MODERN BLACKSMITHING 67 



however, that my two first shoes broke, but I think I 

 learned it cheap when I consider my success after 

 that. The shoe should fit the runner snug. Ironing 

 bobs is a very simple and easy thing, every black- 

 smith, and even farmers sometimes, are able to iron 

 their own sleds fairly well, and I don't think it will be 

 of much interest for the readers of this book to treat 

 that subject any further. 



AXES AND HATCHETS 



Dressing axes is quite a trick and few blacksmiths 

 have mastered it. It is comparatively easy when one 

 knows how. I have several times already warned 

 against over heating and if this has been necessary 

 before, it is more so now in this case. In heating an 

 ax do not let the edge rest in the center of the fire, it 

 will then be too hot at the edge before it is hot enough 

 to hammer it out. Place the edge far enough in to let 

 it over the hottest place in the fire. Go slow. When 

 hot, diaw it to the shape of a new axe, don't hammer 

 on one side only. In so doing the ax will be flat on 

 one side and curved up on the other. If uneven trim 

 it off; trim the sides also if too wide; don't heat it 

 over the eye; be sure you have it straight. When 

 ready to harden, heat to a low red heat and harden in 

 luke warm water. The heat should be only brown if 

 it is a bright sunny day. Brighten and look for the 

 temper. You will notice that the temper runs uneven; 



