Acier

Thanks so much everyone, it's been great for motivation and focus! I am going with the compromise. Had a fab day of metal bashing today......learned loads and am aching lots!

I have now got my forge up and running:D and am ready to get to work. I haven't done any blacksmithing for 6 years, so really need to start from scratch again. My plan was to start with each technique, and do it over and over until i get it perfect, then move on to the next technique. When i am done with that, i can start designing and making actual objects. BUT......my man (not a blacksmith) reckons i should start making objects and learn as i go along, thereby keeping an open mind towards techniques and be more open to experimentation and learn by making mistakes. I am unsure which way to go. So how did you learn and was it right for you with hindsight? I know everyone varies to how they learn best, but I'd be interested to hear your experiences! Thanks Louise:)

Not quite the same reading from the computer is it?? Yep i have downloaded them, a while back. I'll have to get printing. Think i may buy Backyard blacksmith and New Edge of the Anvil. Annoyingly the latter seems to be only available shipped from from USA or Canada.

Wow thanks guys! Very cool idea Glenn. Maybe they could be kept together on their own sub forum??

Hi I am in the process of setting up my workshop, but as i haven't done any blacksmithing for a few years, I would like a really good book of techniques which i can work my way through as i am going to be teaching myself. My objective is to spend a few months getting techniques perfected before i go on to making stuff. Anyone got a favorite book they can recommend. Also anyone got any tips for self-teaching? Thanks Louise:)

Hi Ludo. Sorry I missed your reply!! Thanks for that. Yep i'll keep that that in mind about the stones!! J'aime France! :cool: Louise

Hi Dav! Bienvenue from Charente! How many boar have you got so far this season? Louise

Hi, Has anyone had any experience about designing and building a brick or stone coal/coke forge?? And also has anyone got any feedback on how they are to use, as i am considering building one! Any help appreciated! :confused: Thanks Louise

They are so cute!! I love them! :cool: Not sure about the story though!!! That is low!!!

Good site there Daryl, Thanks!

Cheers all Yep i think i will go for a good quality one. Now to persuade other half it's a good idea!!! (Even though i am still not quite sure what makes up the quality part, is it all down to materials and hardening??) Thanks again Louise

Cheers, some useful stuff to think about. I have done a uni course doing blacksmithing a few years ago, so not familiar with actually buying my own equipment. This is my first workshop. So just trying to work out what actually accounts for the difference in price. :confused: I am leaning towards getting a decent one, maybe around 200 pounds. Ones i am looking at vary from €770 to €1354 (in $ around $965-$1697 ish!) The cheapest 100 pound anvil i've found is around €400 ($500).How does that compare to USA prices?? The most expensive one above is a London pattern, (shipped from UK, I can't find one in France) single bick 'professional grade' and is 280 pounds and is hardened to a minimum of 60 on the Rockwell scale. (Although for the other anvils i am looking at i don't have this info to compare to!)

Hi All, I am in the process of trying to purchase my first anvil. Can anyone help me out with what the differences might be between between the 'economy' ones and 'premium' ones?? Also how much difference does it make?? Thanks Louise :)

Cheers for mine Woody! Good stuff. Louise

Hi Peter, Do you ever have time to sleep??!!!! All sounds good fun though!! Good luck and happy hammering!

Hi Fabien...........i am about to set up a workshop over here. At the moment working out how to source stuff over here. (My French is not perfect!!) So getting this magazine was a kind of first step to getting to know things in France and joining this forum was for a kick into getting working! Feel free to email/PM me!!

Hi Fabien, Also In France (but English)!! You're definitely right about the web in France!! Do you get this magazine??IFRAM > Consulter un dossier I have just signed up for it after only just discovering the website. Louise :)

Absolutely amazing teamwork!! Fascinating to watch. :cool:

That sounds lovely. I really like the lily idea. Shows us a picture when it's done.

Alan Sometimes it's the smallest of things that can move you furthest forward. Well done..............hope your feeling proud!

Cheers guys and merci beaucoup! :)

Hi all, I'm an amateur female metalworker/blacksmith and moved to France last year from the UK. I am hoping to set up a workshop in the near future. Looking forward to gaining knowledge and inspiration from you all.