Please note that this is the first in a series of threads that cover the Tool Collection of Mr. Bob Armstrong. When you're done with this thread, don't forget to look at the others labeled "Tool Collection #n", where 'n' is the next numbered thread.

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In an earlier thread I described a place that Mr. Lee Liles referred to as "The Ultimate Blacksmith Shop".

Mr. Liles runs a Horseshoeing Museum website out of Oklahoma. He directed me to "The Ultimate Blacksmith Shop" since it was apparently located very near me.

"Near me" was an understatement. As things turned out, this "blacksmith shop" was very nearly "in my own backyard"!! I can literally see the place from my own property.

Anyway, I finally made it over there today and took some photographs I'd like to share with those who may be interested.

The collection is owned by Mr. Bob Armstrong. Bob is currently 82 years young and has lived in Bethel, Ohio all of his life. He is neither a farrier nor a blacksmith. He just likes collecting blacksmithing and related tools. He's been doing so since 1964.

I shot over 125 photos today and placed some of those here.

To those who attended the "Bruce Matthews" clinic at my facility last month, I apologize that I simply did not know about Mr. Armstrongs "museum". I'm sure that most would have loved the opportunity to visit with Bob and see his collection.

Mr. Armstrong did share that he's had many visiters over the years. One of the more interesting is a gentleman that many of you know as Mr. Billy Cook. Yep... the famed saddle maker from Sulpher Springs.

For those interested, Mr. Armstrong shared that he is now selling off his entire collection, so nearly everything you'll see in the photos that follow are for sale.

I picked up a few pieces myself today and will probably buy a few more over the next few weeks.

Okay... that said, I'll dedicate the next few posts to some photographs of what I was able to see at "The Ultimate Blacksmith Shop", courtesy of Mr. Bob Armstrong.

Best Regards,

Mark Gough
Clover Creek Stables
Bethel, Ohio

As you pull into the drive, you'll see this small cabin. This is Bob's "museum" but includes only a small part of his total collection. He has much more in the larger, white barn beyond this cabin.

Notice the weathervane/lightening-rod.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0002.jpg?t=1225758186


http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0005.jpg?t=1225758251


Bob shared that he was never a farrier or a blacksmith. This sign was one he bought when someone called him saying that they had "the perfect sign" for him. I'd have to agree.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0027.jpg?t=1225758291

Things get interesting before Bob even opens the door to his shop. You could spend some time just looking at the stuff on the front porch!

Here's a wagon wheel 'sizer' that was used to close or tighten the steel rims. It was made around 1880. Yes, it still works!

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0007.jpg?t=1225758482

Makers mark is as clear as it was when the machine was new.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0008.jpg?t=1225758585

Here's an original advertisement for the machine. New, this machine cost $125 dollars.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0010.jpg?t=1225758646

Behind the wheel sizer is this shoers bench. This oak bench includes an early farriers anvil and a hand cranked drill press. There's a cut-off mounted in the hardie hole. Under the bench are a collection of old, mostly broken anvil pieces. Those wrenches would turn the nuts on wagon wheels.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0009.jpg?t=1225758776

To the right of the front porch is this wall mounted drill press, fully operational.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0011.jpg?t=1225758950

In front of the drill press is a stone grinder, also operational.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0013.jpg?t=1225759045

Not everyone could afford the $125 wheel sizer/shaper.

For $100 you could buy this smaller model.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0014.jpg?t=1225759147

You need an assembly bench to mount spokes and rim on a handmade wheel hub. Notice the extra hubs under the bench.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0012.jpg?t=1225759216

The 'cabin museum' has two rooms. The main entrance is straight across the front porch. Off to the side is a 'barn door' type entrance with a side room.

Bob had sold the long hinges for this barn door to a collector in Atlanta Georgia. Afterward, he built the doors and decided he needed the hinges back, so.... off he went to Georgia and bought the same hinges! Let's go inside for a peek.

Old, handmade work bench with wooden screw vise.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0018.jpg?t=1225759504

Bob was sorting thru a few caulk turners, wrought-iron turners, wrenches and assorted stuff when I arrived.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0017.jpg?t=1225759606

Got a "hoof-jack"? So did early farriers!!

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0019.jpg?t=1225759695

Yep... that's a hoof post! Make sure the long canti-lever support is in FRONT of the horse.. not between his legs!

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0020.jpg?t=1225759753


You gotta love this hoof post! Hey, don't laugh.. it worked! Notice the farriers toolbox behind the post. That's a spinning, nail compartment container on top. As you spin it, it exposes the nail sizes you need.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0052.jpg?t=1225759888

Now remember... all this stuff so far was either on the front porch or the small room off to the side of the blacksmith shop. We haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet!

Rembember the old work bench with the wooden screw vise?

These two shoe boards were 'hiding' behind it.

Most of the old horseshoes that Bob collects are 'treated' for display purposes.

Bob uses a wire wheel to clean them up, then coats them with a 50/50 mixture of turpentine and linseed oil (he heats the mixture first). He'll then dry off the excess fluid and allow to dry. The result is a beautiful patina finish. Thought you'd want to know.

The large draft shoe (upper right) is pre-drilled for various types of caulks. They aren't drive in. You simply drop the loose fitting caulks into the hole, then peen the back which expands the caulk fitting until it's tight. Some of the caulk types are razor sharp. You can turn the caulks in any direction you want to optimize traction/performance before you lock them in. That shoe was manufactured by Diamond Horseshoe company. Wonder if they still make them?

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0016.jpg?t=1225760129


http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0015.jpg?t=1225760192

Okay... last photos from the "auxilory room" of the blacksmiths cabin.

If you're going to make wagon wheels, you need a machine to get the radius turns. Bob tells me that these three machines do that for you.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0024.jpg?t=1225760559

Blacksmithing might include making your own hooks for various purposes.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0023.jpg?t=1225760634

Nothing like making your own sheep shears, machetes, hay cutters or butcher block knives. Notice the open-link, forged chains above.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0021.jpg?t=1225760686

Collection board of various tools. A few dies, a shoers sole butress, a couple of tools that I can't identify.
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg181/msgough/Blacksmith-Shop/IMG_0022.jpg?t=1225760788

Okay... that's it for now. Time to do the evening chores and tend my horses.

Again, these photos are only from the front porch of the blacksmiths cabin and the small auxillory room. I have over a hundred more pictures of the main shop plus the big barn where Bob keeps his larger collection.

Lots of farrier tools, anvils, blacksmithing equipment, harness equipment and just about anything else you can imagine coming up.

I'll post more a bit later tonight for those interested.


Cheers!

Mark

His collection would make one heck of an auction.

Mark_Gough wrote:mark thanks for posting the old blacksmith tool it is always a joy to see how the people before us did there work thay did .

Man, thats neat. I appreciate you posting that. I like to look at all those old tools and stuff. Ill look forward to you posting the rest of the pictures.

I'd sure like to go back in time and work in that era. It was so much more of a harder life, but also so much simpler too!

Mark, thank you for sharing pictures of your findings.

Trevor

Well there the three of us
three amegos , musketeeres
STOOGERS what ever It sure would be good yeah

Mark thanks a heap olson for taking the time to show us those
good O Mate yeah

Mark, which "Bethel Oh is this. According to mapques there are three in different counties.

Can you provide contact info or an address/directions?