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On ‎8‎/‎2‎/‎2018 at 7:33 PM, JohnnyD13 said:

Hello everyone.... 

My name is John Luminiello.  I am 43 and located in central Jersey.  Just wanted to say that I love this site and over the past year I have read through all of the threads that pertained to my interests. Just got around to finally joining thesite.

I am a professional firefighter/EMT (24 years) and Plumber (20 years) on my off days. In my spare time I stick/mig weld and fabricate steel (strictly the go to guy backyard mechanic), hunt and fish. I am married and have an 11 year old son.

For over a decade I have been wanting to try bladesmithing doing all the research I can because everybody I know just does stock removal by me. I guess it's not real popular here in the northeast until you go further into Pennsylvania. I personally have a minut amount of experience. Like I said above I have been swarming all of the threads and I am sure I will have a bunch of questions later on.

I am (RE)building my forge as we speak. Originally made it with 2 Venturi burners but once I saw John E's ribbon burner plans and Frosty's NARB I guess you can say it really peaked my interest. I really respect all the hours of testing and tuning you guys did to make a ribbon burner possible for the little guy. I'm in the process right now building a ribbon burner and forge. I have a few ideas that I wanted to test out to see if it makes a difference on the air fuel mixture and flame distribution. I'm just a noob with a few ideas I wanted to try because of my background. If for some miracle I come up with something and don't waste my time and steel I will let you know.

Thanks again for the opportunity to join this site. Thanks to all the seasoned senior guys here offering their trials and tribulations to the new guys. 

John

John,

I am also in Central NJ (Somerset) and have spent over 25 years as EMT and FF.  Did you ever get your forge up and running again?  I have a small 2 burner propane one and I am learning as I go when time permits.

1 hour ago, ThomasPowers said:

Have you read Alexander Weygers' book(s) (Collected in The Complete Modern Blacksmith)

I have read some a while back in PDF.  Not my favorite format to read them.  I will see if I can find a print version. 

I've been in NJ about 12 years now. 

Speaking of books, any that show/illustrate the basics? I have found a few but they are more descriptive.  I like to see the steps.  Why I enjoy the more instructive YouTubers out there for just about any topic.

5 minutes ago, JHCC said:

Welcome to IFI! If you haven’t yet, please READ THIS FIRST!!!

All done.  Profile up to date.

I have been a lurker of sorts for a few months popping in from time to time to learn a few things.  I finally decided to sign up and join in.  I am a marine engineer and scientist by trade and love designing and building things- just not usually in iron.  A few years back I saw some simple blacksmithing at a local renaissance faire and was hooked.  I have had the luck to take a few local intro and beginner courses and about 4 months ago got a simple gas forge.  This is a fun hobby, not a vocation or money maker.  I am working to develop solid technique and refine my skills.  I am learning the most from making mistakes :-)

I am in New Jersey, Somerset County, USA.