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Talked to a guy at the flea market who still forges with a hand crank blower
He was selling some old tongs and we got chatting. He said he's never used an electric blower in his 40 years of smithing, that the rhythm of the hand crank is part of the work. It made me realize how much I rely on my switch and how quiet my shop is now. Anyone else still use a hand crank or remember switching?
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colemiller12d ago
Forty years with a hand crank is a huge deal, it's the whole feel of the work. My uncle used one and the sound and pace is totally different from an electric blower. It's not just about moving air, it's about being connected to the fire's rhythm. Switching to electric makes things easier but you lose that direct link. It's like the difference between a manual and automatic car, both work but the experience changes completely.
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