Just read that a 19th century smith in Vermont could make over 100 horseshoes in a single day, found it in an old trade journal at the library.

Makes my output of maybe twenty feel pretty slow, anyone know what kind of setup or technique would let you work that fast?

2 comments

2 Comments

rowan_anderson9d ago

Ever notice how old time numbers always sound impossible until you see the setup? A blacksmith with a striker and a pre-cut iron pile is a factory, not a guy at a forge. It's like hearing a baker made a thousand loaves, but they had three ovens and two helpers. We compare our solo hobby bench to their whole workshop floor.

gavin_mason319d ago

Totally get the "solo hobby bench" thing. I used to think I was slow until I saw a friend's garage setup with a dedicated sharpening station and all his tools laid out. It wasn't magic, he just had everything ready to go, no hunting for stuff. Changed how I organize my own space now.