Jeremy173

George, you're right, there are always advantages to help balance disadvantages.  I'll definitely share what ends up working for me or any iterations there of  I'll look into a pad like you mentioned.  I've even considered getting some thin sheet metal to shape around my legs.

JHCC I actually bought these for exactly that reason.  Good to know it was the right choice.

Frosty I'm the most worried about dropping a work piece and it falling in my lap.  I think I'm going to try and do most of my work either on the face or off the far side of the anvil.

So, I'm going to revive this one again. I'm not totally wheelchair-bound, but doing any kind of work like this, sitting is a must.  I've done some basic apprentice work manning the fire and holding tools for striking, but not much forging alone.  I like the photo above and intend to try a similar setup.  My biggest fear is having hot metal drop on my legs.  I don't move fast or reliably. Will leathers really give much protection from iron hot enough to weld?