PJ_Elia

It all comes down to cost of labor. Since this country was started, it was fueled by cheap labor starting with slaves and then poor immigrants. The problem now is that with the current labor laws, cheap labor is not possible and we will therefore never again be able to compete with the manufacturing of poor un-regulated countries. Current American manufacturing was only been able to continue due to heavy automation. That being said, I buy American or high quality European products when I can.

I'm with you there. I think learning directly from others is key. I already know a few ironworkers/blacksmiths that I hope to learn from and I am planning to attend any events within reach. Thanks

I was planning to use either a ball of newspaper or some wood/charcoal with coal on top. Interesting how the most basic of steps requires significant thought among the inexperienced. Anyway, the coal is bituminous which is running $80 a ton in western PA. Unfortunately I only have about 30lbs of it.

If it wasn't for all this rain, I would have fired up the forge already. Anyway, I've made a few nails and bent a little metal using some map gas but that's about it.

Seems to be in good shape. Works well. Apparently, the forge and anvil 35 years ago at an auction and has had them in the garage unused since then.

This started off as just looking for an anvil for my backyard workshop to hammer some metal on and ended up into a full fledged interest in blacksmithing. Let me know what you guys think of the equipment I'm starting off with. I think I did good. I got the anvil, forge, swage block, and misc tools for $500. Seemed like a good price. Fortunately I have a brother in-law sharing the same interest and investment into the equipment. The anvil is a 130lbs Peter Wright in good condition. The vise was picked up for $95 from a western PA antique shop. I think its an Iron City 5" vise. Works very well, not sure of the weight. My brother got me the vise and a bag of coal from his visit to his inlaws near Pittsburgh. I've been reading quite a bit and just getting ready to fire the forge up for the first time. I don't have tongs yet but I think I have most of what I need to get started. Any advice or words of wisdow for the first attempt at smithing? I have some basic backyard welding and metal working experience and I'm a pretty handy type of person so hopefully I can start making some useful items relatively soon. Thanks, PJ