DWyatt

Thanks for the tips. I used 1/2" square stock. I didn't even think about upsetting first. Ill try that on the next one and get a little more material there.

Managed to make my first set of tongs. I am pretty happy with them. I did end up with a small cold shut on one of the jaws but Ill use them till they give up. Think this is my 5th project, still working on all my forge tools. Having a blast!

Thanks Vaughn, although I think I need to adjust it. Its just not restricting enough I don't think. Also decided I need some sort of chimney set up cause the way my shed is designed the smoke just hangs in your face. So I decided to fashion a super sucker style but do to lack of a welder at the moment its a tad different, although seems functional now. Its only 8 inches because I didn't want to put more money into it at the moment since I am moving next year. I did find HVAC shop that had 10 inch tubing for pennies on the dollar but its galvanized and I didn't want to risk that. If you see any issues or have some suggestions with it please let me know, Im always looking to improve.

Very nice Cajun66

Have to agree with njanvilman about the heel.

Brian, There seems to be some good workable area on the face and table but the horn might present some issues if you are trying to so some scrolling. Doesn't seem to be a hardy hole either, which I have already found to be very useful in my short time doing this. If it had a hardy hole I would consider getting it as a striking anvil. You could get a good welder to dress some of it up but that's going to be more money into it. I'm by no means a "experienced" person on this yet but that's my opinion from what I have been taught so far. It all comes down to what "you" feel comfortable with and want to spend your money on in the long run. If you do get it, make sure to run a good ball bearing test on it or hammer test. Make sure rebound is decent and be weary of thud sounds when tapping around the face. Thuds don't "always" mean there's something wrong but a good sign sometimes that the face is separating from the body or other issues. Me personally, I would pass on that one for that price. I think for that kind of money you might be able to find yourself a good 150# with a little better features. I'm sure some more experienced folks will add to this. Wyatt

I bought a pair of transition saftey glasses for my job. They change shades from clear to light tinted based on light outside and have proven to be the best for forging as well. They were 100 bucks but I couldnt be happier with them. Mine are similar to these but Peltors brand. http://www.rangerjoes.com/Revision-Sunglasses-Hellfly-with-Photochromic-Lenses-P3833C426.aspx

Finally got this thing done.

Had a great time today and learned a lot! Jerry and I worked on a hot cut hardy for most of the morning. Later Tim showed me a few valuable tricks for making some tongs. Bill made a very cool snail. Josh made quite a few small items that were interesting to see and Ronnie worked on some 1/2 twisted stock with a couple other members. There was a pretty good turn out and I feel very fortunate to have met Jerry and everyone in the Phenix City branch. Look forward to future endeavors!

I miss striper/salmon fishin there :( Welcome to the group!

Great topic. I want to mess around with these for my first projects. Please post pics and ideas :)

Ivan, while I agree with most of the concerns of others here I have to applaud your adventurism! How many people think about doing something as abnormal as forging in a igloo. Creativity!

Talked to the scrapper and seems they pay a hefty penny for them. I just need to get it there. They hooked me up with a brake rotor and some other scraps so I can start building my forge. Got 1/2 plate steel for the hearth....over kill I think but that's all I could find.

Thanks Elemental! Im just gonna call the scrap yard. Not worth it although I really like the Fire Bowls John posted. Thanks all that posted.

I really like those fire bowls! Need a plasma cutter....

Eddie, I don't have a lot of experience in this yet but that sparked a great idea for me as well. I was just looking at these and they're a little out of my price range atm so I appreciate the pics. I might try to do something like this in the near future. Good luck with it and please post your end results.

Thanks all. I'm gonna give the scrap yard a call I think. See if I can get a good trade on a bunch of flat stock and round stock. Thought about putting it up on craigslist too but I think it would need some work with adding new gauge/valves. The ends would be nice though for other projects..... At any rate thanks for the input.

Thanks JM. The only reason I'm considering it is because it has been sitting out there for 10 plus years and the valves have been off. Unless I am missing something and they can retain combustion for a extended period. Perhaps I just work out a deal with the scrap yard owner and see if we can trade some steel.

Hey all, Did a quick search and didn't come up with much, so thought I would throw this question out there. I have a 500 gallon propane tank that has been sitting on my property for a long time. It has paint on it and next to no rust. I haven't cut into it yet because I am trying to decide on what to do with it. It seems to be very thick steel but not 100% sure. Has anyone messed with using a propane tank like that as stock or should I just get the scrap steel place to come haul it off? Any thoughts on whether its worth cutting up and forging or just scrap it? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks! DW

Thanks JM. I actually started the TPAAA that Iron Dwarf mentioned a couple days ago and may have landed a free 55#er. Small but that was just two days. Ill keep hunting, found a 150# at a antique store on the way home but they wanted 425 for it and the edges were pretty beat up so I passed. Im certain Ill find something in a week or two.

There is a some truly amazing work listed on that! Maybe Ill get the chance to attend it!

Hello everyone, Ive been lurking around the forums for a few days and even had the pleasure to talk to a few of you. I thought I would introduce myself. I currently live in Georgia (although the military pushes me around the world alot) and have decided to give blacksmithing a try. I have wanted to do this for quite sometime but other things have taken precidence (kids and my job) in the recent years and I am finally at a point to give it a go. I took the advice that Ted gave me and contacted the local Blacksmithing Guild here and looks like there is a fella that teaches in his shop not to far from me so thats a blessing. I was prepared to run down a ton of rabbit holes learning the hard way but this will definatly save me some time and pain. I had no idea that anvils were made of gold so I put my brick forge idea to rest for a bit to pick up a decent chunck of steel once I find one. In the mean time I will be building Glens 55 Forge! Just barly scratching the surface on this site and should be getting backyard blacksmithing in the mail soon but there is an overwhelming amount of info here. Look forward to talking with you all more and cant wait to get on the road to blacksmithing! Wyatt