Hey everyone i'm in the process of gathering up the stuff to build my first forge so please pay me no mind if I ask goofy questions or just sulk in the background soaking up as much info as possible. I remember playing in my greatgrandfather's smithy as a young child.now trying to start my own thanks in advance for all tips grandpafischer

GP fischer, Welcome to Iforgeiron. This is a resource rich site with a lot of experienced smiths to help. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We will try to get you the best information possible. Please go to the User Control Panel (CP) and fill in your location, experience etc. It helps us direct you to local smiths.

if your just getting started here is a link to a very good read Blacksmith-Information

Welcome aboard GP, glad to have ya.

We're always eager to help infect a new victim. This is a terribly addictive craft you know, once in you're never out.

Ask away, read lots and enjoy the ride.

Frosty

I suggest IForgeIron.com > metalworking lessons > Lessons in Blacksmithing as either a good place to start or a good review, depending on your current knowledge level.

The IForgeIron.com > blueprints (how-to tutorials) is another good place to spend some time.

• Blueprints 000-100
• Blueprints 100-200
• Blueprints 1000
  

After lunch you can browse the IForgeIron Forum, or the IForgeIron Gallery for information and ideas. Welcome to IForgeIron, enjoy your visit.

good luck, you will really enjoy it. kevin

Welcome and enjoy

Welcome to the site. Its never ending the info in here, I keep digging up something new daily.

Ask away :)

What kind of forge do you wish to build ? Coal or Gas ? I have several under construction right now.

The very best thing you can do is join an organization! It puts you in contact with other smiths nearby you and allows you to glean infomation off them. Often groups host workshops as well to learn more techiniques.

Happy Hammerin'!

I second what Reid said. You can learn alot from fellow members and by going to meets

Oak hill Forge asked what type of forge. I plan to build and use a coal forge what is best coal or charcoal? grandpafischer

It really depends on what fuel source is easiest to get around your area. I am just a begginner as well, but I have used both charcoal and coal. They both work well, although charcoal burns really fast compared to coal. I think the heat it a little better and more controllable with coal as well. However if you don't have access to coal where you live, charcoal is the way to go, especially since you can make your own charcoal if you have a mind to, I have and its actually pretty easy! You might also want to look into gas forges, alot of people here seem happy with those.