Vanamburg

Thanks for the heads up smokey, I'll look them up and contact them today, demos and such are exactly what I'm looking for!

Yeah we have a huge supply, actually near a local scrap yard where I'm sure I can find a few pieces. Definitely will talk to the local steel yards about "drops", didn't even think about that, was going to order some off of eBay but that seems like the better option. I'll need to find a reason to wander into a mechanic shop and mingle, actually need to dump my Challenger and go back to an old pickup so that's probably my ticket. By the sounds of it, a great first project is making a punch or chisel.

I've been jumping all around this forum to pretty much figure out where to start, what to avoid, easy beginner projects, and the like. One thing I can't find (even with help from the iforgeiron Google trick) is what metal to start with? By this I mean, I will probably have a smaller, cheaper forge to get going soon, is there a metal that's an easier introduction into the craft, as far as lower temperature, easier to move? I know copper is a low temp metal, but I have read a couple posts about it still being difficult. I doubt that this is the ideal spot to post this but with my account having a mark against it within 2 hours of starting, I feel it's safer to ask here then in the wrong thread till I feel out the layout more.

Light pollution tends to be a real issue for the modern astronomer, partially the reason most my astronomy days are now few and far between. Any kind of letter from NASA pre 2000's is just priceless, a very rare treat to have one with family. I have an individual I work with that has a letter his father passed down from Carl Sagan, as well as some moon rocks, those I'm not sure he's even supposed to own... For the most part, taking a two hour drive in the direction your seeking to observe (away from all major cities) and packing red lights for vision, you can see the milky way bands, have to sit for 30 mins for your eyes to adjust fully. One trip I hear is worth every dime is Chili, not only do we have a series of telescopes down there, but you will see the southern sky, not the northern sky were so used to.

Thomas Powers - That's awesome, and an experience that'll last you a lifetime. Astronomy is possibly one of the most interesting feilds to be in, every year I volunteer at the "Space symposium" which is a huge multi-million dollar event that brings all members of the space feild together for a week. Actually shuts down the most expensive hotel in Colorado, the Broadmoor; very fun experience. I'll have to look into taking a vacation to check out the VLA, have a lot of astronomy trips I plan to make over the next decade or two, including those oversees like New Zealand. Hopefully blacksmithing will be something I can tie into those trips as every place, and everyone, has something to teach. One thing that I noticed is there is no such thing as a "master" blacksmith, there's always something to learn and that's exactly what pulled me into Astronomy.

I do, and I've been going for a few resources, but as with Astronomy, I tend to build a book collection so I can always have the knowledge to draw upon later or share with others. For this I will be doing both, as of right now I have purchased only "The art & craft of the blacksmith" by Robert Thomas. Trying to learn more about the different metal types and how to go about handling each one, focusing more on the types that are more common and likely to be used.

This is reassuring and helpful, a lot of the stuff I believe I can get started with I can easily rig up or buy for less the 90$ overall which is rather cheap. I'll have to check out that book today and head down to the local bookstore or buy online if they don't have it. As I watch more and more on the art of blacksmithing, I'm drawing the conclusion that there's always a way to get something done if you're creative, and most of the tools I see used (punches, chisel's, hammers) are all forged and not bought, which just seems like the way to go anyways.

Just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself after signing up! I reside in Colorado, specifically the springs, and over the last few months have been diving into understanding and observing as much about blacksmithing as I possibly can. I would say this is something I really want to have as a hobby, and something that just prompts a feeling of excitement and interest. I have never forged anything as of yet, really just looking to start but want to head in with as much knowledge as I can. Looking at signing up for some intro classes and the like. Currently coming up on 22 years of age and really need a fun, addicting, trade that I can do in my free time (3-4 days a week). I realize it can be expensive but to start it looks rather affordable for a test run. I do have other interests but there's just nothing out there that's had a natural pull on me like this art, so ready to hit the forums, learn from all of you, and hopefully, in time, start forging!