Macca

A few years ago I hand an opportunity to get some railway track, and was told it makes for a great anvil. I dismissed it as a bit of a 'send up'. Boy, am I regretting my ignorance.

G'day blokes (& gals), Got into 'smithy' work whilst in the army doing my trade (had to do theory on metallurgy which incorporated blacksmith roles), from there I got interested in it but stuck to my trade (mechanical fitter). Now work on drill rigs and do a fair bit of 'boily'. Starting out as a hobby and when I get back to Perth going to join the WA Association, that's if they'll take me I only drink VB. Cheers & beers (VB) Macca

Cheers Doug, I also agree with Rob that is a great site to check out. Now, just to get the wife to agree to all my new toys.

Thanks for the info fella's, yesterday I picked up a 40oz ball pein hammer (had to get that ordered in). It's a start, as for a anvil I'm going to try my luck at some railway track, I remember a couple of years back a mate from the army told me about railway track making a relatively good anvil, I pretty much dismissed it at the time and left the piece of track. Now it's a case of regret.

OK, I tried and search here (Perth) to start my 'smithy' tools via the internet and going to .......(insert tool supplier).... where I buy my trade tools, remember I'm a mechanical fitter, and no one seems to supply even the basics. Until I get to the Claremont Showgrounds and have a chat is there somewhere local or will I have to go interstate/oversea's to get my tools together including anvil. I've downloaded a design for a gas forge.

Err...is this just a sign of the times, I guess what I'm trying to say is that we now live in a 'throw away' society. Years prior craftsmen, artisans etc built stuff to last, just look around and you can see their work, now it's a case of what is the latest fashion that's in a glossy magazine and how cheap it can be made/imported. I think I might be preaching to the converted hear, why else would we take an interest in a trade that is all but gone.

oops, in my haste in replying to a few threads I have made a 'social faux paux' by not introducing myself in this forum, although, I think I may of somewhere else. Anywho's, here I am, mechanical fitter by trade, courtesy of the taxpayers of Australia (army trained) with a fair bit of welding thrown in. Now working up in the mines of North West Australia, worked offshore when I got out of the army. Been interested in blacksmithing ever since doing my trade, might try and make a go of it. Cheers & beers Macca

Yep fella's I'll be there, currently working 'fly in - fly out' up north. Much in the way of safety gear etc to wear when I come, sorry about asking just used to it from working in the mines. Back in Perth 15th July so hope to see you on the following Sunday. Cheers & beers. Macca

g'day Kirk, Yep, like you I'm learning about the black art of blacksmithing (is that a word?), just downloaded a design for a gas forge. It's a start as I really want to make a 'traditional' coal/coke forge. Be great to see some pics Macca

G'day guys, Just joined the website and found BAWA. I knew that a blacksmith's club was in WA after talking to a woodturner a number of years ago. Now to join BAWA and getting up to the Claremont Showgrounds. Cheers & Beers Macca Alcohol & explosives the key to a lasting relationship

G'day all, New to the site (talk about stating the 'bleedin' obvious), well guys (& gals) been interested in wrought iron work since I did my trade as a mechanical fitter and had to do a blacksmith component for my theory in the trade, had to make a cold chisel which lasted for years till someone wanted it more than me, but that's another storey. Cheers & beers Macca