John Galt

I can't post a link to a video here?? This forum format is starting to get on my nerves . . .

Video

My farm business name is Rivendell Farm . . so my forge will be called Rivendell Forge . . .

Hello Folks! Nice forum you have here.  Have spent a few hours here and there reading various topics. Specifically about Hoods, Chimneys, and coal.

I am a retired engineer/tech (telecom and public safety radio systems) living in beautiful Central NY. Hate the politics, love the countryside and the people. Currently looking for part time work . . or to create my own part time work. We are also starting up a small 54 acre farm/retirement homestead in the hills of Oneida County. So I stay pretty busy.

Why Blacksmithing? Simply stated: I have been Hi Tech most of my life. I grew up on a Dairy Farm in NH and now that I am retired I want to go back to those roots, low tech, off-grid capable, more self sufficient. Low Tech. I discovered an interest in the craft about 20 years ago when I went to the Erie Canal Village outside Rome, NY and wandered into the Smithy. I spent the rest of the day there asking questions and watching the Smith work amazing things with his hands, hot steel, and a hammer. I am sure I drove the Smith near to crazy with all my questions. I didstinctly remember being amazed with the Forge Welding process . .  I had no idea that this was possible without modern equipment.

Early this summer I went to a farm auction and picked up an old Buffalo Forge complete with a Buffalo Forge Climax hand crank blower. The forge was piled full of tongs, hammers and assorted chisels, files and random pieces of iron for $100 for the lot. A good start. I spent a week or so restoring the forge and will be firing her for the first time up today.

I have picked up a few more tongs, hammers, punches etc at flea markets in my travels . . mostly for a few bucks each. I also picked up a nice Peter Wright 146 Lb anvil for the ~fair~ price of $300. Just this week I picked up a small post vise with aprox 4" jaws that is complete and works fine. I still am looking for a few Hardy Tools and a Nail and Rivet Heading bar.

When I did a search for coal I came up with two sources here in Central New Yorkistan; Aubuchon Hardware actually keeps Smithing Coal in stock so I grabbed two 50Lb bags, and Dennis Coal & Stove in Fabius has some kind of secret recipe super smithing coal (he will only say he got 10-15 tons a couple years ago out of PA somehere LOL). I will drive down there and grab a few bags of that also. Anyone have any experience with either of these sources?

So here is a few pics of my set up, outdoors under a tent for now . .