I'm new.

And I'm very interested in black smithing. Don't have anything yet, but hopefully with time I'll have something to show for. Meantime, I'm just starting out. I enjoy your forum. Came across you guys a few weeks ago. I just can't seem to walk away from the site. Just enjoy it that much.

Thanks,

Countryboy

Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! Glad you joined us, we're really not a bad bunch of folks...once you get to know us. There is plenty to read and look at here. One thing I might suggest, if I may, give us a little better idea of where you are from. (Although your location is cute and all it really doesn't help.) Giving your general location will help us help you locate toys...er, I mean TOOLS in your area as well as blacksmith related meetings and such. Once again, welcome.

Welcome aboard Countryboy, glad to have ya.

When I saw your webhandle the first thing that popped to mind was. "Wonder what country?" NOBODY gifts me with straight lines like that.

Then I opened your post. And . . . AND.

I bet you dress in bright red with white fur trim because if you make this a habit I'm going to think every post is Christmas!

WHAT COUNTRY?!?

Frosty

Thomas,

Thanks for the welcome. Sorry, I thought the state of Utah would be obvious as the state of nowhere.

I currently have an empty freon container that I was planning on making into a gas forge. Maybe a section of I beam I can use as an avil. Just as a start. Thanks.


Frosty,

I'm not sure how to respond to you. I don't wear red and I sure as hell don't wear fur trim. I wear a cowboy hat to keep the sun off my head because I spend a lot of time outside. But thanks for your reply.

Countryboy

Howdy from another Utah feller.

Where in Utah are you? There are quite a few members here from Utah, but I think that most are located down South. It's good to see the Utah crowd getting larger.

Keep reading the pages here, there is a lot of information here for the taking.

Enjoy!

Frosty,

I'm not sure how to respond to you. I don't wear red and I sure as hell don't wear fur trim. I wear a cowboy hat to keep the sun off my head because I spend a lot of time outside. But thanks for your reply.

Countryboy

Okay, so you're not Santa.

It was just such a juicy straight line, I thought it was Christmas.

Heck, you won't be the only person who doesn't know how to respond to me, not sure I would either. Glad you're here.

Frosty

Utah, a beautiful state! I remember fondly passing through there on our way to Seattle, Washington back in the late 50's - early 70's.(back when Shep was just a mere pup) Our youngest son want to go up there and do some serious rock climbing and 4-wheel driving! Yeah, with Frosty ya just kinda have to..you know... well... I'm sure you'll figure that out soon enough. Man, it's a good thing he's way up there and I'm way down here! Any closer and he just might come over a put a knot on my knoggin'!

More likely I'd stretch out on your couch and bum a sandwich. You DO have real mayo I hope. Miraclewhip is just so . . . Shudder.

Frosty

Hey Thomas and Frosty as a frist timer when I get my gas forge up and going
what would you folks recommend as a starter project. I was thinking a simple cold chissle. I have an old farm manuale from the fifities that show's how to make one. Just wanted to get your input.

Thanks,

Countryboy

Country Boy: Yeah, but when you get done whatcha gonna say "Here honey, I made you a cold chisel"?

Anyway, welcome aboard! Grant

I would suggest doing something that would require some drawing out, like an "S" hook. Simple enough and will serve a purpose when complete. A cold chisel is OK, but like nakedanvil said, probably won't impress the Missus. Now a guy, yes, but we are kinda weird like that. Really anything that would sharpen your hammer control. I make leaves, several of them, each time I light the forge. Gets me warmed up and I can use them in a future project or make them into key fobs to give away or sale. Just have FUN! Learn from your mistakes and don't get discouraged if your "masterpiece" doesn't measure up to Frosy's work. He's been at it for a few days at least.;)

Leaves are good, I like starting folk with a leaf hook but it's a long project for a beginner. Still, it packs a lot of different processes into a small package and it's useful when you're finished. I have dozens made by students I'll get hung once I have interior walls in the shop.

"S" hooks are faster and offer good drawing practice as well as the challenge of getting the two hooks evenly matched. It's harder than it looks. Heck, getting an even taper is harder than it looks. I used to be better at it but I'm having to retrain my left arm since breaking it. (mutter mutter grumble)

Good practice for making the chisel are screw drivers. If you make the old fashioned full tang style it's good practice for making knife handles too.

BBQ, camp and fireplace sets are good practice and make dandy gifts.

Pick up a copy of "The Complete Modern Blacksmith" by Alexander Weygers it has a pretty good set of projects to build your skills set. there are other books that are actually better primers but this one is one of my favorites as Weygers built so many improvised smithies from whatever he could find. It's really inspirational, especially for folk having trouble finding the "real" tools.

There are also projects here on IFI set up under "Metalworking Lessons, Getting Started", The Blueprints section is full of tools equipment, projects, etc. used by blacksmiths all round the world with detailed how to directions.

Frosty

Excellent suggestions especially the book of modern blacksmithing. I knew I could count on you guys to give me the info that I was looking for.

I do not know about your wife. But my wife thinks if I can make a cold chisel
that is really cool. And you can ask her.

Country Boy

My wife (35ys this past June 1)is the same way. Sounds as you have done well picking a mate! Here is the book review link Book Reviews - Blacksmith Forum They are all good books, from beginner to advanced.