Jeff Bly

Glenn, as I see it, that is very sound advice. I'm guessing what real damage can the water do to the coal? At worst it washes off any ash that is of no use, and once left to dry, it will easily be reuseable. Meanwhile use your last dried out batch, or new, or whatever is at hand.

Now there's a good idea. I've been passing over quite a few claw hammers. That ought to be fun trying to reshape them, and if I get disgusted with them I can turn them into dinner plates or something.

Nice engine hoist Frosty, no wonder why my back aches.:rolleyes:

After a little research and a phone call to them: Garnsey Paul & Son Schuylerville, NY 12871 (518) 695-3346 They're not very far from you at all. They're located on Rte.4. They told me you can't miss them.

So more or less, several different style peens for different types and styles of work would be useful to own?:confused:

So far my anvil and one post vice were free. They belonged to my grandfather and I inherited them. He (although passed away) still has two other post vices in his garage. I figured it would not hurt to own more than one.

Well I'm making headway. Someone in the immediate area has contacted me and has put me on a list to be notified of events. I was told they get together a few times throughout the year. Also there is the Farmers Museum in Cooperstown, NY that has a resident smith. That is not to far from me either. So thank you everyone who insisted I try this person and that person. It is definitely panning out. :cool:

I wonder if they had any types of flux back in the day, like waaaaaay back, or if it was all just hammering?

Rob, I actually have several different wire brushes. I didn't think to mention them, although I see how they can be important. Something else I noticed someone mention was a grinder. I'm guessing that a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder is good enough? I have both 6 and 8 inch bench grinders, but it seems that any large pieces of work would be difficult to manipulate on a bench grider.

Thanks djhammerd. I suppose that makes a bit of sense. LOL, so now, what is considered big and what is considered small as far a post/leg vices go?

Is a welding flux a real necessity at any point? I mean, don't you just heat to color and pound the snot out of it to weld it?

I'm glad I found this thread. I think I knew that pounding on a cold anvil wasn't good, but I never thought to take so much time or care to warm one up before use. I think a magnetic engine heater would be a good addition to my shop. Now, if I can just find one cheap...!:rolleyes:

I have got all my cold chisels and punches, hammers and files at garage/yard sales, CHEAP! I have one post/leg vice. Would it be beneficial to have a 2nd?

Not sure that this is the appropriate place to post this question, but it is definitely the most viewed, so... Who are the smiths in the Albany (Capital District), NY area and where are you located? Now before you all give me links for the New York blacksmith websites, I have been to them and they seem to all be defunct, outdated, not kept up, and just really lacking. I'm just wondering if there are others in my area that I can hook up with and see what they/you do. Don't get me wrong, this is a great forum, but I would like to get face time with people and see a forge in action and talk shop. So please, if you know a smith in my area, could you please put me in contact with them just in case they don't get to this sight to much. It would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks.

Not sure yet. I have really been quite intrigued with ornamental iron work like gates. I love the old look of iron infused with wood like on old doors. Door knockers. I also do a lot of camping, and I think it would be cool to make items that I can take and leave up in my secluded camping area.

I'm a mechanic. Tools are in my blood. My father keeps telling me to set up my own shop. He's a mechanic and machinist himself. I also believe that you can never really have to many tools myself, but which are the right ones to own? I've been buying cold chisels to make for a fit in the hardy hole so I can use them to cut hot metal and to make them into other tools as needed. I understand the basics: hammer, anvil, heat source and tongs. I have many sets of old pliers that I have been considering forge welding long handles onto them to make use of them as tongs. Does that sound practical?

I have a problem. I caught the bug and I am buying all sorts of hammers, files, cold chisels and punches. Is there a general list of tools that I SHOULD have versus what I am buying? Also I have one leg/post vise, and have access to another. Do I ever really "NEED" more than one?

Thank you. This is a good start. Now I just hope I don't burn down my garage. But then again, isn't that what home insurance is for?

I'm impressed! It gives me hope for when I make my first attempt at it.

Who has'em and where can I find'em? :confused: Is there a specific section I should be looking in or someone in particular I should talk to? The more ideas, the better! I was thinking perhaps something out of stone or brick with an overhead style flue. Maybe something that I can access from any and all sides. Thanks.

Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to look around and ask questions as needed.:)

Hi all, I'm from upstate NY, Albany area. I wanted a fulfilling hobby. I like working with fire and this is kind of a lost art, so... I'm looking for people in my area to help me out with learning and getting started in the trade. I already own an anvil, a heavy as all xxxx post/leg vice and many hammers, punches, chisels, files, and grinders. I want to build my own forge in my garage. I hope you are all able to help me jump right in. I am willing to accept all e-mails with all the information you are willing to throw at me. Thanks. Jeff