tech413

Yeah, I figure I'll be buying more. The guy I bought it from is an aniques dealer that specializes in tools and I left him my phone number:o. I'm sure I'll be getting some calls.:D

GS tongs has lots of tongs and will make any one you want. His prices aren't bad and shipping is reasonable

Yeah, I thought it was pretty good. I got some new hammers for my birthday too!

Today I picked up a 160# Vulcan! This is the first "real" anvil that I have bought. I paid $325 CDN for it (like $7US ) with the block that its on, I don't think it was a bad deal. Its got great rebound, the face and edges are in great shape. I can't wait to start beating steel on it tomorrow! Let me know what you guys think. Here are the pics.

Corn eh??? hmmmm..... being on the farm I have access to TONS of it, I might have to try it out. Thanks!

Wow, thats a beautiful knife! Nice work as always.

I worked on the lister diesels in forklifts for some years. They are a resiliant motor, forklift left outside for a year started fine with new fuel and a battery, DON'T SCRAP IT!! Someone will buy the engine, even if it doesn't turn, it can be freed up.

I also like the warm welcome here so far, this is one of the most helpful forums I've been on to date!

Too bad its not closer to me, I really need to find some of that stuff, but thanks for the info!

Sorry to hear that. Loosing a friend is hard.

Thats quite the move, Arkansas to Finland, WOW!

What did you sell?

Wow! You do some amazing work!!

I'm using a short piece of old railroad track for now, seems ok.

That is a very nice piece, how long does it take you to make something like that?

My login is my work ID, I'm a truck mechanic (technician) and employee 413. hence "tech413" not too exciting

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I think I will definitely move the drier like you said Frosty, it's impossible to regulate the flow of air right now.
GOATMAN, thanks for the link. I plan on doing something different with the table later, this was just a quick deal so I could get started.
I was looking for a real blower, but didn't want to wait and order one, I'll use the hair drier for now and spend my money on an anvil, hammers and stock for the time being.

Here's the pics of the first fire (charcoal). I really need to find some coal, charcoal burns way too fast.
And some of my first forging experience, just hammering some rebar with my makeshift anvil.

I built my first forge today and fired it for the first time. It seems to work real good, but then again this is my first time forging at all, let me know what you think.
I used a 12" brake drum, hair drier, 2" black pipe and fittings, 3/16 plate steel, and an old table saw sand. Heres the pics of the forge.

Thats an impressive shine, I hope to make something like that one day! NICE!

Hey all, figured I'd introduce myself. I'm from Windsor, Ontario, Canada and a diesel mechanic by trade. I've been looking for a new hobbie that is different and could possibly help pay for itself. I'm looking into taking a some smithing coarses a few hours from home to get started. I was wondering what kind of suggestions you guys have for someone just starting out.
I want to get in to bladesmithing eventually but I have to start with the basics. Basically just wanted to say hi!