The Creation of a Turret Clock

Lucky...

  I managed to make a pretty full day on the forge today.  It started with making some gifts for next weekend.  That went okay but not as well as I would have liked.  Then I moved onto some various projects.  One of the projects that I am going to try to work in is a reproduction of 9th century viking tool chest.  The tool chest includes wrought hinges and a lock and key.  I will also be doing the woodworking for the chest.  I'm considering making some items that were also found in the chest.  Doing this as a diversion from the clock.  If I only work on the clock, it would get frustrating.
  Anyway, after screwing up several things in a row, I took a break in the afternoon which ended up turning into a nap.  Around 5:00 I decided to go drag everything back inside.  However, I had not completely shut down the forge and it was still hot so I decided to go ahead and make a pair of tongs.  I'm glad I did...
  This pair of tongs is a very basic pair.  I made them in less than 3 hours and I am extremely pleased with how they came out.  I've made many sets of tongs before but this is the first set that I made that looks as good as the tongs I see being sold online or in better blacksmith shops.  This was one of those times that everything was clicking right.  Even the tong hinge is nice and tight(meaning that there is no side to side play in the hinge)
  As an aside, it was a great time to work.  When I went out, it was almost completely dark.  I worked by the light of the forge and a few lights in the garage.  I live in an area that is partially surrounded by wetlands.  It was a clear, moonless night.  The stars were out bright and clear.  I spotted an owl on several occasions and I could here the hawks calling out to each other.  The temperature was just right.  And to top it off, my lady is making a run to the store right now to get dinner!  :)  Life is good...