LLoegrfach

Thanks All, I've updated my profile. I live in the UK, South-west Wales to be precise. I've been to many events that are based around the industrial revolution period but we have had a few here based around the mediaeval period. Thanks for the information. Any Uk suppliers of clothing would be great! Thanks, Richard

Hi All, What do you wear when doing demos / craft fairs? What era do you like to replicate (middle ages, victorian...)? Do you always wear the same outfit or do you dress to suit the event? I'm planning on starting working a few craft fairs and I'd like to look the part! Looking forward to your replies as always! Richard

Thanks for all the suggestions! I love this forum!! Richard

Hi all, a good friend of mine is getting married soon and I'd like to make them a gift. I've googled for ideas but all I can find are horseshoes - which I don' really fancy! Any suggestions as to a good wedding gift to make? Ideally something traditional (not a scold's bridle!!) Thanks, Richard

Thanks Dave! The chamfer is very crisp isn't it. I'll smooth them off so its harder to see when I don't hit the anvil square! Richard

Sam, I think we are OK! The locals named the house anyway. Apparently it used to be a pub (every house in Wales 'used to be a pub') toward the end of the 19th century and it was frequented by a group of English labourers who were working at a nearby estate. This is a very Welsh area so English 'invaders' were few and far between so it became known as Little England. I wouldn't change the name now - that would probably bring forth the aforesaid brick! Richard

G, Not so rusty! "Little England" is the direct translation. It is the name of my house - and probably the trading name for my blacksmithing (eventually!). I am an 'Englander' but unfortunately not so 'little'! My hammers have just arrived from Cromwells - they look the business. Can't wait to get home from work and give them a try. Thanks again, Richard

I am indebted to you all! I shall never again surf the internet, vainly hoping to find what I seek - I shall just come here and ask. Fantastic advice & links from you all, As we say in Wales "Diolch yn fawr!", Richard

Thanks for all the advice. I've been blacksmithing (South Wales) for a couple of years now and have been using a big ball-pein and a small sledge hammer generally. I wanted to invest in a 'proper' cross-pein blacksmithing hammer and just wondered if there was more choice in the Uk than Vaughans. The Cromwell hammers look good so I've gone for a couple of those for now. All of my other tools have come from eBay or local antique shops - or I've made them. I think making a hammer is a bit beyond me just yet! Thanks again, Richard

Hi All, Can anybody recommend a supplier of blacksmithing hammers in the UK (or that will ship to the UK reasonably!)? I've looked at Vaughans but they are

Colleen / Thomas, Thanks for the replies. I will speak to the insurers you recommend once I have a better idea of what I'm planning to offer! I like the idea of having a mobile shop - I have an oil-barrel sized forge with leather bellows below which is quite portable. I think this may all be an excuse to get an old Morris van and paint it up with old fashioned signage! I do a bit of woodturning too and I know of a few people that have converted vans into mobile wood workshops for schools. A handsaw is a bit lighter than an anvil though!! As far as specific projects my only concern is that anything made is as "un-weapon-like" as possible - I think fire pokers are out! I'll bear in mind your good advise too Thomas. This is a "slow burner" of an idea but I'll post any information / progress as I go along. Thanks again, Richard

Hi Joseff, I went to school in Somerset in the UK - 1979 - 1984 secondary school. Everybody was taught metalwork from yr1(11 years old) to yr3(13) when you had to choose your subjects. The metalwork shop had a coal forge, a couple of anvils plus all the usual lathes, mills etc. We probably only used the forge for a couple of lessons each but they have stayed with me ever since! My sister followed through the school a few years after me but it had all changed by then so I think I was one of the last to try blacksmithing at that school. Richard

Hi, My wife works with a lot of schools doing art projects and ceramics. I'd like to offer a blacksmith workshop to schools too but I'm a bit concerned about insurance etc. Anybody got experience of this? When I went to school we were all taught basic forge work and I still have my crowbar lying about somewhere. Some of my strongest memories from school were from those wonderful classes and I'd love some of today's kids to be able to experience it too. Anybody run a successful workshop like this? Thanks in advance:), Richard

Thanks very much for all the information! I think I'll have a go at making my own stamp after reading the guides - a full moon perhaps! Richard

Thanks for the reply. I've already had a quote for a custom made stamp but they are expensive (