Seth O

Thanks for the info guys. I will be using a makeshift kiln from refractory bricks with a benzomatic torch, using MAPP gas as the heat source. So i guess i will just use a cheap oil since i will be using the color, magnet and file test. I will be using a cheap toaster oven and the gas oven from the kitchen. The gas oven can get over 500 F i believe, i could be wrong. Sorry for the bad grammar, i just put commas wherever it looks good lol.

I will be using this steel to make a neck knife for work. The only question i have is, am not sure what kind of knife makers  quenching oil i should get. I know they have several different kinds for example a slow cooling quench oil or a fast quench oil. Would this oil be good http://www.knifemaking.com/product-p/bs101.htm it is Chevron Texaco 70 Quench Oil 1 Gallon.

Premium quality quenching oil designed to provide controlled cooling of steel which is important in steel hardening. When quenching is started, Chevron Quenching Oil 70 provides a high initial cooling rate inducing maximum hardness, yet once the critical transformation temperature is passed, the ideal fluid cooling rate decreases to eliminate the possibility of stresses and metal distortion. This highly stable oil resists the oxidizing affects of quenching and is less sensitive to the effects of agitation. It is highly heat resistant. No additive replacement is required and, in normal service, the product retains the original viscosity indefinitely.

I will have to try the local industrial scrap yard that is near me next weekend.

Thanks for the tip and advice, i needed it.

I am trying to get a hold of the guy now, once i see it, i will determine how low i can start out. I don't want to start to low, it might turn the seller off.

He said it sold instantly for 400 bucks. I just posted another anvil i was looking at, trying to get a hold of the guy now and he only lives 30 minutes from me.

I know i keep posting anvils i want to get, i just want to make sure am getting my monies worth. I found this anvil on Craigslist craigslist link removed   Does this anvil look painted to you? I think 775 bucks is a little high since the top face edges are pretty worn and the pritchel and hardie hole are worn and rounded. I was thinking at starting at 500 bucks and go from there or do you think that's to low of a starting price?

Well i finally got a reply from the guy and it's already sold.

I will be smithing small stuff like leaves, bottle openers, small art stuff for now. Am going to give the guy a call and try to go look at.

What you guys think of this anvil craigslist link removed to get started blacksmithing with, it looks to be in good shape. The guy is asking $400 bucks for it but maybe i get him to bring the price down a little. The anvil is 150lbs, not the heaviest but at least i could get started with it.

Has anyone heard or used Penn Keystone Blacksmith coal from West Virginia? I will link the page here http://www.penncoal.com/wst_page4.html

Thanks for the help. I also wanted to share this link from you tube. I really like the work this guy does and his art work is very similar to stuff i would like to do. I would of course start out with basic stuff but one day, i hope to do art work on his skill level.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QSUuDvz8tE

I have one more question, am lol dumb question, what is the safest way to fire up a gas forge and the safest way to turn it off? Should i get a co2 and carbon monoxide detector? I will be running this outside.

I think am going to try this gas forge build http://www.zoellerforge.com/simplegasforge.html   I might also try to find a extra large mailbox and run 2 or 3 Z burners or side arm burners. One question i have is do i measure the cubic inches With koawool already set in the forge or just the forge without anything in it? I would like to start out with this plan because it seems like something i can do. The only thing that would cost me the most money is a powerful drill. What kind of drills you guys use and what brand name?

Maybe i will try to make one while i save up for a anvil. Does anyone know or have any blueprints or instructions?

I am new to blacksmithing and i had my mind all set on a coal forge from Centaur forge. Now keep in mind i have no tools to build a forge of any king or else i would. I was doing some research on coal vs gas forges and i am reading that gas forge is the way to go. I read all the pros and cons and decided that a gas forge would be better suited for my area. So my question is what company makes good gas forges? I found one company called Diamond backs iron works. Here is the link at the one gas forge i am interested in http://www.diamondbackironworks.com/catalog/item/2754775/4071482.htm what do you guys think.

Haven't got any replies yet from the two people i contacted. i will definitely keep my eyes peeled.

Thanks for the feed back, i will post back on here, if i buy it or not.

I found a 1918 fisher 220lb anvil that's in pretty decent shape it has some chips on it. I would post the link but it's on craiglist and you know how this site is with links. The guy wants $700.00 for it, i am  very tempted to go look at it and buy it. I wish i could post a link to it so you guys could look at it. Well here is the link you can copy and paste it.   http://reading.craigslist.org/tls/5010074296.html

Thanks for all the input, i will definitely everything said here to consideration.

I use to carve wood and do wood work when i was younger. I can't draw for crap. so does mean blacksmith isn't really for people who aren't artistic? I am just wondering what kind of expectation should i expect when first starting? Now i know some people will vary, i mean on a average scale. Some people will just get it and be natural at it. Does blacksmith take a long time to get good at? What would be good projects for a beginner to start out with?

Alright thanks for the input, i will definitely get the heaviest i can afford and choose between the wright, paragon and fisher.

I found this listing on craiglist link removed per site guidelines and was wondering if i could get some help picking one. I am brand new to blacksmithing. I have done some research on brands size and weight. Should i do the hammer test and noise test? Should i get an anvil that is full cast iron or high quality scrap metal forged anvil.Has anyone here dealt  with Peter Wrights, Fishers,Star,Paragon anvils. How will i know they're authentic? Do i look for stampings and numbers? I will be doing medium to heavy black smithing. I plan to make all kinds of different stuff from tools, artwork, knives ect ect.