Big Barn’s Retirement Farm Shop

[ovrszd]

When I have money I don't have the time and when I have time I don't have the money.

 

[TMGT]

How big/ heavy are they? I’m surprised they’re not sold. This blacksmith craze has driven prices beyond the reach of regular shop guys.

I was very fortunate to find most of my stuff at extremely good prices.

If I was serious about blacksmithing I would rather purchase a brand new (quality of course) anvil than pay a ridiculous price for used.

Pair of 134# Yater Blacksmith Swage Block Set with Original Writing - tools - by owner - sale

I'm surprised they arent sold either, maybe it's because they arent actually that close to me. I'm hoping the blacksmithing equipment market crashes so I can afford stuff.
I've seen some absolutely beat (horn broken off, large chunk missing from face etc.) with premium asking prices.

 

[dragoneggs]

Pair of 134# Yater Blacksmith Swage Block Set with Original Writing - tools - by owner - sale

I'm surprised they arent sold either, maybe it's because they arent actually that close to me. I'm hoping the blacksmithing equipment market crashes so I can afford stuff.
I've seen some absolutely beat (horn broken off, large chunk missing from face etc.) with premium asking prices.

Wow looks like they were originally sent to Maple Valley, WA. Not too far from me but now they are in North Carolina.

 

[TMGT]

I'm thinking they never actually shipped, considering they were made in MD and have never been used.
Makes more sense to me to still be fairly close to the origin.

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm thinking they never actually shipped, considering they were made in MD and have never been used.
Makes more sense to me to still be fairly close to the origin.

Would be awesome to have!

 

[Rustyiron]

Never heard of the Yater name, and I lived one town over the mountain from Boonesboro for 20 years. I did have a few buddies that had some nice one's although I don't remember seeing any makers mark, probably due to my ignorance of the "collect-ability" of these. We had a lot of semi famous knife makers in the area.

 

[Xfaxman]

Re: Big Barn痴 Retirement Farm Shop

Since this thread will be around longer than the craigslist ad, here is a screenshot and some pictures:

This is a RARE Wally Yater custom made Swage Block set. Yater Swage Blocks are considered to be some of the best blocks ever made. Wally Yater made swage blocks from the late 70s to the late 80s. There is no comparison to the quality and finish. The blocks were finished and ground by hand before shipping them out. The blocks are known for the cone shape that extends across both blocks. It is very rare to find a complete set with the original shipping addresses still visible. I have blurred the name of the buyer on the picture, but it is visible on the block.

The outer swages offer many different sizes of round and v-shaped grooves for making square stock. There are also the various sizes of square holes for upsetting. Both blocks are signed "WM YATER".
They measure 12" X 12" X 4 1/2" and weigh 134 lbs each. I can meet within 50 miles of Raleigh. Cash Only.

 

[Big Barn]

I'm thinking they never actually shipped, considering they were made in MD and have never been used.
Makes more sense to me to still be fairly close to the origin.

Most likely the money never came through from the original customer and never got shipped.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Thanks Xfaxman!

I'd like to know how they were made? And when? What kind of steel?

I could CNC mill a lot of the features, but a wire EDM would be best for the square holes.

 

[Big Barn]

Xfaxman, thank you for taking the time to post the screenshot and photos.