"Hot Forging Basic's"

Tai,

Got the DVD and watched it. Good basics. Loved your hammers and the little hold down contraption for your Prichard hole. Also got a kick out of the music, Whats with the fat guitar. One of brother makes stringed instruments and I am going to show it to him.
 
That fatty is called a "guitaron". It's a 6 string acoustic bass used primarily by Mariachis. Did you notice that the wash tub bass I played was one of my wash tub forges upside down? The hole works as a sound port and as an inlet for the tuyere. :)

Jeff and I are also working on some digital multi track recordings for the next sound track. That's the plan anyway,... might even sell some separate CDs of the music... all traditional folk songs. We'll have to wait and see how it goes though.
 
Oh yea I noticed the wash tub. My brother made a bass with one. He made a regular neck and face and used the tub as the body. Sounded pretty good too.Never used it as a forge though! He makes all kinds of stuff, he is the one who got me into making knives and damascus before he went off on the musical instrument path. His passion now is making arch top guitars and mandolins. His music would fit right in with you guys. If you ever get up to Montana give a shout.
 
I made this "sarcastic" statement, directed towards a certain individual, in response to a statement he made concerning me lining my pockets with money (among other things) on one of the other boards: "Yep, I'm so filthy stinking rich off my video, I have nothing better to do. Eat your heart out! LOL".

The reason I'm bringing it up here is that it could easily be taken out of context and the wrong way,... like so many other things.

Once again thanks to all who have helped make it a success so far and for everyone’s support. I am very pleased with how it's been going. However, I don't foresee ever getting rich off of just one DVD or even several, and I'm only about 1/4 of the way to breaking even on it.

It was and is a lot of work, and I sure hope no one else has a problem with me trying to make a few bucks off it.

In the end,... I hope the video will stand on it's own merit and not what people may think of me personally...
 
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I certainly have no problem with a master charging for an instructional video, even less with the little you're charging. Just ignore the idiots.
 
+1 on Dan's suggestion. Sarcasm rarely does anything but solicit more of the same. I have always liked the saying about parenting: notice all, ignore most, correct a little. And that's for someone you love. Why waste your breath on the cold shadows of a critic? Just ignore them, otherwise it will end up eclipsing the warmth and light of everyone else, and I mean EVERYONE else, and their VALUE (read as, happily paid hard cash) and resulting APPRECIATION for your good work. Celebrate that my friend. Celebrate that, we are!
 
I sure don't mind you making a few bucks. I will be ordering one this weeks for sure. Thank you sir for sharing you knowledge.

-frank
 
Just ordered mine yesterday. Also put in a request for a future volume on forging blades, integrals in particular.

J
 
Tai, I enjoyed the video. Hope you make more videos and some money too.

Bill
 
Some valid issues have come up about the DVD concerning my casual working style, unconventional forge constructions, and “SAFTEY“.

This is my current statement on those things:

"My personal working style and shop set up are very casual. Neither of my forges conform to any type of conventional “industry standard” that I’ve ever heard of. I have my own set of standards and reasoning, which are strictly my own and not intended to be "proper" for everyone, or anyone but myself.

People need to think for themselves, take responsibility, exercise good safety judgment,…. and/or get personal instruction from an experienced smith before they attempt any bladesmithing on their own! The forums, books and the digital media, DVDs etc,… are no substitute for these things and should NOT be taken that way or followed blindly."
 
Tai, for whatever it's worth, I like how you set your own standards for your shop.
The first thing I thought of when I saw how you made that forge out of a weed burner was, "Why didn't I think of that!"
Your DVD was worth every penny; can't wait for the rest to come out.
And, what's wrong with making a little money; most knifemakers that I know are just about breaking even.
As was previously stated, "Ignore the idiots."
 
At the price you charged for the DVD how could I not order one.
Very reasonable, thanks for making this available Tai.
Chris
 
Tai Goo said:
Some valid issues have come up about the DVD concerning my casual working style, unconventional forge constructions, and “SAFTEY“.
Click to expand...

Aw, holy crap! Tai I'm sorry you felt you needed to add to the disclaimer in the video regarding safety. I'm always amazed, though I know I shouldn't be, how some people will look for anything they can to try to drag down someone else's successes or pick ridiculous nits about the obvious. That's just BS. You know I wanted to spell that out for whoever the AW is that prompted your concern.

Your video is the best I've seen showing what it does - this is the best possible way to introduce what anyone needs to know before they start trying to actually forge something. I can't imagine how you could have done it in any better way. Every time I watch it I'm amazed what more I learn and understand. And I dig your approach and style, and your smithy! And your music. Fantastic DVD in every way.

This is great stuff Tai. Don't let the naysayers get under your skin. Let me quote it again: "Ignore the idiots."
 
I got my tape and watched it yesterday. It was well made and was very clear on the basic forging moves. I picked up a lot of tips and throughly enjoyed it especially the old timey music.
Hope you make more, thanks
James7729
 
Hey All,

Glad everyone is enjoying it.
It was a blast as always to do stuff with Tai.
Im ready anytime Tai for getting started on the next one.
Lets do it soon.
This info needs to be preserved.

Jeff
 
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