Dan Zak

I'm heading out shortly looking forward to it.

I mailed my registration in . Really looking forward to the event. I will be there Thur afternoon camping on the fairgrounds hope to meet some of the IFI members . Dan

I would like to get there Wed but I only have so much vac time. Jim I look forward to catching up with you at Black Iron days if I get a chance to stop and visit prior to then I will give you a call. Dan Zak

I am really looking forward to the event. Watching demos and the tailgating as well as meeting more like minded folks. I plan on getting there Thursday pm sometime. I also plan to attend the Black Iron days event at Hartwick Pines in Michigan in August. I am slowly picking up tools and such After having the chance to work and learn from Jim Coke in a beginner intro a few months ago I realize I have so much to learn and the correct tools help a ton. The info that everyone has shared on this thread is appreciated. I hope to meet some of you during the event. Thanks Dan Zak

I am just getting started in smithing and have heard this a very good event to watch demos and talk to smiths and learn. I plan on attending for the first time this year. Can anyone tell me about camping at the fairgrounds. I don't mind camping and are there showers available at the fairgrounds? I am really looking forward to the tailgate sales . I need some more equipment for my shop. I have been looking for 2014 show info and schedule of events times etc but have not found much. Who would I contact to get a schedule? Thanks Dan

Thanks , Frosty you are right on the money. Working with a person such as Jim is huge . The learning curve is shortened a great deal. I am looking forward to more projects and challenges as there will plenty of both. The knowledge and resources on this site and the willingness to help a greenhorn like me is much appreciated. Zeke

I have been working on getting set up to start blacksmithing . It is through this site that I met Jim Coke. I met him and he offered to get started. Well I jumped at the chance and what a great day I had working with Jim. It turns out I live in the same area. I have attached a few pics of the items with Jim's patience and guidance I created for my first attempt. Jim I can't thank you enough.......Zeke

This is the one I was asking the age on in thread from yesterday

Thanks for the info TP

Thought I attached a pic. I will try again and just realized I spelled Budden wrong . Having trouble attaching a pic I will keep trying

I picked up this anvil recently the serial # serial looks like 10020. It's pretty tough to read. I could make out 127 on the side below the name from what I have read on IFI I believe that is the weight. Can anyone tell me when this was made. The edges are in pretty good shape. I also picked up a forge with a buffalo hand crank blower a bucket of coal , hammers and misc tongs and a bunch of misc scrap steel and two vices all from the same guy. I just need to get my shop set up now and start heating iron and see where it takes me.

Frosty, Thanks for the welcome. Being new to smithing and such I thought I would have to travel long distances to find some guidance and classes but as I do more research it turns out there are a number of talented folks in the area. And sites like IFI with people with common interests sharing info hopefully will help me learn that much quicker Zeke

JMC, I looked at some of your work on your website . I like the damascus knives you are making. I get to Alabama about once a year on a fishing trip so on my next trip I will see if I can stop by and shoot the breeze with you. Thanks Zeke

Jim Coke. Thanks for the generous offer. I did go Black Iron Days and signed up with MABA . I sent you a PM Thanks Zeke

I am just getting started in blacksmithing and forging. I'm building my first forge right now . I am using a piece of railroad rail for a anvil until I find one . I have good size area in my barn to set up shop. I have been cruising some of the forums and taking in info . It great to see everyone sharing their knowledge and tips . My goal is to make some ornamental pieces and possibly get in to making knives and hatchets . I guess I will let the iron show me what creative path to follow. Make the sparks fly Zeke