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Save your Body!
Post At
09/22/2010 - 6:26 pm
reply from
Derek Grimwood
I just responded to a question on the forum and I thought it may be interesting to see what experienced older farriers do to make their bodies last. Recent changes that I have made to preserve my body and business is to only work with sharp rasps. I used to push my rasp through a couple extra jobs before retiring it. Now the moment I feel that I am having to push the rasp I get a new one out. Same thing with my tools. I sharpen my knife after every horse and do not let my knife get dull. I hope others read this post and respond with their advise!
Reply at
09/23/2010 - 7:28 am
reply from
Dr. Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Good question Derek.
I fortunately was taught early by family then my instructor to always use sharp tools. So clean, sharp, high quality, well designed tools is a must. Other things I do are: using a hoof stand since mid 1970's, hot adjustments to shoes not cold forging, taking joint supplements, using several tools to do a job not one (as in rasps - one for foot only, one for shoe finishing on foot, one for finish or one hoof knife for sole and one for frog), using power tools as in my steel belt sander for taking off the laminar wedge on foundered horses.
It all boils down to working smarter, not harder.
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
I fortunately was taught early by family then my instructor to always use sharp tools. So clean, sharp, high quality, well designed tools is a must. Other things I do are: using a hoof stand since mid 1970's, hot adjustments to shoes not cold forging, taking joint supplements, using several tools to do a job not one (as in rasps - one for foot only, one for shoe finishing on foot, one for finish or one hoof knife for sole and one for frog), using power tools as in my steel belt sander for taking off the laminar wedge on foundered horses.
It all boils down to working smarter, not harder.
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Reply at
09/23/2010 - 2:35 pm
reply from
Derek Grimwood
When hammering remember to keep your elbow in line with your body and not nail from outside the line to prevent elbow strain. Ok, who's next...?
Reply at
04/ 1/2011 - 6:47 pm
reply from
Israel Smith
I've found that using the hoof stand for every position I'm working the foot not just forward facing has saved my back tremendously.I didnt like switching the cradle back and forth so I just use the regular rubber tipped post on all four feet.
Israel Smith
Israel Smith
Reply at
04/ 2/2011 - 9:41 am
reply from
Diane Saunders
I make regular trips to a good chiropractor to keep "tuned-up" and also have at least a monthy massage to loosen up all those tight muscles. I think doing these things are just as important as tool maintenance since isn't our body our "tool"? :)
In addition, making sure to maintain a balanced diet & get plenty of sleep.
In addition, making sure to maintain a balanced diet & get plenty of sleep.
Reply at
04/ 3/2011 - 9:46 am
reply from
chris richardson
Stretches in the morning, along with situps. Helps keep the back from getting stiff. Also slow down let the horse have his foot back often.
Reply at
07/29/2011 - 3:34 pm
reply from
Derek Grimwood
I never realized how hard I was holding the hammer until someone told me. I'm trying to loosen my grip more and letting the hammer to fall and rebound. I can already tell it is more productive and easier on my wrist and arm.
Reply at
07/30/2011 - 8:54 pm
reply from
J J Trapani
Isreal I am the oppsite of your practice I use theweb cradle attachment for everything I find it handy for holding the hoof and I can place the sole on the edge of the cradle for work on the walls I never have to change and the stand is easier to carry with a built in handle
Reply at
01/27/2012 - 8:12 am
reply from
Derek Grimwood
Since the original post I have made a few more adjustments and it is all geared towards efficiency. I have moved my forge, placed my anvil on a swing out, rearranged my tools. Introduced more efficient tools and ways to accomplish the work. I put a lot of thought and time into organizing my rig. These are all little things in and of themselves but together it makes a big difference. At the end of the day I can definitley appreciate the difference in how I feel setting up. Lastly, I continue to seek out ways to become more efficient. I realized I can never become complacent.
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