Blacksmith Jim

I stumbled across this site today: http://lametalsmiths.org/news/head_school_by_darryl_nelson.htm It has a ram, a dragon, a bear and a few other heads..

Welcome keykeeper One question though... Why try and acquire a forge? Why not just build one? Seems like a basic brake drum forge, or something similar, will be relatively easy to construct.

Bear's shop is what introduced me to blacksmithing. I'm usually there most Thursday nights and you are correct, a number of very talented smiths show up to BS on Thursdays. It's a lot of fun. Also, it sounds like you have had good luck! You just had to travel a bit to manifest it. ;)

Jens, Yeah, some rail road track and a propane torch seemed like the quickest way to start banging on metal at home. Then I can slowly build up a shop as I find stuff.. That has been my current plan.

I'm from Eugene, Oregon. I 'spose I should try and update my profile or something I've looked through some of the blue print archives, I'll have to check out the live deal.

Hey folks, I was wondering where people suggest finding a good anvil to start with. I'm guessing I'm going to want a 150-200# London style anvil. A few people have suggested attending some of the hammer-ins, or ABANA or NWBA events. I guess there is a lot of equipment that gets sold there? Anyway, I'm located out in Eugene, Oregon. I've been contemplating posting Anvil Wanted signs out in some of our more rural communities near by. I'm guessing that simply asking around and maybe going to an event are my best bets, but I thought I would solicite advice from you folks. So.. Where is a good place to score my first anvil? Where did you find yours? Thanks! Jim

Howdy Folks, My name's Jim. I just starting hammering on hot metal about 3 or 4 months ago. So far it seems like a lot of fun. I'm already starting to figure out what I need to do to set up a shop at home! It took a while to find any blacksmithing resources online. I'm glad I found this site! Cheers, Jim