Just a note of appreciation again. I took and passed all three sections of the certification test in Kentucky recently. Your advice on my shoe board saved me from having to retake the test. This was my first attempt at certification and the information you gave me allowed me to go into it much better prepared. I have for years put off taking this exam, probably because I was somehow intimidated by the process. Now I'm enthusiastic about preparing for the next level. What are your opinions on the new CTF classification? Would my time be better spent preparing for journeyman? I found the written portion of the certified exam to be much easier than I anticipated and I am confident about passing that portion of the journeyman exam. But I would have to get much quicker with my shoe building in order to pass the practical. One problem I have is with my forge, I have to take it apart almost every other day and clean out the "jets" with a toothpick in order to keep it blowing strong. Then it inevitably at some point will start popping and whistling and/or not performing as strongly as it should, usually about the time I'm getting ready to weld in it or finish a shoe. It is very much temperamental like a woman, I never know if it's going to have a good day or not. I think maybe the top piece may have some rust inside it somehow to be causing this, but it looks good from the outside. Any suggestions? (Other than buy a new forge.) It's frustrating because it is not worth the effort to take it apart once it is hot, so when it quits running good - that's the end of my forging practice session. It doesn't happen all the time to that extent, but the performance declines consistently in between cleanings. Is there some chemical I can soak the top piece in to help? Would I mess it up if I enlarged the eyehole on the brass jets?

I have a lot of experience with what you are talking about. We own several Whisper Momma forges, and we bought a new one that was having the problems you are talking about. I finally called Don Jones at NC, and he sent me a new top-piece. It did the trick. I think the old one had accidentally gotten some paint in it when it was manufactured, and that was what was flaking off. Be very careful not to make the orifices larger when cleaning them out, as that will change the propane-air mix, causing it to work incorrectly.

As to the CTF, I think that you would be better served to go ahead and take the CJF. Going through the CTF will only cost you more, and you still won't have the prestige of obtaining a CJF. Make a lot of shoes, and nail them on. It is not too bad if you get handy at fitting feet. Good luck, and thanks for the kind words.