Newtotheforge

Are their any smiths in Jackson WY? Or the surrounding area? Maybe knowing a close friend Butch?

10 hours ago, Newtotheforge said:

I am completely new to smithing, (is that the correct term?) anyway, I was wondering a way to practice without a forge or heat source. I was thinking making a tight packed aluminum mild of some sort and using this for hammering. My mom has a kiln that she doesn't use anymore, but she will never let me use this. I have a soldering iron, could this help somehow?

G

29 minutes ago, Charles R. Stevens said:

It can, but it is probably to big (a 6" pot) so the addition of sand, clay or a combination of the two is advisable. 

Even if you don't live in the woods, construction scrap and other sources make good forge fuel.

charcoal is certainly easier to work with but something like the Lively washtub forge works ok with raw wood, the best way is to have a fire place of sorts to burn a nice fire and take coals out.to forge, like you would a cooking fire. 

Thank you! That is some great info, the wood here is extremely hot burning because it is a resin rich spruce

I live in an extremely small town, and the only blacksmiths are professionals that do private apprenticeships

I have an old, extremely heat resistant clay pot. I need to know if this can be made into a wood forge, strictly wood, I live in a heavily wooded area in western WY and this is the only fuel that is free. I do not have a propane torch. Can this flower pot be turned to a makeshift forge? Or would I have better luck digging a pit fire?

I am completely new to smithing, (is that the correct term?) anyway, I was wondering a way to practice without a forge or heat source. I was thinking making a tight packed aluminum mild of some sort and using this for hammering. My mom has a kiln that she doesn't use anymore, but she will never let me use this. I have a soldering iron, could this help somehow?

The Kiln reaches 1700' so it wouldn't be of much use anyway