Hi Guys, Thought I would introduce myself...
My Name is Fraser, Im 42 and I live in Rosyth, Fife. Scotland. UK. Im currently pulling together my first set of equipment after a long time thinking about it. I was at a local National Trust event where there was a give it a try Blacksmithing. Like I said, I'd been wanting to give it a try for ages and I just loved it. Only made a scroll end bird feeder hook but I left wanting to try more....
Was very tempted to just jump into it but read the forums and web and avoided getting an anvil shaped door stop of Amazon...:) I wrote to Railtrack asking about used rail stock and was pointed towards www.railwayrecycling.co.uk who sell sleepers, aggregate and rail stock. I've asked for a quote for half a meter (18") bull head rail so I guess we'll find out how much that costs....
As for experience, Im current self teaching myself MIG welding as there's no local classes. I've made a few Athamae's ( Non heat treated double edged ritual knives) for Wiccan friends. Basically just cut the shapes out with and angle grinder, shaped with dremel and bench grinder. Hand finished with 15k wet and dry and a buffing wheel.
Ultimate goal is to make a few damascus knives but that's still a ways off...:) Failing that making some local contacts would also be great. I also do book binding, woodcarving, I have regular fights with my 3d printer and I also have a a laser engraver/cutter *almost* finished.. I also make mead and brew beer with a few friends..:)
Any questions don't hesitate to get in touch..