Eric01

Actually just found an arc welder in the garage the other day. Where can I purchase angle iron and steel plate? Home Depot?

From what I have read I think the firepot needs to be pretty shallow. Too deep and the fire has a hard time getting to the right temperature I think. I am new to this so I could be very wrong. Also, isn't compressed air explosive?

Yea I know propane can be pretty dangerous but I guess everything has its own risks. I am thinking I am going to build a solid fuel one, cheaper to operate and its not a big headache with building the burner, getting a propane regulator. The problem I have is my parents do not keep any junk around, and nobody I know does. The big trash day is gone it comes once a year. So finding the stuff to build one which is a headache. The fact that my parents are not to keen on my interests further complicates the fact that coal is about a 1:30 drive from here, and knowing how much they work and such it would not be a viable option. Making charcoal is a whole other headache, unless I could use the regular grilling charcoal but from what I have read it tends not to work so well. Been really wanting to do this for a long time, but getting everything together is just a headache lol . Securing an anvil is another thing, but with only $230 in my pocket I am not sure how. Edit: Sorry if I sound like I am just complaining, just a bit stressed from some other things that are going on right now. I appreciate everyone being so patient and helpful with this.

Lets hope :)

Wow I can't believe I forgot about Pieh . Been by there many times when I go up to go shooting. The problem is I can't drive yet (15), and my parents work excessively so convincing them to drive me up for a few bags of coal might not go over well considering my mom thinks this is all nuts :confused: But I will keep them in mind. I am still not set on the gas idea because setting up a solid fuel one would be so much easier.

So once I assemble my burner and burner holder, what kind of propane accessories will I need to connect the tank to the burner and monitor the PSI? I also have to say thanks a lot for the help guys. I should be able to go out this weekend and get the paint bucket, and some parts for assembling the legs, burner, and burner holder. I will make a thread with the build progress once I get started some time.

Thank you so much for that link Mark! That is just what i needed :D

Just sent you a message. I could use a cheap rail anvil as I am just starting up.

My plan right now is to forge a collection of tools I can use. After that I have been looking and forging knifes. Propane is very readily available in my area. I do not yet know of a place where I can buy coal. I guess at this point I am leaning towards a propane gasser because the burner does not look all that complicated to construct. I am still going to need a blower right? I think I read somewhere you still need a blower unless you build an atmospheric burner. The only things I have around right now to use as a shell for it would be a coffee can, and maybe some old buckets. The only issue is that a coffee can forge does not have the size required for me to forge tools right?

Mark, I would be tempted to go out and just buy a premade gasser but that leaves me with about no money left over for an anvil.

As a starting smith, one of my first arguments is which type of forge to build? I read many articles talking about the pros and cons of each, and I find that these are the main ones I focus on. Solid forges are cheap to construct, and from what I have seen a bit more simple. The thing that is setting me back on them is the health risk involved in breathing in coal smoke. Gas forges on the other hand seem to cost quite a bit to construct because of the need for a burner. Considering the fact I have no junk lying around, I do not really have anything I can build from what I have here. Gas forges on the other hand have no health risks really in proper ventilation (I will be smithing outside) unless it blows up on me . So I am still arguing which one to build. If any of you guys could help me make a decision, or give me more information on either it would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the wall of text :(

Now this, this might just work! Thanks :D

Yes that be what I mean. I just have to find a good size tree to cut, but the fact I live in suburbia is not helping my case :rolleyes:

Where can I found those neat anvil rests that everyone has. The tall block of wood that they rest their anvil on.

That actually makes a lot of sense. Henceforth why I joined a Blacksmith forums, to discuss it with people who share the same interest. People also find my flight simulator hobby a big crazy too. I still want to build that cockpit.. :rolleyes:

Names Eric, sophomore in high school and I have been interested in smithing for about 2-3 years. Always been really interested in it, even bought a book but I never really followed through in getting started and such. The main thing that kept throwing me off was the anvil, but also the forge. I do not have a lot of junk lying around so I don't really have much to which I can construct a forge with. Anvils can also be quite pricey so yea. But I have saved up some money ($230) which is not a lot, but hopefully if I save some more I can get an anvil and some parts for which to build a forge. Anyway, other than smithing I am really into fishing and hunting. Everyone around seems to think im nuts for being into smithing and wanting to do it. I don't really see whats so crazy about it :confused:.