Rond

Would someone please recommend a couple of good DVDs which show the basics of forging knives. I have purchased some but they turned out to be either way above my expertise or so poorly done they were useless. I have just started forging and want to learn the basics right. Thank You Ron

While on the subject of learning blade making--can anyone recommend some dvds or videos showing basic knife blade making? Thank You

Has anyone had any experience or know where I can find information or plans to make weathervanes? Thanks

Thank you for all your help. This is one of the few forums I have ever used that really makes a newbie feel comfortable and want to become more involved in blacksmithing.

I got a chance to get a anvil for a "good" price. It was covered with a lot of rust. After a lot of wire brushing I could read on the side that it said Peter Wright Patent pend. In a circle it said Solid ?????? something. Under this in large stamped numbers was a 108.The anvil looks in pretty good shape. 1/16" off face would take care of all nicks. all edges are pretty well rounded. horn a little nicked but looks good. Can anyone tell me anything about quality of this? Would it be worth it to take to machine shop to mill face? Friend who gave me the anvil thought it could be at least 80 years old. Thanks

Has anyone ever made an anvil stand which also has place to mount a post vise? Maybe out of angle iron which has wheels under one end so it is movable?

First I would like to say thanks for all of the suggestions I have received. I now have the forge cleaned up and ready to go. After cleaning and other suggestions the blower now works nice-leaks a little-but turns fine. My next projects is the make the forge and an anvil stand to be movable. Because of storage problems I have to move the forge and anvil outside from my garage to use them. I would appreciate any suggestions, pictures, or "don'ts" as I start on these projects. I hope to have all ready to use as soon as Weather cooperates and gives me some nice days on my days off. Thanks

Oh to be discussing how young we used to be. I have been bitten by this same bug lately, but I am 62 years old!!!! I have found a forge and have it ready to go now----- just as soon as this Illinois weather lets me get outside.

I am just starting and am trying to find some simple ways to make some tongs. I am sure that there are some in the blueprints, but I cannot seem to figure out how to find a particular thing in the blueprint section. Any guidance for the blue print section would be appreciated. Also ideas on the tong would be also appreciated. Thanks Ron

I am new at blacksmithing-I purchased a Champion #40 Blower. I took the top off and cleaned out all of the old very stiff grease and dirt. It looks as if there are several set screws both inside and outside the blower. Is there a system to set these? After I cleaned it and put some 30 weight oil in it it seems hard to turn. It moves a lot of air but just seems pretty stiff to turn. When I quit cranking the blower stops immediately with no free run. Thanks

I lucked out and found a cast iron forge with a champion blower. After a lot of wire brushing and cleaning-finally got it so I think clinker breaker moves properly and though a little hard to turn the blower moves a lot of air. I would like to learn how to make knives. First question-can you recommend video or book good to start with. What kind of steel do you use? What could I use for an anvil since I used what little money I had to buy the forge. Thank you for your help. Ron

I forgot to mention one thing - you said you used a new fire pot- the firepot in mine in actually formed in the bottom of the forge. It is a depression about 10" in diameter and about 3" deep. The Tuyere is then mounted on the bottom of this depression. Am I looking at this wrong? Thanks

I think you are right about our forge being the same. Mine has the cast arm mounted to hold the blower also. Thank you for all of your help. Am slowly getting the rust off. Is there supposed to be any type of plate etc that lays over the clinker breaker? In another thread it was suggested that a person starting out get a copy of "The Blacksmith Primer" to use as a reference and learning guide. I cannot find this book but a book titled "The Blacksmith Craft" keeps coming up when I search for the primer. Is this book the same or are they different books?

I am just starting to learn about blacksmithing and had a chance to purchase a cast iron forge. The forge is 22" x 36" with built in firepot with a clinker breaker. It has no cracks but has a lot of surface rust. Any advise on how to clean? Is a wire brush the best way? How to keep the rust from coming back? It also had a Champion 40 blower, which turns easily. The person I purchased it from had taken the top off and cleaned the old oil out and left it out so it would not leak when transporting. What kind of oil should I put in it? Is there supposed to be any type of gasket between the top and bottom of the blower housing? I know this is a lot of questions, but have no one close to help me. Thanks Ron

Once upon a time a seen prints on making a campfire cooking set. It included fire tools, a hanging rack, and a cooking rack which was adjustable up and down on one of the support posts. Does anyone have any idea where I can find prints to make a set? Also I am planning to make a new forge-any recommendations on where to buy a forge pot? Thanks