Ben Bell

No problem

Hi Thief venting the fumes properly is very important, have a look here http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/170-chimneys-hoods-and-stacks/ there is a good post on sizes by Glenn (at top of the threads) and I'm sure there will be a post that somewhat matches your criteria if it isn't in there. Re your base inside your shed, I would consider using "mot type 1 aggregate" whacker plated down and then concrete the for surface (hire a whacker, cement mixer and a spirit level if you don't have one) make it slightly larger than the shed frame ( so you know the frame of the shed will be level when you build it, also consider a damp proof course). I would also plan to add a say 1m /1.5m wide gentle ramp from ground level to the base level, so you can easily get stuff in and out. (also IMHO tamp the base down with the edge of a length of timber leaving a slightly rippled surface rather than smoothing it out, esp if the pole shed is open to the elements). It may cost more and upset your parents (they can always park their cars on it once you move out ) but it will be a lot easier to work on, pick up dropped items, set up your equipment/ tables/ cupboards etc.. gl Ben ( btw I'm not a builder and there's loads of help on quality builders merchant sites and YouTube....but always have a "buyer beware attitude for youtubers and watch at least 5 videos before deciding how to do it)

Totally agree with the above comments, I learned a lot in just a few hours and having professional blacksmiths there to show you how, when and why is invaluable.

Just to say thank you to John B for the kind invite and especially to Ray for the excellent tuition, with his help I was able to make the best hook of the day! ( Perhaps this was because as the only noob, I was the only one making a hook , Lloyd and Gabe were making tongues) All the members were very helpful and welcoming, making it a very enjoyable day that I would recommend to all. Hoping to do the 3 day course soon Cheers Gents Ben

If I put the bacon butty like "a carrot on a stick" she will keep going come what may... and thanks for the hello Dave, and hope to say hello in person on Saturday

Cheers, all things being equal I hope to see you there... And Frosty to sledge or to dig, hmmm I could always tie my American Bulldog to my daughters plastic sled, flask of coffee and a bacon sandwich.... you never know

Thanks Iron Dwarf, its only about an hour away so sounds good, I looked for your name in the traders section on their website, saw Dave listed but not Iron Dwarf, do you have another trading name? cheers Ben

Sorry the table didn't show in the above post ( formatting issues which I can't figure out ) however the table is available at the link above and details set out below just in case the link changes.... Clear lens: technology approved for permanent wear and certified with perfect optical quality with anti-fog and antiscratch coatings. 99.9% UVA/UVB protection. Available in acetate (filters 99.9% UVA/UVB, 10% IR), transmits 92% of all visible light. Yellow comfort lens: technology approved for permanent wear and certified with perfect optical quality, it is designed and used in case of low light situations improving contrast. With anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings. 99.9% UVA/UVB protection. Smoke lens: technology approved for permanent wear and certified with perfect optical quality, it is designed and used for excellent protection against UVA/UVB and solar radiation. 99.9% UVA/UVB protection. Blue flash lens: filters 99.9% UVA/UVB, 90% visible light and 47% IR. Red flash lens: filters 99.9% UVA/UVB, 87% visible light and 60% IR. Welding shade 1.7: filters 99.9% UVA/UVB, 54% visible light and 95% IR. Welding shade 3: filters 99.9% UVA/UVB, 54% visible light and 97% IR. Welding shade 5: filters 99.9% UVA/UVB, 95% visible light and 99.9% IR. Available in toughened glass (filters 99.9% UVA/UVB, 98% visible light and 99.9% IR). IR: filters 99.9% UVA/UVB, 53% visible light and 99% IR as you can see some have no or limited Ir protection and sorry about the length of the 2 posts....

Hi All Being new I appreciate all the advice about safety glasses esp the need for different protection for different jobs, especially ir protection not just uv. I don't wish to sound rude but some of the previous posts seem to be based on a "well I hope they work...Better than none approach" I thought it might be useful to show a chart outlining just how different the protection can be in the different spectrums, even from the same brand. This info chart below is from Bolle Safety glasses (a world leader in safety glasses perhaps better known in Europe.... polycarbonate, 45m/s Impact Protection etc etc) (I have no interest in the firm and hope it's ok to post this on the forum, I did a forum search to see if it was against the rules but couldn't find anything, but sorry if it is and will remove if it is an issue) their website link to the data is http://www.bolle-safety.com/lenses-and-uses I have used the basic clear ones for home diy (Electric tools etc) costing approx £2.00 and they fit well and a couple of times "stuff" has bounced off them and I use the polarised ones on my boat because if they go for an unathorised swim It doesn't ruin the whole day. The "welding 1.7 / Ir" ones which seem to be ideal for forge welding (as they allow more visable light) are about £12.00 / $15.00 in uk shops I feel that our eyes are possibly our second most important organ (you know the most important one ) and at this sort of cost I feel that it's just not worth hoping. I hope this is helpful Ben

Thanks for the warm welcome gents! John, thank you for the invitation, I have already had a good read of the informative BMASW group posts and had a look at your website and will call you today about attending tomorrow, again thank you Theif, thank you for the welcome and congrats on your anvil, I need to get a ball bearing and start the Thomas Powers ask about technique (btw if you start to find anvils coming out of your ears now that you have one, please pm me if there are any spare). and Frosty last but by no means least thank you for your kind invitation (xxxx that pond and the 4000 mile cross country stretch!) and for sharing your experience and insights, very helpful.

Hello Everyone I have no blacksmithing experience, but I have always been impressed by the art and skill of those that manipulate a lump of metal into something of purpose and beauty. My aim is to become a full time blacksmith and I appreciate the insights and advice that you have given on these forums and hope that with your kind help I can make a success of it. Best Ben