Jon Reece

I will be taking the ones with Mr. Robinson, Making my own forge. I'm glad to know its worth while. So far, all my classes have been with my mums friend Jimmi, who doesnt normally teach.... but he was willing to teach me a few things. I have seen a few of his vids, but havent seen the billet yet. I'll go check it out.

I agree frosty, google is full of misinformation about just about every topic under the sun. I do have *some* experience actually doing, and have taken a few classes. I plan to take more, however, where I am right now, there is no club to join, or smith to work with. Until I find one, I only have the option of going away for a weekend at a time to take classes (which I am doing) and that requires a day off work so I can only do it every so often. Other then that, I could move, which I am willing to do, but not until I find someone/a group who I can work with, and learn from. (seems silly to move, then look, when with the internet I can look and then move and KNOW where im going is the right place) Basically, right now, I just want to continue practicing, learning, and improving. And to do that, I need to set up my own shop (since there isnt one I have found in Barrie/Orillia that I can work at) Cheers, jon

Thanks Bob, I would love to find a Master Smith to work for/learn from. I haven't had much luck in my area, but my wife is american (from maine) so I've begun looking in the united states, and outside ontario. I've taken a couple courses, and couldnt agree more about there value. The next one will be for building my own Propane forge. (you learn and make one, then get to take it home).... it seemed like a better way to get a forge then buying one... much more educational.

Oh, forgot to answer your questions... durrr..... First three types of Tongs I was thinking French Wolf Jaw universal tongs, Pick up Tongs, and Round Jaw Tongs. For Texturing, I was looking at getting the ones I felt i would use most off (leaf, Dragon Scale, Diagonal, Fishtail, CrissCross, Pebble, Wood, Scroll Edge, Cactus, Deep V) Just for fun ;)

thanks. I most likely will be starting slow. I plan to focus a lot on Artistic works, and (in a few decades) when my skill level gets up, get into Swords and Armour. I listed everything I could think of, because I dont know what I'll need, or what could come up... and where I am, i can't get things very quickly, so I didnt want to get halfway through something and find out I needed an "X" to finish Are there any "brands" or recommendations for stuff I should avoid?

So, I am setting up my first shop at this time. I have a spot out behind the house in a little clearing, and am planning on building a small-ish shop. I dont have a ton of room, but I have a space for a Propane forge, Anvil, 6' work bench, and some racks and buckets. This is the equipment list i've put together so far (nothing is purchased) and I was wondering what people thought about it. Specific things I am missing, or companies to avoid.... 275lb Peddinghaus Anvil Forgemaster 2000 Stainless Steel Dual Burner Double Valve (model 60000) Heavy Hammer (6.6lb german) 3 Hammer Set (Norse Style, 2.2, 3.3, 4.4lb hammers) Set of 10 Punches 3 pairs of Tongs Flattener Hammer Anvil Block for Drawing Anti-Siezing Agent Brushes Safety Glass Leather Apron set of 10 Texturing tools 55lb leg vice Polishing Hammer Rounding Hammer 3 bossing Mallets I have never done my own shop before, so any feedback or input would be greatly appreciated! cheers

thanks everyone and I updated location. Right now, my only "project" is actually building a forge (the building) and acquiring some more (better) tools and a heavy anvil.

My names Jon, and I am just getting started on my blacksmithing. I am looking for a master to work with/for, but until then, I love working on my own, and learning as much as I can. Just move to barrie ontario..... never was really good at these about me things.... but wanted to say hi, and introduce myself. cheers all.