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Over the summer, I am building a larger shed in the back yard to host most of my tools, including a small forge that I plan to build. I've read a lot about blacksmithing over the last year, including much on this wonderful site over the last few weeks. So I thought I would share my plans and how they change as I realize the project. Since I am mostly interested in historical recreation blacksmithing, I plan on using a charcoal forge. As I live in the suburbs I feel that the smell will be less offensive to the neighbours than a bituminous coal woud be. I may eventually also build myself a propane forge, but that will be much later. The shed will be 10' x 16' but the area I will be able to use for forging will be much smaller. In order to gauge how much space I will have and how things will be organized when forging, I made a drawing of the space. The actual placement of the anvil, vise and other tools will change as I try things out. Note that I am left-handed.

Hey everyone! I've just picked up the hobby and started acquiring tools a couple of weeks ago. My focus will be knife-making. Here's what I'm currently working with: Workbench - 6' x 2' - designed and built this myself out of 2x4s with a 3/4" Red Oak plywood top...thing is sturdy as a boulder. Future plans include adding some shelves and storage areas, possibly drawers. Anvil - 100# from Texas Farrier Supply I built the stand out of pressure treated 4x4s with 3/8" all-thread rod to connect them all together. The anvil isn't fastened to the stand, just held in place by the two pieces of plywood on either side. The red magnet on the end of the horn there deadens all the ring. The garage door is always open when I have the forge going for ventilation. There's a sheet of plywood behind me when I work because the wife is scared of sparks flying everywhere. Forge - 2 burner propane farrier's forge. I should have done more research before I bought it. The side entry is problematic for the metal stock I'm working with and generally I'm only able to utilize 1 of the burners. My belt sander is there on the right as well. I just bought a cheap one to get me by until I decide this is really for me, and then purchase something more substantial or possibly build my own 2x72 grinder. Welder - I've never welded before. I've had this machine for about a week now, but haven't tried it yet. It's been taunting me every day...maybe tonight I'll give it a shot. It's a flux core only MIG welder. And of course, an easily accessible fire extinguisher. You can also see a blurry bit of my first forging project on the workbench. Tongs! My drill press is on a truck to be delivered any day now, then I'll have all the basics I need. Let me know if anyone sees any safety hazards or something stupid I've done in the pics please! Thanks all!

I have a wonderful workshop and really rather need someone else to move in to it - does anyone here know of a good place to find someone? I have tried all the ways I went about finding it myself - Gumtree, various studio and workshop sites, Arts News... I'm in London and it's really rather expensive to be there on my own. So if anyone here knows any blacksmith who needs a space in London, please let me know! It's beautiful and a lovely place to be but I'm not making enough money to rent it on my own. Thanks, Agnes

Since Hofi’s last session in the USA in 2006 he has reinvented the German blacksmithing programs with his innovative techniques, taught and demonstrated in Europe and at home in Israel. Now in honor of Center for Metal Arts founder Ed Mack, Hofi returns one more time to this side of the Atlantic for a celebration of the forge with two powerhouse weeks of workshop intensives, and 5 events to choose from. If you ever wanted to learn with Hofi, if you want to know how to turn your hammer hand into a power stroke, if you want to learn how to make the power hammer more efficient, if you want to learn some Hofi toolmaking, here is your chance to do it without an overseas flight. We have set up these classes to give you the most choice and flexibility. Mix and match the five sessions to fit your schedule. Oct 9-11: Ergonomic Hammer Work with Uri Hofi (Wednesday through Friday) Three days of demonstration and hands-on time at your own Hofi-tooled anvil. Learn the efficient power stroke hammer swing to protect your body from repetitive motion injuries, different uses of the hammer and anvil surface, and the most productive ways to go about moving metal. Hofi looks at process and thinks about a faster or easier way to achieve the same outcome. If you’ve heard that “Get it hot and hit it hard” sums up blacksmithing, this class can boost your productivity and save your swinging arm for years ahead. A condensed and intensive version of Hofi’s well-known 5-day course. Experience hands-on forging on the Hofi-style anvil base. Limited to 10 participants. Oct 12-13: Advanced Toolmaking Weekend with Uri Hofi (Saturday - Sunday) Since his last sessions here, Hofi has been invited to re-engineer the traditional German metal arts education. He has also worked on his course in Toolmaking. In this 2-day weekend session you will make some of those tools to take home with you, and learn how to take your toolmaking skills back to your own workspace. Limited to 5 participants. Oct 14: Columbus Day Ironfest and Demos with Uri Hofi (Monday) Uri Hofi is modeling this holiday Ironfest after a one-day program he has done in Europe. There will be demos of ergonomic hand hammering, and use of the power hammer, interspersed with vintage Hofi stories, lunch with Hofi, and other festivities. Come for the day and stay for the ceremonial Ringing of the Anvil. $60 for the day includes lunch with Hofi. Please register ahead to secure a spot. Oct 16-18: Ergonomic Hammer Work with Uri Hofi (Wednesday through Friday) Three days of demonstration and hands-on time at your own Hofi-tooled anvil. Learn the efficient power stroke hammer swing to protect your body from repetitive motion injuries, different uses of the hammer and anvil surface, and the most productive ways to go about moving metal. Hofi looks at process and thinks about a faster or easier way to achieve the same outcome. If you’ve heard that “Get it hot and hit it hard” sums up blacksmithing, this class can boost your productivity and save your swinging arm for years ahead. A condensed and intensive version of Hofi’s well-known 5-day course. Limited to 10 participants. Oct 19-20: Power Hammer Weekend with Uri Hofi Uri Hofi’s traditional 5-day class is condensed into 2 days. Work with the combination and radius dies, designed by Hofi for their aggressive bite and their use in free-form forging. Demonstrations of techniques and elements, and plenty of hands-on time to try your own hand at the power hammer. Limited to 5 participants. Work-Trade Option: The Center for Metal Arts offers work-trade options to make taking a class possible. Talk to us. Center for Metal Arts, 44 Jayne Street, in the Village of Florida, in downstate NY.

Is there anyone in London who would like to share a forge with me? I'm trying to set one up but haven't yet found a space or anyone to share with. I'm looking for someone who is making interesting artist blacksmith work, who wants to set up a space. I'm trying to get money together now to buy some equipment, so if you have any that would be useful too...! You can see my work at http://www.agnesjones.com Thanks, Agnes Sadly this poster has not logged into IFI since making this post :(

Hey guys, now I finally installed the smoke flue I ordered. It is not yet 100% finished, cause it needs to be stabilized, the hole in the roof has to be made tight and the flue needs a roof. But it already does its job great! Thank you again for your good advise! Here are a few pics of the installation: If you want to built a similar installation and need some advise feel free to ask! - Daniel