TomN

That deal on the start up kit was sold to someone ekse the day i called him. Back to the drawing board for finding an anvil and forge.

I was thinking that I could manage the fire risk in the garage, by having a bucket of sand with me at all times, as well as a water fire extinguisher. If I could find others in the Oxfordshire area that were forging too, a joint premesis would be brilliant. We could all learn from each other as well and help each other. That might be a bit down the road though..... Think I will try and go look at this forge and anvil and set of tools after the course, next Saturday. Would rather not have to make the journey down there and back twice!

Sorry for the double post guys, but i've got quite an important question. Where am I going to be able to do some forging work, when at home? I live in a built up, residential area. I have a small back garden, but I don't think my neighbours will be happy with me hammering metal all the time. Let alone the smell of the forge. I could try and do it in my garage, but there are similar problems there. Plus if I burn it down, I won't be insured, as I am living in a rented property at the moment. Anyone got any bright ideas?

Thanks for all the info guys! John B has possibly found me a good deal on a forge and anvil. Just need to convince the wife to let me buy it now. Wish me luck! haha.

Ok, added my location to my profile now. Might have found a deal for an anvil, forge and a few tools. well John B found it for me and i'm very grateful. ~£450 for an anvil, forge and tools. Will give the guy a call in a while. See if I can go visit and have a look.

Hi everyone. I'm very new to forging. In fact i'm going for my first course next weekend. Hoping I enjoy it and if I do I will start up smithing regularly as a hobby and hopefully on into business if I get good and experienced enough. I've asked in the forges forum about a start up forge and i'd also like to know what would be a good start up forge, and where to get the basic tools? I'd like to get as much info on these things, so I can start costing everything up and get onto working! So what would work for me as a basic anvil, and what sort of cost? Also where are the best places to buy, or look for potential anvils? I guess when I go to look at one, i'm looking for a nice smooth surface on top and no obvious damage or bad rusting. I'm sure i've seen buyers testing anvils for a nice rebound off of a hammer too. Any advice is gratefully accepted! Cheers, Tom PS - Forgot to mention that i'm in Oxfordshire, in England!

Hi all. I'm just starting out and have booked myself on a days beginners course with the blacksmith guild, for saturday the 17th. Hopefully i'm going to really enjoy the course and have a natural apptitude for the work. If I do, I am going to want to practice! I will need to make a small and mobile forge, that can be used in my back garden and then wheeled away, probably to my garage. Sadly I can't weld, so can't make one totaly from scratch. I'm willing to put a lot of effort in though and will start looking to source parts asap. Does anyone have any tips, or advice on how to make a simple forge for me? All help appreciated. In terms of fire safety, would it be advisable to have a bucket of sand and a water fire extinguiser near when forging? Thanks! TomN

I guessed that was the problem. I can deal with customers I think, and could make my own website, so thats got to help. I'm sure there are plenty of shops round here that could sell things I make, but I guess i'd need to do some detailed market research on it, to make sure i'm getting into the right markets. I've got some ideas already. Now I need to learn the skills, practice and get set up. Thanks for all the help guys. Much appreciated!

Thanks a lot Mick, I shall look them up! Managed to read through all of The Blacksmiths Craft last night. Looking forward to having a go at the techniques now! Would I be able to set up a forge in my garage? Baring in mind that it is a rented house! Plus I have my gym in there at the moment as well.

Just sat in bed now reading The Blacksmith Craft. Beth - You are quite close indeed and I have been to Cheltenham many times, as my wife used to go to uni there. She might go and visit the town, as I come and see you. Need to talk to her about it though. Thanks for all the help! JohnB - So could I possibly earn around the £25K mark in a year, if I got myself set up well? Just wondering, as i'm currently trying to draw up a sort of 1 year and 5 year plan for myself.

September 17th, i'm going on the blacksmith guild, one daqy basic course! Can't wait. Really quite excited by these new possabilities arrising. Beth - Where abouts in Glos are you? I live in Witney in Oxfordhsire, which is in the west of the county, so on the right side for a visit. Wife permitting of course! Time to download some of those books and get reading I think!

Thanks for the info and links guys. Much appreciated! I checked up on blacksmiths guild and all there courses for the rest of the year for beginners are booked up. I think i've decided to stick in science for a while and start off blacksmithing as a hobby until i've gained enough skills where I could either get a job, or start off my own business. I'm not a money driven person, and as long as I can earn around what I am now, which is less than £25K I will be happy. To this end, could you guys let me know of any other courses I could attend? I would also like to know what would be good to get as a set of kit to start with and also what books or online material would be worth reading for me? Thanks a lot for your help. It is much appreciated! Beth - Your presumably not too far away from me, being in the next county along. If you want a helper one day, then i'd be happy to help, as long as i'm learning something.

Greetings all. I'm a Scientist from Oxfordshire in the UK, and looking to get out of science and into a career I will enjoy. I would love to become a blacksmith, as its something i've always liked the sound of doing. I'd consider it a 'real mans job'. I love making things with my hands and working mainly alone, so the work would be perfect for me. My other choice is to go into forrestry work, or tree surgery. My main concern is whether I will be able to make a career out of blacksmithing work, as my wife doesn't earn a lot and I need to be the main bread winner for the family. Luckily I have no kids at the moment and no mortgage, so if I am going to change my career I have to do it soon (just turned 30). I was wondering if it would be possible to start up as a blacksmith, either working for someone, or starting as a total newbie, with no prior experience, but a lot of enthusiasm? I'm physically fit and relatively strong, being a weighlifting rugby player so I think I would be able to deal with the stresses of the job. Any advice people can give me on the job, i'd be very appreciative! Advice on topics such as books to read, making a career out of forgery, ways to diversify if I took it up, general tips and advice. Any and all help basically! Hah. Sorry for the long read guys. Look forward to some replies! Cheers, Tom