M. Stout

Well, My first Basic I class was yesterday and I had too much fun! We made a steak turner for our first project. Now, of course, I'm going to fire up the grill and put it to good use. Stout.

Right now I'm reading The Blacksmith -Iron Worker and Farrier by Aldren A. Watson. It is a great book that is extremely well written and has beautiful illustrations. I'm impressed.

Thanks Fionnbharr and HWooldridge that's a lot of good info! I know I could "swing" a 3 pounder but can I learn hammer control with it? Nope, I'm going with the 2.2 # Also, I may only be thirty years young, but my arms sure ain't what they used to be. Just like you said Fionnbharr, I joined the California Blacksmith Association last month and my first "Basic I" class is at the end of this month. I am very excited Also, not to change th e subject, I'd love to learn Gaelic. What does you user name mean? Fair something.?

Just a quick question about hammers: I just purchased a 3# cross pein hammer from an online store. Now I am wondering if maybe this will be a bit heavy to begin with. It's not that I am not used to using heavy hammers (I do it every day at work), I am just new to blacksmithing and I don't know how much it would take to move hot steel. All my experience with hot steel is welding and using a rose-bud to alter my tools for work. Should I drop a half pound or so?