oddtodd

Hi All!

Well I am the new blacksmith at my local historical museum. Only problem is, the forge hasn't been used since 1997 and the only thing I have as far as tools go is 3 anvils,  one of which is so dead you couldn't bounce a spring off of it, a blue million tongs, and one single solitary four pound hammer. I dug that out of the garbage with a broken handle, found an old framing hammer handle, and shaved it down and wedged it to fit. No files, chisels, punches etc. Nothing. I do have a flatter I need to make a handle for though.

My question is this: Are these purchases enough to get me started for school groups showing some blacksmithing?

Hammers

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/hammers/5-piece-ball-pein-hammer/p-1690668-c-9143.htm

Chisels and punches

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/chisels-files-punches/5-pc-punch-and-chisel-kit/p-1773302-c-9122.htm

I don't even know where to start. I did school tours for 3 hours yesterday and my forearms feel like they are going to burst. I know the 4 lb is way too heavy, but I don't know what to buy. I just needs something NOW. I have more tours next week, and I literally have 2 tours a weekday for the next month.

As my budget increases I will buy better tools as I know what I need. But since these are going to be my personal tools and not the museum's, I don't want to waste money. I know the hammers and chisels are cheap, but I just need them for a month or two.

I do have a little experience working metal. My grandpa was a farrier and I helped him out when I was 16. I do at least know how to light the forge and get a good hot working heat going. I also know how to cook coke.

See, here's the thing. I am disabled with a mental illness.  Iraq really screwed me up.I am finally coming back with the new meds they have now and I want a real job. But it's been 7 years. Nobody will even give me an interview, not even wal-mart. I figure if I do this and facilities upkeep for a year,and do a good job, I will have a good reference. I may even keep doing the tours because i really enjoy talking to the kids. I love working with metal and wood, and I will even help build the new displays they have at the museum.

I just need good advice and with what I have read here I know I will get it. Thanks in advance!

OddTodd Out

Hey everybody! My name is Todd. I am the new blacksmith for the Wayne County Historical Museum in Richmond, IN. I'm kind of learning as I go. I know some metalworking from being in heating and air, but I mostly do demonstrations for school children and tour groups. I did one today that lasted for 3 hours. It was my first one. I made a bolt eye and a holdfast for my anvil. I am going to try to make a pot hanger next.

I am still finding my way around the site, so if I ask some stupid questions, please don't be harsh. I'm learning this computer thing too. I hope to learn a lot of things here and make some friends. Have a good one!