The Creation of a Turret Clock

Noodle arm...

  Well, it was the first time on forge since before Thanksgiving.  I started to work on the Viking chest.  I decided to make the most difficult part first.  I am working on the lock that is built into the chest.  The first piece that I am making is a plate about 3 3/4" x 19".  I am starting with a piece of metal that is only 2 1/2" wide but it is 1/2" thick.  I am stretching the metal out to get the correct width.  This will also thin it down to about 1/4" or less.  I could have started with a piece of sheet metal of the correct thickness but doing it this way has several benefits.
  The first major benefit is that the plate will have a more worked look.  Another benefit is that it gives me a good excuse to practice some techniques I will need for the clock.  Anyway, I did get about half of the plate stretched out.  It was a lot of hammer work and my arm is limp now.  Still, was good to get back to work.