williej Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 I'm a total newcomer to smithing. I live in Central Florida and at the stage of collecting the tools of the trade. This is a great website, full of info & great feedback. williej Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Welcome to I Forge Iron, look around read, join in our Chat room. Tuesday nights we have our blue print session. 10pm eastern time, where hows to's are presented. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Welcome aboard Willie, glad to have ya. Don't wait till you have all the "real" tools to get yourself started. An anvil can be any piece of iron or steel heavy enough to beat on, usually something pretty solid over 60-75lbs. RR rail makes a fine anvil. A forge is just a place to build a fire, much excellent work has been done in a hole in the ground with an air blast. A $1 blow drier from Salvation Army store and a short piece of iron pipe is all you need to get going. Vise grips and a smooth faced hammer, cold chisel, hack saw, wire brush and some files rounds out the basic kit. You WILL NEED safety gear too of course, eye protection at the very minimum, ear protection and natural fiber clothing is also a good idea. Do NOT wear synthetics, they melt when touched by hot things, stick to you and deep fry your hide. Cotton, wool, leather, etc. are best. If you'll click "User CP" at the top of the page and edit your profile to show your location it can make a big difference. IFI is represented by members from more than 50 countries and a lot of info is location specific. Also, if local folk know you're around they can invite you to get togethers, tip you to tool deals and offer hands on help. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Browne Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Welcome to IFI Willie. Don't worry too much about the tools of the trade. Get a fire, a hammer, a pair of tongs/pliers and a heavy rock and start pounding a bit of scrap. Its all go from there, the improved tools will come with time. Just spend a lot of time in the Metalworking Lessons page off the front page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
williej Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 Thanks for the advice. I guess my first project will be to dig a hole, start a fire & make tools. williej Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 That's the spirit Willie! Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Browne Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Just make sure you have a set of safety glasses before starting to hit really hot things :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 YES! Safety glasses at a minimum. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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