In 1914 my Great Grandfather Matthew had a blacksmith shop and wagon yard. As a kid remember seeing "funny looking pliers" among the tools my grandfather had. Apparently, he had kept all the blacksmithing tools of his father and did some blacksmithing himself. Unfortunately, kids are not the brightest people and I never had the insight to inquire about those tools or blacksmithing. I just though my grandfather was a carpenter and made the best dog houses on the planet.
The past couple month I've been giving myself more "garage" projects as I spend way too much time in front of a computer. Working on anything mechanical seems to give me peace. While browsing Craigslist for old John Deere Garden tractor parts, I stumbled upon a coal fired forge.
The seller also gave me a spare blower and 2 pair of tongs.
Then last weekend I picked up a 100 lb Trenton for $217. It was a little over 1.5 hrs from home.
It appeared to have been painted as some point - perhaps used as a lawn or porch decoration. These pics were taken after a bit of wire brushing.
Some time this weekend I'll get pics of the few tools which I believe belonged to my grandfather. It would be fantastic to use tools which span 4 generations.
Anyway, I don't expect to immediately start making artwork or turning out swords. An expectation of minor injuries, burns, cursing and possible ER visits would probably be more accurate. Hopefully, I'll have the patience to just tinker, learn and grow.
BTW - I've already been impressed with the great amount of info at this site and I've barely scratched the surface.