Dave W. Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 First off, hello. I am new to this forum and to smithing. I just got my forge and equipment set up a few weeks ago and I am having a problem. When I take the metal out of the fire some coal sticks to it. I didn't really worry about this at first but now my metal, that was once smooth, is getting pockmarked. It looks as if pieces have been falling off the metal. I was wondering if the coal sticking to the metal might have something to do with this and if it does how I can fix the problem. Any and all advice is welcome, thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 welcome to I Forge IRon, The coal is sticking because you have not coked it up yet, Green coal sticks also dont get very hot. Read the getting started information off the main page to learn more. Glad to have ya here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Howdy and welcome! Please think about putting a general location in your info so folks close can suggest shop visits and conferences! Generally the pitting occurs from not keeping the scale cleaned off the anvil and pounding it back into your work piece. It is not a function of coal stuct to it. However I deal with the coal sticking issue by turning the piece sideways and knocking the piece on the rim of my forge while taking it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W. Posted July 1, 2009 Author Share Posted July 1, 2009 Thanks for the info, and I am from central PA near Harrisburg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucegodlesky Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Welcome to IFI Dave. I'm in s Armstrong County. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Welcome aboard Dave, glad to have ya. The pitting is scale getting hammered into the iron while you're forging. Keep a wire brush handy and give it a quick swipe every couple heats and wipe the scale off your anvil. 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 more than 50 countries and a lot of info is location specific. It'll also let the local folk know you're around so they can factor pickup into the price of your anvil as opposed to shipping. They can also invite you to gatherings, tip you to tool deals and offer hands on help. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Greetings Dave W., The blacksmithing guild closest to you is Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland. I live in PA a bit south of you. They offer beginner classes which would accelerate your learning to smith. The Central Maryland Guild's next class is in about 3 weeks. I feel it would be well worth your money, and save you a great deal of frustration: Class: BS-101 (Beginner's Blacksmithing) Instructor: Albin Drzewianowski Dates: 25-26 Jul 2009 (Sat/Sun) Fee: $175 Description of the Class: "Learn the basics of blacksmithing from forge and fire control to hammer control. You will learn to forge a fish tail scroll, pig tail scroll, tab hook, drive hook, forge poker, water can handle, and other student selected projects as time permits."BGCM Classes The PABA Home is somewhat further away from you. Most of the PA guilds meetings are close to Philadelphia. If we can be of assistance let us know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-ski Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 (edited) Dave W. You just missed the June Monthly meeting of the Blacksmith Guild of Central MD, it was this past Sunday. The July meeting is Sunday July 19th. Meetings start at 9am and run through the day. Stop by and you could get to see some coal forges in action and pick up some tips on fire management. Meetings take place at the Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St Westminster, MD. Edited July 2, 2009 by D-ski need to be a little more specific Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W. Posted July 3, 2009 Author Share Posted July 3, 2009 Profile change for location done. Thanks for the class info, sadly I don't think I can make it that weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-ski Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 BS-101, Beginner's blacksmithin classes are offered on a regular basis. There is another class scheduled for 22-23 Aug 2009. There should be 1 or 2 additional classes in late fall early winter, but they have not been scheduled yet. The club meets at the Farm Museum every month except December (Christmas party). If you are interested, you can keep track of upcoming classes and meeting dates by going to our web page Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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