Solid Crystal

Thanks for the replies. 1) I have a old ash bucket from when I lived in colder climes 2) Have plenty of vice grips and channel locks. Really hoping to make my own tongs if that isn't too unrealistic. Making my own tools seems like part of the goal here. 3) I have a angle grinder that doesn't see enough use so that's good, but after reading some highlights from the safety section I think I'll be making sure the Missus' car is not around when I use it Sounds like it is time to do some hammer/apron shopping.

Just thought I'd introduce myself so I've been lurking the last month and gathering up as much as I can. I have soon to be 13 yr old who is good at self teaching himself whatever he wants if he put the time into it. This past summer/fall we've taken to watching one of those knife making shows on TV and he is keen not so much on knife making but metal working in general and keeps wanting to use a backyard/campground fire as a excuse to heat something up and bend it to his will. His father (me) has interested in blacksmithing since HS, but never pursued it due to lack of practicality or place to practice it. So to give him to opportunity to see if this is something he wants to pursue he is getting a setup for his Bday at the end of Jan. My plans at this point are: Forge: A JABOD based on Charles Steven's design. I though about a gas burner, but my woodworking stuff already occupies my half of the two car garage so whatever it is needs to be outdoor friendly/portable. Also my only real investment will be a bag of litter, some sch 40 pipe and $10 air pump. If he is really into it we can always re-evaluate. Fuel: Charcoal. Nearest coal supply is about a hour from here from what I can tell. There is a historic house (Poplar Grove Plantation) in town that has a smith and a 4hr/$125 class, but from what I can tell they get their fuel from the same place that is a hour away. I have access to all the pallet scraps I could possible use so using a 30 gal barrel I'm going to make a retort of some manner. Anvil: Local scrap yard has rail scraps. I asked for a 4" thick drop but they didn't have any that thick. Might see if they have something thinner. Likely a rail mounted on end to start with Safety: Will be outside so ventilation is fine, probably getting a face shield as he wear glasses and protects more than just safety glasses, need a leather apron for both of us. Gloves seem an open debate here. This leaves me with figuring out hammer(s)/tongs, books.... What am I missing and any thoughts on what my plans are? Thanks, Bryan