SteveW

If I did this right it should take you to some pictures of the day...

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to John for arranging this event.

Day one was taken up with some interesting and informative demonstrations while day two was a chance to practice some of the things demoed and have a play in the forge.

Thanks to everyone who took part and made the event such a success. Once I get my head around this photo posting thing, I

Funny, one of the reasons I'm so exited is because I'll be getting away from the family for two days

Maybe if this one goes well, we can persuade John to make it an annual event

shame but i won't be able to make it down there, family are coming down from london on saturday, ahh well maybe next time

Hummmm....I've never been able to get my head around the split cross that keeps being shown and maybe some flowers?, but I'm still green enough to be delighted with almost anything. :)

Looking forward to it..:D

is it full time :D

The problem is invariably Postage or the lack of postage. I live in Cornwall and I've seen many an E-bay bargain ruined by the shear logistics of going to fetch it. A .99p vice ain't much of a deal when you factor in a six hour round trip drive and

I'd be looking for a big leaf spring and a draw knife tutorial...then scale-up
One went on Ebay uk just the other day

Minty Clog Makers Bench Shave - eBay (end time 02-May-09 20:00:00 BST)

Hi again, no sign of a mail from you John, I have sent you my e-mail addy by PM, but if there is something wrong with the system then you may not have it. Let me know if you get it please.

Thanks John, I'll keep an eye out for the mail coming through, Now all I have to do is sweet talk "she who keeps me in penury"

Hi Steve, email sent to you

All items available unless portable forge has been already sold, if not it will be at the Devon County Show looking for a good home.

Thanks for the link Matt, I'll have a look at the German site.
Vaughan's site makes my teeth ache, every time my jaw hits the floor when I look at the prices:)

You are right of course, I could make one, rather then buy, that way I could even have a wet Tue....hummmmmmmmm

Steve, Vaughan's have hand-crank blowers and portable forges in their catalogue, but get ready for 'sticker shock'. Angele (German) has a hand-cranker also, a more reasonable price: - ANGELE Schmiedetechnik - ANGELE-SHOP

Most modern portable forges can be built by hand, to a greater satisfaction and lower material cost than buying one.

The dates sound OK to me John, but as I said I'm flexible given a bit of notice.

Did I imagine it or did you mention that there may be a tool sale at Westpoint at some time, I'm on the lookout for some bits to make my life easier. Tongs and a lightweight leg vice for a start.

If anyone knows of a 3.5 inch vice going cheap and a few tongs I'd be a happy bunny. One last thing, I'm looking for a mobile forge with a hand crank so I can forge outside till I get a workshop. E-bay is one possible answer, but the forges all seem to be in the outer hebrides when I'm looking. Failing that I'll have to go stone age and dig a pit in the lawn.:)

I thought I'd give this a quick bump and see if we had any dates fixed, or suggested for the event. Is everyone still keen to have a go?

Re days, I'm up for a weekend 2 day'er , but any day is fine with a bit of notice

Hello Zarc

You don't say how old you are, but as you are looking for an apprenticeship I imagine you're quit young still. You may find you are able to get yourself on a collage course or the Hereford course already mentioned, either way good luck with it. I'm trying to find some work in the forge myself at the moment and know how hard it is, but with some determination and a good dollop of luck good things may happen.

Steve.

Back to basics, one hammer, one anvil, one pair of tongs and a forge. Ignore all the other kit youve got. heat the metal, watch and smell the fire, See what happens when the fog of modern day life starts to lift a little as the metal is laid on the anvil....

You might be suffering performance anxiety, youve got all the kit, and therefore no excuses. back to basics might help the fire burn a little brighter.

Many thanks for the info guys, I'm glad I didn't order both together now I'm surprised the publisher didn't send her a copy, but I'll see what I can do.

thanks again chaps!

Hiya Glenn,

I read the thread a little while ago and everyone seems to recommend "The Backyard Blacksmith" but, and I probably didn't make it quite clear, what I need to know is, is "The Complete Blacksmith" the same book under a different title? Is it significantly different to the first book to make it worth getting in its own right or is it basically the same thing? :)

Chaps, I have been thinking of picking up a book or two on the gentle art of iron walloping and have heard good things about a book by this lady called "The Backyard Blacksmith" I have also seen a book by the same lady called "The complete Blacksmith" but can't find much info on it. Is it much the same book? is it worth getting alongside the "Backyard" book or instead of it? anyone have both?


All info gratefully received...

Hiya,

South West here too, North Cornwall to be precise. the forge looks good, much better than my first effort

Have fun.

Steve.

If no one has already mention it, try your library service for a few good books on the subject it only costs about .50p to order a book from your own area and they have most of the basic information you will need to get going. Remember to search for other key words like wrought iron, and forge not just blacksmith.

I picked up 2 of these Blacksmiths hammers a few weeks ago for 2.99 each +

Youtube link of a chap forging bevels on a wet anvil.

YouTube - katana_forge_bevels.mpg

I'll be up for the day. I may even be allowed to do it without the kids in tow..

Then again, maybe not...

Shame you'll miss it Dave, it would have been nice to meet a fellow BBer...

I would be up for it John, put me down as a possible maybe :)

Hello matey

I'm just in the process of looking into that course myself at PCAD are you doing the full time course or the part time one? I wouldn't mind having a chat with you about the course and collage one day if you have the time I'll PM you my number if that's OK.

Steve.