NMcCartney

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. One big reason I want to get away from electric is because currently I have to run an extension cord from my kitchen and across the backyard to the place I can forge safely, and we have no outside electrical sockets or power in the garage. So that becomes a problem, especially with kids and pets running around. As for the forge build; that’s what I got to work with, lol. I’m looking into getting a welder in the next few months so I can have some more versatility when it comes to modifying stuff but for now it is what it is. I’ll start looking into the blower’s CFM though and see what I can figure out. Thanks everyone. =)

I’m still new to doing this so I apologize if this is a recurring question (but I didn’t come across it on a search of the forum). I’m looking to change my forge from running on an electric blower to a bellows (or possibly hand crank blower) but I’m not sure how large the bellows would have to be to give a good air flow. The tuyere is 3x3 inches. I’m currently using lump charcoal but am considering switching to coal in the future, but that’s not an immediate plan. My concern is that I’ll get a bellows made and end up finding out that the air flow isn’t strong enough to get the fire to a desired temp. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. Also added a pic that hopefully loads to show exactly how its set up.

Hey everyone. A gentleman from my local blacksmithing guild donated a piece of 4140 steel for me to use as my first anvil, but it is needing to be heat treated. This will actually be my first time doing ANY kind of HT and I am wanting to know exactly what I am doing before putting it into a fire. The steel is 4" round diameter, about 12-13" long and I will be using a gas forge. I've posed this question to some other places but you can never have to much advice to draw from.

@dogsoldat, i'll try finding that pdf. i think the book by Price you are talking about is "techniques of medieval armour reproduction" which i have actually. Haven't seen anything about sectioned breastplates but maybe the same rule applies for pauldrons. @frost, i'll look that up as well. Thanks guys. =)

Hey everyone, got a question. I really like this style of breastplate and I am wondering how the lower sections of the torso would be put together to give the ability to bend. I've tried looking for more pics but they're all either from the front or back, not really of the sides and none from the inside. Any thoughts? Its armour for Emperor Ferdinand i.

Hey everyone, I'm Nate and I'm from central Minnesota. Like the majority of you I've always had an interest in learning to blacksmith, and I'm finally at a point where getting equipment and time to do so a bit more possible for me so I am excited to get started. I'm going to do pretty much anything I can to at least get well rounded in the craft but I will mainly be focused on smithing medieval weapons and armor, largely so I can make practice equipment (various armor and sharp/blunted swords) for my other passion of historical fencing. Hopefully I'll see some other HEMA enthusiasts lurking around here with me. ^_^ Happy hammering! -Nate