Blackbeard

I have been working construction for about 14 years. I like working with metal and i think thats what led me to blacksmithing. I still do not know a lot about the art. What i do know ive learned from this site and the net. I have now built my own forge and am planning to make a living out of doing blacksmithing and metal work. I also pick up a lot of info from books. In my country there are not a lot of blacksmiths- so i learn by trial and error.
This site has a wealth of information and a lot of very skilled blacksmiths who dont mind sharing their knowledge. To someone learning the trade this is where youll find what you are looking for.
Bb

Nice work Michael! Im new to blacksmithing, have just done my first paying job. I like your dragon, Ill have to try one soon!
Bb

Thanks guys. I still have a lot to learn. Ive finally got my forge working the way I want it to and am now able to forge and learn!
Bb

My first time forging anything. These are some leaf keyring I forged. Im still learning!
Bb

Nice lob Latvius! Looks good!
Bb

Hi bighammer24
Youll find a lot of info in the blueprint section on building forges. Im also new to blacksmithing and have just built my first forge. I use anthracite for fuel mainly because thats what i have available. Basically my forge is just a pan for fuel with a pipe T at the bottom for airflow and to allow the ash to fall down into a bucket or drum. I use a vacuum machine motor for airflow, it sits on the inside of a pipe 6" that ive reduced to 2" for airflow. It also has a valve so I can control the airflow. Thats basically it. Good luck and welcome to the forum.
Bb

Sorry I cant see the pics. Dont know if its a error on my side or if they werent posted correctly. Would like to see them though!
Bb

Hey Ap Man I like your blades. A way of putting a handle on that Ive done before- weld a peice of threaded bar to the blade. Choose your wood or whatevers handy, drill hole to fit on threaded bar. Cut to length, make oval or any other shape plate for the back, weld nut on to fit threaded bar. Make small instep in wood to allow nut, screw on back bit and tighten. Voila- knive handle done. Its nice cause if its done right there are no visible rivets or anything. Ive used copper for the back- just braze a nut on. Hope you find this helpfull!
Bb

Beautifull Paul! Could you maybe explain how to get that great finish? I dont know much!
Bb

Does anthracite fall under coal? Thats what I use.
Bb

Very nice Jr- hope mine will look as good!
Bb

Ive worked with grinders for a very long time. Ive also seen some nasty stuff happening when people dont respect the machine. Never start a grinder while its touching anything, thats asking for trouble.
Bb

the stuff i got doesnt smoke a lot, flames are a blueish colour. I use a bit of charcoal to keep it going. smokes less and smells less than the coal I first tried.

Thanks App man! Cant wait to see your next creations!!
Bb

Hi ya'll.
I'm new here, but saw the post and thought I'd chime in. Blackbeard, you got yourself a sure-nuff piece of knifemaking steel!...........................

Thanks for the info Blademaker I appreciate it. Glad to hear the spring steel is suitable for knives. Thanks Ill e-mail if I need help.
Bb

Hi all! Ive been struggling to find good quality forging coal here in South Africa. Now Im using Anthracite. The stuff works great! I needed to modify my blower a bit, anthracite needs a stronger airflow, but once lt gets going it heats metal to forging heat in a jiffy! Anyone else using anthracite?
Bb

Thanks for all the replies guys. Nice knife Julian! Any finish I can use to prevent rust?Or doesnt it rust after being tempered?
Bb

Welcome Ab- I do a lot of welding myself, being a boilermaker by trade. Thats what got me into blacksmithing in the first place-hot metal! Welcome aboard!
Bb

Welcome Colleen! Im sure youll find lots of advice at ifi-great site!
Bb

Hi Ron
If the info is correct its your birthday today- so I just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Hope you have a great day.
Bb

Thanks App Man. Any special method youd recomend? I have fooled around with making knives before but have not made one out of spring steel before.
Bb

Hey App Man you do great knives.Looking good!
BB

Hi guys.Got a peice of a pick ups leaf spring at a scrapyard for free the other day.Good steel for making knives?
BB

Looks good! Hope Ill be able to do some basket twists soon!
BB

I motorized my buffalo forge using an old washing machine motor I had lying around. Very simple, made a base out of angle iron and flatbar, welded it to a heavy plate and welded hinges on for belt tensioning.Motor is held in place by a u bolt I made out of threaded bar.Busy painting ran out of primer.If you checked out your local scrapyard you might find a car fan-they are good for making blowers if attached to a small motor.
Bb