Had a few folks ask about purchasing these so I thought I beat out a few more. I've spent so much time on my sundials that some of my basic forging skills had gotten rusty. Anyway, here's the result of a few hours well spent. 

Hadn't made a bottle opener in a long time and wanted to try out my new CREEDE stamp. I can see a wonderful future in store for me ... 

Custom forged bolts for mounting the sundial

BBQ utensils usually disappear before I actually get to use one. Not this time. 

Copper, brass, steel. Just a bunch of spoons for some guests

Some quick BBQ utensils: forks and steak turners

Pretty sure only a blacksmith would appreciate this picture.  It's been a while since I punched a hole in steel. Nice and clean plug.  

The weather has finally gotten good enough that  I can work outside and do some stone work.  Started to layout the digital armillary and found a serious mistake... can you spot it? 

Depending on how you look at it, the numbers are either cut upside down or laid out in reverse order.  Back to the CNC ... hopefully in a few days I can finish this one.  Sigh. 

A few years ago I volunteered to be embedded as a civilian in a squad of Marines. My job was to act as a scientific advisor for such things as optimal antennae placement, observation tower placement, and predicting when/where IEDs were expected. Spent a few weeks in Ft. Benning being inoculated and indoctrinated, filling out wills (a rude slap of reality for my wife and kids), being armored up, and reviewing various  implements of destruction. My wife bought me a concertina to annoy the hapless crew who were supporting me.  Unfortunately, I had broken my thumb so many times that the air valve button was beyond my reach and it severely hampered my promising career. After trying tongue depressors and duct tape and various other items, I made a hinge that extended the reach of my thumb.  Now, if only Lawerence Welk would come back in style ...