xfootdoc

As a newbi I would like to build my own forge. I've been reading many of the previous topics and this has created several questions. I plan to make the forge about 3' x2' in size. but am confused as to the thickness of the material to use. What thickness would be best. I expect to weld it to a square tube frame. Also is a pot required? I've seen several that appeared flat with a vent hole cut out about 2-3" and others with a rotter or break drum as a pot.What is the advantage of a pot. I have a Champion blower that will be bolted to the pan for air and connected with non galvinized pipe. I was planning two inch lip around pan with cut outs for longer work. Any advice appreciated

Any thoughts as to the weight? I was thinking of one anvil that will last me for quite a while. I guess I was thinking I'd rather grow into the anvil rather than out grow it. Is my thought process faulty?

I'm starting to Collect the items I'll need to start smithing. I plan to take classes when time allows but for now I'll use a book and trial and error. Saw this add for the anvil below. The price seems high at over $4/lb. but the anvil appears in good to very good shape. My questions are 1) If I plan to get one anvil, what weight will serve me the best for the next few years as my skills develop? Is 100 -200 lbs reasonable? 2) Is this fellow overly optimistic on his asking price? I've spoken to him and he is retiring. He seems to take care of his tools from other pictures I've seen. 3) would I be better off getting something like a Euro anvil and swallow the cost and be done with it. Not much else to chose from around here as compared to the mid west and south.Any advise is appreciated........Alan Blacksmith Anvil Knifemaking - $450 Date: 2012-06-26, 8:17AM PDT Reply to[Errors when replying to ads?] Very nice clean 100 lb Trenton anvil. Made around 1942 by the serial # Nice size to move around 23 3/4" long with a 14 " x 3 1/2 " face 9 1/2" tall with a 3/4 " hardie hole. Copyright © 2012 craigslist, inc. terms of use privacy policy feedback forum

As I near the end of a 37 year career as a Podiatrist, teaching foot and ankle surgery I look forward to learning how to make metal "dance " and do my bidding. I have spent some time over the years fabricating/welding and building various objects of metal but have always had a desire to learn blacksmithing. I live in the San Francisco Bay area and would appreciate any advice regarding classes or teachers. I will be willing to travel anywhere and spend as much time as it will take to learn solid basics so that I could then strike out on my own (pardon the pun) to further my knowledge and express any artistic ability I may have. Who has the best classes for beginners? I hope some day to be able to show off some of my work. Thanks............Alan