ertwdan

It's hard to beat the old brake drum forge with a bathroom fan for the blower to get you started. Check out the blueprints section, I think they still have the plans for on here on Iforgiron. I recently built one for a buddy of mine and it works great. Lump charcoal will get you going and a bag or 2 of the good stuff from Thak the Blacksmith in Floradale will get you really hooked. My best advice, check out the OABA meetings and yo will always find someone with a forge or parts to make one.

Looking good...I've had my welded firepot for almost 3 years.....they're great I had mine plasma cut and I used 5/8"

Thanks... it could save me a pile of work (both building the hammer and 'smithing)

I'd be interested if the price is right

Thanks Hammered... Always nice to see that I can own a sword but not a pistol-crossbow. Good old Canadian government...regulations for everything

OABA is definitely the best way to meet blacksmiths.also try visiting Robb Martin in Floradale (St. Jacobs area). Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association - (OABA) Artisan Blacksmiths and Artistic Metalworkers of hand forged iron work in Ontario Canada. Wrought Iron gates, grills, railings, knives, original designs Thak the Blacksmith &Armourer- Ontario, Canada Here are their websites. You do not need to be a member to come out to an OABA Meeting. All those interested in smithing in Ontario are welcome.

I'm glad that you guys enjoyed the meeting. Mick and Lloyd are some of the best presenters going. Keep an eye on the website for upcoming meetings. I'm going to be editing the OABA Newsletter (The Iron Trillium) and if you have any ideas for how-to articles that you would like to see....let me know

I think that you should be OK as long as you're not drawing attention to it in the "wrong" way. By the 'wrong" way....selling to kids under 19, holding up liquor stores, throwing at people tied to big circular targets... Seriously though, there is no regulation about the fabrication and selling of knives and other edged items, just be careful of who you sell to. The motto of beg forgiveness rather than ask permission is a good one if you don't want to go through the tax registration process. Whatever you do....do not call City Hall....This will only end badly in a sea red tape.

I've been really lucky...the neighbours think my hobby is very cool and I've even had a few want to try it out. Definitely beg forgiveness before asking permission......bar none there will be one neighbour that has had a bad day and will make you stop. Always make the neighbours come over to satify their curiosity. Whatever you do do not tell them that you are selling anything....this will only invite inspectors, tax collectors and other folks that aren't there to help you. That's my $0.02 worth

I tend to use charcoal to light the fire then bleed in the coal to prevent the start-up 'smokies' that could offend my neighbours.

Canuk....Darrell Markewitz (Wareham Forge) is up in your area and is a very talented and knowledgeable (and likes to talk). Check him out at his website

I recommend attending any function that features Mick Smith. He's informative and entertaining. I haven't been to his place before but I think it's north of Fergus just off Hwy 6. Meeting date is Nov 8, 2008 Hopefully we'll see you there I'm glad you like the proverb...It's good to agree with hammer-wielding types...

Holy Cow....we have our own space....I feel so special Thanks for the space Glenn.... Hi OABA

My advice is to cut a large opening first and then use a seperate piece of metal for the opening. This way you can start with a bit smaller hole and work your way up to what works best. It's a little un-scientific.....but then again, so is blacksmithing.