MaybeASmith

Appreciate all the advice. Especially the online retailers mentioned - though many of them have such a variety of hammers/tongs available that it can still be a little confusing when I have no clue what I need and just want the minimum needed. Was hoping for more of a "Just go buy X from this link here and it'll be passable", but still it's all very appreciated. Honestly part of the problem is that as a mid 30s skinny IT hermit I'd rather lose a little extra cash than wander the town asking random businesses if I can dig through their scrap piles. I don't really make it all the way up to Spokane but if the occasion ever arises I'll definitely check out that Pacific Steel place!

Our workplace went full remote in 2020 and it looks like it's going to stay that way. I live in a shared house and just feel really cooped up and am trying to find a new hobby to let off a little steam. I would like to give blacksmithing a fair shake and see if it's something that provides a good outlet at the end of a day of staring at a screen. Unfortunately I haven't been able locate any forges / metal stock stores within 100 miles of 99163 which is making things hard to get started. Though I'm sure my searches aren't perfect, so if you or a smith you know is in this area, I would love to get connected! Nearly every thread I see on this forum asking about starting always suggests just going around to flea markets and garage sales but given the season and location it's mostly been an exercise in futility. So I'm hoping to reach out and see if anyone else have managed to get a setup going via online stores only - and again, I get that used is best, but while I'll be keeping my eye on craigslist/fb market I've given up on actually establishing a starting forge from it. I'm looking to spend roughly ~$500 to get up and running and see if this is something that works well. I've snagged a couple books off amazon, New Edge of the Anvil and The Backyard Blacksmith, and have read through the first one. This is the list of things I think that I need to get started? Safety Glasses / Apron - Just going to grab some of amazon but would love specific recommendations on what's worked well for you. Anvil - Have been watching craigslist for the past month but no listings out there except mine asking to buy your old one. Was thinking maybe a cast steel from Vevor but not sure which weight to get? Also seems like a hardy tool or two would be handy early on, but probably not necessary for getting started. Forge - Thinking I'd like to just go with propane since I already have a couple tanks for other things. Was eyeing the Mr Volcano but hasn't seemed to be in stock for a while now, not sure if there are any other cheap options for testing the water. Along these lines Hammers - Lot of mention in the forums about a 2lb cross pein from harbor freight, but went down to mine and no luck 3lb being the lightest. Have been able to find some online ranging from $40-150, not sure if there are any cheaper options out there I'm missing? Tongs - Kens custom seems like the place to start here even though they're a little spendy? Stock - Currently just planning on grabbing a box of 50 spikes off etsy for going through the basic exercises, not sure where to turn once I want more standard stock. Really would just love any links to your favorite online stores that have decent prices for beginner equipment / supplies. Regards, JW