My name is Benjamin,
and I would like to extend a great thanks to the IFORGEIRON site for welcoming me. I am very new to the blacksmithing process and trying to gather the necessary tools to build my first forge. I have recently obtained about 20 heat resistant fireplace bricks and a Champion Forge Blower. So I'm on my way!!!
While I am building the forge, and trying to convince the future wifey that I am not just a "crazy fire-fighter" bringing the job home with me; I'm reading as much about metal working and welding as I can. If you have any suggestions for the newbie please let me know.
Thanks again

Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! My first suggestion would be to find the nearest ABANA affiliate and JOIN!! you can get good, hands on help from folks that love the art. Go to [ABANA] The Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America, Inc. and find the affiliate nearest you. Oh yea, tell your soon-to-be wifey that you will be in good company by joining the fine art. Once agian, welcome.

Welcome to IFI, Benjamin. Feel free to ask questions here as gives purpose to our otherwise un-eventful (by firefighter standards) lives.

Blacksmithing Groups
Georgia
Alex Bealer Blacksmith Association
Ocmulgee Blacksmith Guild
Southern Blacksmith Association - SBA

Metalworking Lessons will explain the basics of blacksmithing.
Lessons in Blacksmithing

Both are found on the front page of the IForgeIron site.

From there use the IForgeIron > Archive located at the bottom right of the forum page. We suggest that you pack a lunch and a cold drink before you go to the archive. Click on a section, then click on a sub-section and notice 2,3,4 at the top which represent additional pages. By default you are on page one. Click on a topic and all the information from the first post to the last comment is in one place.

If you have questions, just ask.

Thanks to everyone! I already feel like im wearing out the Anvil forum by asking so many questions.
This community has realy been a big help...
Thanks again