Posted by Phil Armitage on June 10, 2003 at 21:58:12:
In Reply to: Re: Stall Jack posted by Eric Wilt on June 09, 2003 at 23:25:40:
: : : : Im interested in a stall jack although I have never used one. I spoke with a rep. from Ken Davis Inc. today who told me that they had one made by Nature Farms that was wide faced with three turning cams on it.
: : : : I have always used an anvil but im looking to save some time by having a stall jack close by. Can anyone help with input that has or has used a stall jack and give me the pros and/or cons.......Thanks God Bless...Shannon
: :
: : : Shannon,
: : : If you have a stall jack you may find that you will be tempted to shoe a horse cold.
: : : A.S.H.
: : : My $0.02, Bill
: : If you can level the foot and shape the shoe to fit correctly what could possibly be wrong with cold shoeing, the same shoes are used by both "hot" and "cold" shoers,having shod for 30 years and use both methods I really find no advantage of one over the other unless problems are found that need to be corrected. [Forging and shoeing are two different job descriptions!]
: If youre in Ohio-Yoder Blacksmith & Supply makes one thats pretty nice , and pretty affordable.Theyre up in Amish country near Sugarcreek Ohio.They make it,and sell it but they dont have a phone.Davis used to sell them , if they dont anymore.
: A stall jack is a far cry from an anvil-but what a handy little thing to have around when youre out and about . Maybe you dont want to set up your whole rig just to flatten out a shoe,or to 'fine fit' a shoe when youre away from your fire and anvil.
: I dont feel that a stall jack is a suitable replacment for a fire and anvil.If youre going to make (or re-make) horseshoes into beautiful fronts and hinds,lefts and rights,youve got to heat your shoes.If you know the difference-you'll know you cant do that cold.
: Forging and shoeing are 2 different job descriptions?I dont get that one.Ive never heard such a statement from someone that calls themself a horseshoer.
: Eric Wilt
I like my stall jack, it is handy to do a little tweeking and it comes in handy when you can't get your truck close enough to your work. The only thing that I will caution you on is do not make it the primary way you shape shoes. The bad thing about using a stall jack to much is your body is not in the correct working posistion and this is hard on the back. Going to the anvil gives you a chance to stand and work in the correct posistion. Over time and with practice you can get pretty quick at the anvil and after awhile you might find you do not need the stall jack. They are handy though and I have one. As far as cold vs hot shoeing, there is a disadvantage not knowing how to hot shoe and not doing it enough so that it is a part of your routine so that it is quick and easy. Nothing wrong with cold shoeing if you do not mind working harder and slower. I do both depends on the horse and how hot or cold the weather is. I like to do what keeps me and the horse comfortable.
Phil