My name is Dave, and I live in Northern Vermont. I've been interested in blacksmithing for several years, but only in the last few have I been getting in any actual practice. My first experience with smithing was with a local farrier, Rick Thomas, he showed me some things a got me set up with a forge and some basic tools. He also put me in touch with Lucian Avery in Hardwick, Vermont. Lucian was very helpful. Then I went to college and fell out of practice. I'm now a sophomore and doing a project on Anglo-Saxon metal work, so I figured this would be a great chance for me to get some more practice in. I'm looking to get a good cheap (in price not quality) hammer and anvil. Currently I'm using a I-beam about a foot long, and an old 2lb flat hammer the I got from my Dad. I would love any info on hammers and tips/tricks on making my own tongs. (Currently I'm using some pliers, again from my dad and some heat resistant gloves).
