So I have been toying with the idea of blacksmithing for a couple of years now, and I am thinking that it is just about time to quit thinking and start doing. That being said, I have several concerns about starting that I would value some seasoned input on.
1. My biggest concern is my location. I am living in the middle of a city. I am somewhat concerned that the noise is going to irritate some of the neighbours. They are all nice folks, but I don't know how far I could push them. The city by-laws are pretty vague as to what is allowed regarding noise and leaves it mostly up to the interpretation of the bylaw officer. "No person shall, within the territorial limits of the City, make any unusual noise or noise likely to disturb the inhabitants".
I intend on doing the work out of my detached garage, so I will at least have the shop walls to deaden the sound. I have read up on deadening the sound of the anvil which would help too. I guess my concern is still that even if I can get it to a point where the blows are 'thuds' instead of 'rings', will it still be too loud? I haven't seen a lot of smithing in person to gauge what the volume may be like in my shop. I certainly don't want to get shut down over a noise complaint though.
2. I am not too concerned about having a forge. The bylaw states that "Open air burning does not include a controlled burn that is part of a manufacturing process" and thus is permitted. I think I could argue that one pretty well if I had my forge sitting outside the garage. While it is inside, my intent would be to build a fume hood and exhaust that will vent any smoke and CO. I know the insurance company likely wouldn't be too fussy about having a small forge in my garage, but I figure if I protect a good sized area with concrete board I should be O.K. (What they don't know can't hurt them, and I will just pray that nothing happens) Besides, it can't be any worse than welding.
What I need input on though is what type of forge I should use. I want to stay away from coal due to the smell of the smoke. That leaves me with charcoal and propane as the other options I would consider. I want to build my own forge and have found good plans for both options. For the charcoal, I think I would go with a wash tub style, and for the propane, most likely an empty cylinder lined with kaowool.
The pro's I see with the charcoal is the quietness of the forge, as well as the more traditional experience of forging. The con's that I see are the amount of charcoal that would likely be needed, as well as the inability to put it out and cool it quickly at the end of the day.
The pro's I see with propane is the relative cleanliness, as well as the ability to turn the heat source off quickly. The con that I see is the noise.
I know this has been a long one, so thanks for reading. I value any and all input, particularly from those in a similar situation.
So I have been toying with the idea of blacksmithing for a couple of years now, and I am thinking that it is just about time to quit thinking and start doing. That being said, I have several concerns about starting that I would value some seasoned input on. 1. My biggest concern is my location. I am living in the middle of a city. I am somewhat concerned that the noise is going to irritate some of the neighbours. They are all nice folks, but I don't know how far I could push them. The city by-laws are pretty vague as to what is allowed regarding noise and leaves it mostly up to the interpretation of the bylaw officer. "No person shall, within the territorial limits of the City, make any unusual noise or noise likely to disturb the inhabitants". I intend on doing the work out of my detached garage, so I will at least have the shop walls to deaden the sound. I have read up on deadening the sound of the anvil which would help too. I guess my concern is still that even if I can get it to a point where the blows are 'thuds' instead of 'rings', will it still be too loud? I haven't seen a lot of smithing in person to gauge what the volume may be like in my shop. I certainly don't want to get shut down over a noise complaint though. 2. I am not too concerned about having a forge. The bylaw states that "Open air burning does not include a controlled burn that is part of a manufacturing process" and thus is permitted. I think I could argue that one pretty well if I had my forge sitting outside the garage. While it is inside, my intent would be to build a fume hood and exhaust that will vent any smoke and CO. I know the insurance company likely wouldn't be too fussy about having a small forge in my garage, but I figure if I protect a good sized area with concrete board I should be O.K. (What they don't know can't hurt them, and I will just pray that nothing happens) Besides, it can't be any worse than welding. What I need input on though is what type of forge I should use. I want to stay away from coal due to the smell of the smoke. That leaves me with charcoal and propane as the other options I would consider. I want to build my own forge and have found good plans for both options. For the charcoal, I think I would go with a wash tub style, and for the propane, most likely an empty cylinder lined with kaowool. The pro's I see with the charcoal is the quietness of the forge, as well as the more traditional experience of forging. The con's that I see are the amount of charcoal that would likely be needed, as well as the inability to put it out and cool it quickly at the end of the day. The pro's I see with propane is the relative cleanliness, as well as the ability to turn the heat source off quickly. The con that I see is the noise. I know this has been a long one, so thanks for reading. I value any and all input, particularly from those in a similar situation.