Why does my foot feel wet?

Because my shoe is full of blood...  (details to follow)

So today started with a visit to the local flea market.  There is a good tool place at the flea market.  The owner specifically only stocks the place with American made tools, no cheapy Chinese knock-offs. 

I ended up buying a very nice Nicholson rasp for $7.  The rasp is around 20" long and looks like new except for one or two minor rust spots.  For those not aware of it, Nicholson makes some of the best files around.  Anyway, the rasp is used for hot filing metal.  Very good for rapid removal.

I also picked up a new wire brush.  That's just used to remove scale from the metal.

Finally, I picked up a new set of hinges for my post vise.  The hinges I originally got for my post vise were too small (I knew that at the time) but it was the largest available.  The new hinges are much large.  I'm reposting a pic showing my post vise standing showing the old hinges.  The new hinges are longer and stronger so will see if they do the trick.  If not, I will forge a nice long pair of strap hinges.



I got home in the early afternoon and decided to start work on making the finials for the clock.  I was making good progress and was on the second finial when I dropped a big hunk of hot steel (with a point) on my foot.  Surprisingly, there was no real pain and I continued to work. 

After one or two more heats on the metal, I noticed that my foot was feeling wet.  I looked at my shoe and noticed there was a small hole where the metal quickly burned a hole through my shoe.  I sat down and popped off my shoe and saw a sock that was soaked with blood from about the arch of the foot forward.

I called my girlfriend outside and she was kind enough to clean and dress my injury (she used to do the nursing thing.)  I was confined to a chair while waiting for the bleeding to stop.  So, I decided to play with the fire striker and flint.

I had great luck.  I used steel wool and pine needles as my tinder and within a minute, I had my first fire.  I continued to play with the striker and successfully started about 10 fires.  It really is one of those things that once you do it once, its pretty easy.

Now, my foot is propped up on the couch and the lady is going out to pick up White Castle grease bombs -er- I mean hamburgers.

I guess its not a real project until it makes you bleed.