toolles Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Hi All, I wanted to join this forum because I've always been interested in working with metal. I worked five years in a machine shop and can stick weld. When I was younger I restored, hot rodded cars, built a couple of four wheel drive trucks, etc. Now that I'm old I have a renewed interest in all things metal, lincluding black smithing. I may be nuts, or as I like to think, caught the metal fever and want to get started in black smithing. I am in the process of building a 40 X 60 pre-engineered building and will have some space to set up a shop for this purpose; between my machine, tractor & auto, & wood shops. What do you think? Do I have enough hobbies or can I fit in blacksmithing too? I saw a couple of anvils on ebay. What is a good size to start with? How about a forge? What are the basics? Thanks, Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokshasa Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 there are many good ideas for forges on this website if you go have a look , as for an anvil almost any hard peace of metal can be used, you could use a peace rail road trsaack if you have to, as for a good size i like around 150 to 200 but thats just me, good luck and have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Welcome aboard Les, glad to have ya. 40' x 60' shop eh? What'll you do when it's filled up next fall? I'd suggest checking out "Getting Started, Lessons in blacksmithing and the Blue prints" sections for some good getting up and going info. There are lots of plans for forges, tools, equipment, how toos, lessons, etc. Just take a lunch and something to drink it's easy to get lost and you may need some sustenance. My main advice is put in some sort of good separation between the hot work and the wood work. Saw dust is not only flammable it can be explosive. Other than that most of the crafts are complimentary, wood especially benefits from having a blacksmith handy. There are not only hardware items but specialty tools that are good to be able to make yourself. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
element Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Welcome! The thing about blacksmithing is it will take to over your other hobbies and they become second choice. I woodworked all my life but iron(steel) is KING, well actually fire is king but you get to use both:) Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! Good to have another TEXAN joining up! I'm just a tad to the east of ya, like about 120 miles of so. There is the NTBA in your area, good group of blacksmiths. Also check out the Saltfork Craftsmen and ABA, the Oklahoma group, they meet somewhere in OK every Sat. the NTBA meets on the 2nd Sat. of each month. If you ever get over in the Longview/Hallsville give me a holler, be glad for ya to visit my shop. Once again, welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tech413 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Welcome to the site, good to have you aboard! Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolles Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 Thanks to all for the fine reception. I'm excited about getting started. Thomas Dean I think there are two Sargent Texas. I live near the one down south. I'm 7 miles from the Gulf of Mexico in Matagorda County. I do have family in Killgore & when I go visit them I'll come by and take you up on your offer. Frosty you're probably right about filling up my building. Fortunatly I have other barns on the property to store things. I also plan on building a small wood framed house with a porch across the front, like a southern plantation servant's quarters for a wood working shop. My property is on Caney Creek and I positioned my building on the creek bank. It should be nice working on projects with that kind of view. Thanks Again, Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy seale Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 howdy from west texas, one oe two more and we'll have em surrounded!you do know you will be a addict- there is no known cure, welcome aboard,jimmy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 When ever you head this was just shoot me a PM and I'll give you directions and my cell #. My Dad grew up in Montgomery Co. and when my siblings and cousins were younger....a LONG time ago, we would swim in Caney Creek. Look forward to some pictures of your shops when you can post em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.