LordWard

@ Phil, yeah all the other home made brake drum forges look like they have a 4-6" ash dump as well... I guess I was just trying to save a little coin buying the 2". I swing by ACE Hardware some time today and grab a 6" one. @ David, I purchased a "Black Smithing Hammer" from ACE Hardware. I do not have it near me Im not at my house but It did have "rings"(rings started on the very edge and got smaller and smaller into the middle) on the hammer part. and it was NOT perfectly flat. slightly rounded... I was guessing that it was supposed to be like that as it said "blacksmithing Hammer" on it lol @Nathan Hall, yeah I got my book from Amazon, its still being shipped Im stoked to read it. But I have to juggle it between my 7 books I have assigned to me from college... ASU =/ But Ill find the time! Just waiting on 1. RR Spikes being shipped 2. coke being shipped 3. Book getting shipped. Then Ill be following your lead Nathan no doubt in utterly destroying some RR spikes in my backyard!

Hey guys, jsut bought everything for forge. (brake drum forge) had a quick questions, all the other ones I seen have longer pipes then mine. I got black Iron Tee joint connected to (top where Brakedrum sits on Flang) 2" nipple (side where blow dryer goes) 4" nipple (bottom where ash falls connected to cap) 2" Are these lenghts okay? Also is $7.00 + S&H $14.95 so 22 bucks a good deal for '1/2 CUBIC FOOT 12X12X5 1/2 OF METALURGICAL GRADE COKE' off eBay?

@ Phil Krankowski and jeremy k Thanks on the measurements and ideas, Ill pick up a 100# bag tonight! Also @ Phil Krankowski Thanks for the advice on what to make. Ima do some reading on the items! @ThomasPowers Im taking a little visit to some junk yards this week end mainly looking for some col/leaf springs to start fooling around with. (also my Drum for my forge) You guys are awesome! Thanks so many questions answered and even more answers then I thought I was ganna get! :lol:

Yeah I was talking to some people last night in the chat after I had posted and I have been "persuaded" to start working on knives first as some of you have suggested. . I was looking through the forums and Rail Road Spikes seem to be a good start? Also I have talked to a Blacksmith in my area today I found from Abana and he pointed me in the right direction of where to get my products (coal, coke, steel). And @ MattBower That video is a life saver, I honestly didnt think something like that could happen... HONESTLY... But I will be asembling my forge in the next few days Ill post some pics. Also at BlissStreet How much coal do you think is needed for a few tries at rail road knives? Thank you guys for the feedback!

Epic blades. Gatta be ready for them zombies! Great video!

Nice sword! The handle looks great!

Hi all! I really cant call myself a sword-smith yet but I have just purchased everything and will be making my first sword in 11 days and counting! Very excited! Im sure Ill be on the forums asking a ton of questions! lol

Hey Guys just joined I Forge and already have some questions. I have been very, VERY interested in forging swords for a long time. I have recently just purchased first anvil (11" railroad track) , Forge hammer, pliers, forge(grill with shop vac rigged), 25lbs coal, gloves, eye protection and "The Complete Bladsmith: Forging Your Way To Perfection" Just missing one thing... The steel blank... =/ What steel is best to buy and where can I buy it? I found Tool Steel O1 (Oil Hardening) Flat Stock, Ground, 3/16" Thick, 1-1/4" Width, 18" Length on Amazon.com Is this acceptable steel to use? What is a good size blank to purchase for swordsmithing? What should the thickness and width be? Very excited to hear back from some people who have some more knowledge on the subject! Sorry so long!