good test

Finished off the first test mold and it worked just like it was supposed to.  Going to finish off 3 more so I can go back into production.  75,81,41,0,B

making a good impression

Been thinking about my upcoming stamping session.  Since my new coins will have a larger, more detailed image - a simple hammer blow won't quite cut it.  As I have some other elaborate metal forming projects in mind, I've been (tool frenzy) shopping for a good deal on the best option that will work well with the minting process and won't limit me too much for other projects due to size.  Where else can you get a 12 ton H-frame hydraulic press that costs just over 100 bucks, weighs almost 50 pounds, and FedEx shipping is only $6.99?... Harbor Freight.
66,73,38,0,B

almost there

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meet spot

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a letter

milling circles

82,86,50,0,B

Just finalized the design and ordered the custom stamps for the next coin offering...to commemorate my paramotor training last year (the Ben'n'Bud Fund definitely needs a boost).  They will go on sale June 1.  I plan on continuing the collectibles by doing one to mark the "highlight" of each coming year.  Since this one is for 2014, the next one for 2015 may be to commiserate my broken leg. 78,83,60,T,0

pre molds

Cut up a 6" square slab of graphite for my first 3 home made molds.  Got the holes drilled and stainless steel hardware mounted (bolts to be trimmed) that hold them together for the melting process.  Milling out the inside to come next.  77,83,67,0,B

the right tools

Tried out the milling rig for the first time today.  Tested a block of wood first then a chunk of scrap graphite.  Worked like a charm.  78,86,56,0,C

beefed up base

Bolted down some 3/16" steel plate to beef up the drill press base.  79,86,45,0,B

Tapered End Mill

Got the end mill today.  In case you are wondering why it is tapered 5°...that is so the sterling casts won't get stuck in the mold.  69,79,58,0,B

the hidden things of dishonesty

2 Corinthians 4Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

fajita saturday

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Hillbilly Whirlpool

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uncle ricky loadin' feed

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oversized

The slightly mismatched slide stage arrived.  Gonna have to beef up and extend the drill press base to accommodate it.  Otherwise it is a good fit as far as depth goes even with the rotary table mounted in the slide.  75,81,53,0,B

just an observer

My buddy Brandon came out last week and had an epic flight...while I watched from my wheelchair.  68,75,56,0,B

bunny buddy

Finally got a bunny to accept some hand feeding.  Guess I'm not so threatening from a wheelchair.
68,75,54,0,B

Don't Be Fooled

This is NOT about politics...

i ♥ tools

77,81,64,0,C

rotary table

Milling equipment is starting to roll in...got the drill press and lovely rotary table today.  Tapered end mill, slide stage, and graphite should land Tuesday.  Just in time - got 62 coins out of the two molds I had before they broke down.  78,83,60,0,B

Bioventus

Had an encouraging visit with my surgeon today.  He showed me on my xray where the bones were starting to heal.  The "delayed union" means 6 more weeks of non weight bearing.  I asked him about ultasound treatments to help it along and he agreed that it was a much better (and less painful) option than a bone graft.  It just so happened that a Bioventus rep was in their office today.  I had already done some research on their system.  She of course explained that my insurance would cover most of the $2300 cost depending on where I was at with my deductable.  I told her that my friend Bennett Jones in Alpine already offered to let me use his.  She fired right back that if I got one from her, she would make sure that I would not have any out of pocket expense.  Sold!  77,90,70,0,B

Beautiful Odessa

tooling up

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Floortje Naar Het Einde Van De Wereld

Had a visit Sunday afternoon from Dutch filmmaker Floortje Dessing.  She was on vacation in the states and came down to scout TFL for a possible future episode.  77,89,55, .71",C

Easter 2015

Revelation 1:18

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

First 50

Finished casting the first 50 half ounce coins (actually a heavy half ounce - these coins when stamped and polished weigh in at about 17 grams...a half ounce is 14.17 grams).  I will be lucky if I get ten more pours out of the only two molds I have.  Checked in with my friend who makes the graphite molds today and he said he is shutting down his operation.  I have been thinking about milling my own molds so looks like I will get my chance.  65,71,57,0,B  

my first youtube video

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coin bath

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the old girl

Feeling a bit nostalgic today.  My friend Jim Boatman posted some old pics today on Benita's Facebook page.  I would have to say that the most unique experience I have had since moving here was befriending an old longhorn cow that had lived wild for 20 years.  79,86,62, .14",C