skillaid

Well everyone this is great information. I appreacite everyone taking some time to reply to this. I have already succefully secured a Hand Powered Blower - through the tailgating section of this site! I love this site, and I hope one day I can add to it's value by adding good / useful content that everyone can take advantage of!

I am actually reading a First book. The revision of The Blacksmith Craft - by Charles McRaven. It's a great book, and where I got a lot of my first project ideas! I was just fishing around here to see what everone else thought about for a tool list...

My First few projects: (1) Bunch of Forged, semi-decorative Nails (2) A Beer Bottle Openner (3 of them actually) (3) A Chisel(s) (4) A set of wood carving Tools (scoop, tiny edger, etc. etc.) (5) A Gardenin Hoe (6) A Fire Place Set (Stand, Poker, Scoop / Shovel) (7) A Nice looking coal Shovel for my shop (8) Tongs, Hammers, and other tools for my Shop ---- I figure that's a good list of a good bit of different stuff to practice on and make! So from that list what do you guys think? What is the basic list I will need in order to get that list done?

Hello Everyone: Since I am getting started now I was wondering if anyone could offer up a basic tools list: Hammers (sizes, etc.) , tongs, (sizes, etc.), Vises (Sizes, etc.) And just list tools, I know I need a Forge, and Anvil, etc. And you don't have to go into great detail - just a basic list for basic jobs! -Brandon

Thanks everyone! I believe I have the need knowledge know to make my forge... To Start I will be working Outside, of course storing my forge inside when not in use. I do have plans on making me a no walls shop (roof, and corner post) I have seen a design for an old English style village blacksmith shop in the book I am reading that I really like. Anyway I will keep everyone posted on my progress and hopefully have some results to show for my first project soon!

Thanks everyone for the advice! I guess I could still make the forge - I want to make a Pan Forge from a Brake disc, but again it talks about welding to make it - and well no welding access. I will figure out something I am sure! If anyone has any good idea's about making a Pan Forge, from a Brake Disc, without welding let me know. I understand the mind set - I am a Software Engineer by day, and I know I have the mind set to do Blacksmith work. I also know though that I have a lack of tools... and I need a forge and some basic tools, to make tools!! But anyway, if anyone has any good idea's or links on making a forge without welding let me know!

Hello All! Well I believe I have gotten enough knowledge about the craft to get started. One of the first things I want to try and get is a Forge. I have a book that talks you through making one, but the thing is it talks about welding one. This is a problem because I do not know of any welders or do I have a welding device. So my other route is to buy. Now here is the trick... I looked on e-bay and saw some - but $150.00 for a forge that did have an electric blower. Anyway I am just wanting a simple Pan Forge to start out with, so I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone willing to sale a used / good pan forge, or knows of a good site to buy one from. thanks!

I am in West Georgia, - I live, work, play in LaGrange!! If you could find that contact for the knife makers guild in Georgia that would be great. I do know that Don Fogg is out of Jasper, AL. And I figure one day I would make a trip to his Forge and meet him. I know he is a Master Bladesmith. I plan on joining the ABS, but before I did I wanted to setup my forge and do some basic blacksmith work, and make some thing for my wife and I. This way I get some newbie experince out of the way, before I start knife making. I hear you have to be a member for like 3 years in the ABS before you can even try to get the rank of Journeyman. ANyway thanks for all the info - BTW, I am going to the event I posted in the calendars section this Saturday. A day with blacksmiths in Pine Mountain GA.

Hello All, I have started learning how to become a blacksmith. My real goal of course is to focus on bladesmith work. I came across the Bladesmith Society, where you can become a Certified Journeyman and Master based on certain cretria. Anyway I have a few questions: (1) Is there such a thing for blacksmiths as well? Master and Journeyman certificaitons / ranks? (2) What organazations do you all recommend joining to gain a social network / access to real helpful people and knowledge / and worth being a part of? (ex: ABANA, Amercian Bladesmith Society, etc.) (3) What would be a good first blade related project to work with? (4) What site or place does everyone recommend for getting bar stock from? I have found a few places... but I am sure since you all do this you would have better idea's than I would. thanks!

Hello, I am new to Blacksmithing, and I am in the information gathering stage and learning stage. (hence new right? LOL) Anyway I was wondering if anyone know of a site that listed Guilds near me possibly. I am from LaGrange, GA. Well I look forward to hearing from everyone, and I also wanted to say hello! I look forward to learnging a lot from all of you!