ECONOMICS 101
Blacksmithing a hook

Situation:
Jackie wants 4 hooks to hang hats on.
Town is 40 miles away. By the time I run around town that = 100 miles
My car gets 25 miles to the gallon. Gasoline costs $2.00/gallon.

Its a 2 hr round trip to town, and if I'm going that far
I might as well buy groceries and go to a movie.
By the time I get done I've spent all day, and at least $50.00.
I want the hooks today and I don't really need groceries, but its
not worth going to town just for a hook to hang my hat on.

I can buy two plastic hooks at Fred Myers for $2.50, or $5.00 for my 4 hooks,
made in china, that will break the 3rd time I hang my hat on it.
Expenses to get a hook to hang my hat on = $13.00, money out of pocket $50.00
Choices: I can do without, go to town, or make them myself.

If I choose to make them myself, what have I gained.
4 wrought iron hooks that will last 100 years,
and my great grandchildren can still use.
I have 20 feet of 3/16 square soft iron stock on hand that cost me $5.00.
That = $0.25/foot or $0.50 for my 4 hooks.

Blacksmithing--making hooks. Time = 3 hrs
Clean up shop area. (set up)
Make hooks. 
Put away tools.


Process: I might as well make a few to sell while I'm at it.
Because 1/3 of my time is set up and clean up.
In each process I do all that I cut.

 Clean up work area, lay out tools.
Cut 3/16s square stock into 6" lengths.
Heat and form point on one end, bend at 1 inch, flatten the other end.
1 process 5 heats, with torch clamped in vise. (Or forge) 
Put hook into vise, twist for decoration and bend hook all in one motion.
Heat with torch at the point I want the iron to move at.
Reverse in vise, curl flattened end.
Cut board to length, plane, sand, drill, paint if desired. 
Hammer bent point into board, (predrill) clinch over on back.
Hang on the wall.
Clean up shop, put away tools. 
Done.


I can now sell the extras on ebay and have money to replace my square iron stock,
plus a small profit that would pay for my time.
Major gain: 
Satisfaction in my accomplishment!

MAKING HOOKS