Posted by S. Galinak on September 10, 2003 at 16:42:52:
In Reply to: Re: Anvils-Hollow Core posted by Steve on July 08, 2003 at 09:22:41:
I own all of MFC tools-Nippers, Pull-offs, Clinchers, Knives, Pritchel and Forepunch, Clinch Cutter, Hot Tongs
I did own a hammer...
I have used the anvil...
My critique of the tools:
Nippers-They are a close second to GE, they are made from a steel though that cannot be resharpened, you have to send them in and be rebuilt. I have my original pair still, and used them for a good 6 months before I moved onto a pair of GEs. They have a good feel, and stayed sharp for quite some time. I did notice however about the 4th month that I used them that the corners on the blades were beginning to curl-the owner of MFC told me to rasp these little edges back down with a diamond file-I did, they are still very usable. I do like to use them better than the GEs on draft feet. Yes, MFC had a rough start when building nippers-they made the steel to stiff, and the blades just weren't thick enough and a lot of them chipped-they now treat the steel differently and they keep getting better and better.
Pull Offs-I like the fact I can use one end to clean out the bottom of the hoof if I have to-but I normally carry a pick anyhow. I don't have a complaint about these at all. Still my original pair, and they are great. You can cut nails with them if you have to, and can cut right through 7 and 8s with no problem-and it hasnt left a mark on them. The handles are perfect length for leverage, but they dont get in the way. I have used other brands of pull-offs, and I really do like these.
Clinchers-MFC was just coming out with another design of clinchers when I left OHS. The biggest problem is the fact they are far too sharp and will cut a nail like butter when you go to clinch when they are new. At about 3 months they were perfect, and I use them on most of the horses I shoe-even drafts. They arent great for low nails, and I have a pair of GEs that I prefer on ponies, and when I shoe with race nails or slim blades.
Knives-No 2 knives are the same, and I find this disheartening about MFCs knives. I used one knife until the blade wore so thin that it eventually broke-finding one with the same curve and length of blade was nearly impossible. A plus though is the fact that they DO have different styles for doing different type of feet (foals, ponies, drafts, ect) Keeping an edge on the knife can be a challenge at first-but I have learned how to keep an edge on on these knives-I touch up any small knicks in the blade with a diamond hone. I really like the shaped handle, but the regular tends to be too "fat" to be held comfortably in the average person's hand.
Pritchel/Forepunch-I love mine, but they are made to fit a CH 4.5/5 nail. I have pretty much gone to a set of forge tools I have forged myself, with horizonal handles so my hand doesnt have to be right above a hot shoe. They hold up well.
Clinch Cutter-Its pretty, its fancy, but my diamond clinch cutter was a whole bunch cheaper, and it works just the same. It may not be polished, but it cuts clinches like the MFC at less than half the price. The MFC stays sharp, but marks easily.
Hot Tongs-I believe this is one tool that MFC makes that works without a hitch. I can hold draft shoes with ease. The hinge works beautifully, and you can use them either with the prong end, or with the other end and you have a good hold on a hot shoe.
Hammer-MFC had a wooden handled hammer-it sucked. The wood was too dry, the head came loose, and hammers broke on a daily basis. I didnt like the head style, it was awkward. They quit making this hammer and now have a hammer with a metal handle with wood inserts-I used it, I personally didnt like it. I will probably always use my Calvary-I love the feel of it-plus the MFC hammer costs over 100! I can get 2 Calvary's for that!
Anvil-Poor construction that just wont hold up. I started forge work on a JHM Journeyman-I loved it. OHS then moved all advanced students onto the MFC hollow core anvil. The flat horn I didnt like, plus the tip broke off quickly, and the surface of the anvil dented very easily! The recoil of the anvil is poor, and the sound is near dead. The hardy hole differs from anvil to anvil, you never know if your tool is going to fit. The JHM I used had been at the school for over 15 years, and still sounded great, and the edges on the face, and the tip of the horn were still in pretty good shape. MFC anvils 6 months old already looked worse, plus its hard to work hot steel smoothly up and down a horn thats marred like railroad tracks from bending and shaping cold shoes.
Just my opinions.
SG CJF