[myamoto1]

Ahhh, if only that were the case. Where I am now, would be perfect. Unfortunately, the school system is far from perfect, so we're moving (hopefully) to one of those cookie cutterish type neighborhoods. Not so good for us, but great for the kids. The checkbook is also a limiting factor, hence the "learn me about futures" comment.

Although after a weekend like this one (70* and sunny), we're realizing it may be a lot harder than we thought to leave behind a big lot.

If you can find one of the old trip hammers (electric), they are the way to go. Scariest thing you'll ever touch and live to tell about (hopefully). Damn near shat myself a brick the first time I used one. Not too intimidating watching from the side lines - whole different story when it's your fingers on the line.

Glad you like the Lindsay Books site. I've spent countless hours dreaming about all of the cool, stupid and useless things that I need to make. Already had the foundry planned out along with the casting stations, so I could start making my own lathe, shaper, bandsaw, etc...

ISBN for Best of the Hammer is 0943228050. Not sure if it's still in print or not, but well worth the search. Their articles run the gambit from building samurai armor to damascus tips.