drew the face on a piece of cardboard, cut it out painted it and glued it together with hot glue.

You don't have to be an artist to make an old fashion Halloween look-a-like, many of the faces and "art" were very basic and sort of crooked looking anyway.

We got these two pieces in Salem, there is a TON of vintage Halloween in Salem!

Another fun thing to collect are vintage postcards. You can find some of the real thing for relatively inexpensive. We have a few with writing still on them. This one is a reproduction from Salem.

This porcelain bowl has vintage postcard images all around the rim.

Another good thing to try when re-creating vintage holiday items is glitter. Especially if you can find that cool old glass glitter. We made this cat out of an oatmeal container.

Wild Wednesday, The White Tail Deer

So I guess, I can't say I don't have ulterior motives when writing this. Most people who know me well, know I have LOTS to say about this animal. So, for once I'm going to teeter from the soap box and keep it short, hopefully, without sounding too preachy. I'd just like to say, aren't they beautiful, and majestic, and peaceful, and graceful, oh yes...and ALIVE!
(Ok, so I guess I didn't step completely off.)  Happy Hunting season, hope none of you shoot yourself in the foot, that would be terrible!