SelfAppointedApprentice

Thanks for the suggestions, all! Yeah I've read that about the PoP not really being able to hold up over time which is why im looking more into the JABOD now. I've seen some posts on here about those forklift forks as well, really neat stuff! I will absolutely check out FABA some more. I know someone just did a facebook stream demonstration somewhere down here and had it up on there. I'll see about contacting one of the locals in the are to see what they'd recommend. Thanks again everyone, glad to be here! -Stu

Hello everyone, I'm living in Cape Coral right now and I'm happy to be starting on this journey; even in a time where it seems like it might be difficult sourcing things to get started. I've been looking through the forums, using googles search function for the site and doing my own research outside of the website as well as watching videos on constructing various forges from JABOD's to coffee can forges lined with a 50/50 mix of PoP and Sand. I'm going to start with making a JABOD probably with some unscented kitty litter as a liner. As far as an anvil goes i'm not 100% on how I'm going to go about sourcing that. I'm checking out a scrap yard on Friday for any large flat steel objects I can lug out on my own, but I've been looking at railroad track sections on ebay as well, wondering how well they'd hold up for beginner work (I know enough currently to stray away from cheap ASO's). I don't have a lot of materials, still need to grab myself a vice and maybe some extra hand tools, like a heavier hammer. I hope to get to a flea market this weekend as well if they're open to see if I can source some cheap things. Craigslist and letgo seem to be pretty empty down here, right now. Currently, perseverance seems to be the name of the game. I'm going to keep gathering what I can to get started and hope to be banging out stuff in no time. I'm hoping this will be a foray into something that I can hone and flourish with into making small gifts and whatnot for family, friends and myself! I'd like to make stuff like bottle openers, back scratchers, and knives. So lots to strive for currently that should keep me occupied I don't know how many people are in SWFL, but I know theres the Florida Artist Blacksmiths Association and they seem to have a few down here somewhere. Anyways, thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself! And if anyone has any advice I'm all ears!!! Hopefully I'll be sharing progress photos in no time