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Rant: Back in my day, setting up for a job took forever...
I used to spend half the morning just getting my gear ready... especially that old cast iron anvil. Now, with a lightweight portable forge, I can start shoeing in minutes. The real hack I learned is to keep a pre-packed kit in my truck with all the basics. It saves so much time compared to digging through a messy toolbox. Plus, modern adhesives for pads are a game changer over the old tar and oakum method. Honestly, sometimes I miss the simplicity of the old ways... but efficiency wins every time.
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lauras966mo ago
Seriously, @the_faith has a point about rushing hurting quality. But you can have both speed and a good job. My trick is to pre-stage my kit the night before a big day. I lay everything out, check all my adhesives are fresh, and make sure my portable forge is clean. That way in the morning, I'm not rushing, I'm just grabbing and going. It's the prep work that saves time, not skipping steps.
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fisher.diana3mo ago
Oh hey, I used to be totally on the "just hustle through it" side of things (I'm a night shift nurse, so speed is basically survival mode for me), but @the_faith's point about that heavy cast iron anvil and the old methods really got me thinking. You're right about the prep work though (maybe I should actually lay out my scrubs and supplies before my shift starts instead of hunting for them in the dark).
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the_faith6mo ago
In my grandfather's Kentucky shop, that heavy cast iron anvil gave a stability no portable forge can match. The old tar and oakum method created a waterproof seal that modern adhesives just can't beat in harsh weather. Spending time setting up meant you checked every tool and thought through the job, which led to fewer mistakes. Rushing with a pre-packed kit might save minutes, but it often sacrifices the quality and durability of the work. Sometimes slower and simpler actually means a job done right.
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