I am debating joining FABA... would any current or former members post their thoughts and other general things like how the people where so as to help me decide... thanks

Edited August 4, 200916 yr by junker

was a member for perhaps 10-12 years, starting as less than a beginner. have since moved to missouri. great organization, great people, regional conferences. wife and i "vacationed" at the annual state conference many years, took children when they were younger. exceptional coal at good prices. check their web site if you havn't. money well spent.

Junker - If your at all interested in blacksmithing, as a hobby or more - There shouldn't be a question - for the few $'s it costs for a membership to join any group, the payback in new friends and knowledge is enourmous. Your call, I'm glad I've joined and met the folks I have - which ever area of the world you live in. - JK

I am a FABA member it is a very good group. the south west chapter we are very open any one can come to our meetings. We meet once a month but if you have time you can go to 4 meetings a month. NE,NW,SE,and SW meet on diffrent weekends. there is a lot of info at each meeting and everyone I have meet is very willing to share there knowledge. dues are $25.00 a year. go to the Faba sight this month we are having a demo on armour making. a few months ago we did a trip to Bock tower to see Samual Yellen's work from 1920. great day and good demos on sight. We also do a lot with the Boy scouts and there merit badge program. the first demo I attended was making copper diving helmets talk about diversity. if I can be any help let me know

Edited August 4, 200916 yr by Francis Cole

Also FABA member ( NW region). Probably best $25/year I ever spent. Great people and I have learned soooo much at meets. Site add is : Florida Artist Blacksmith Association
Ken

JOIN!! for $25.00 p/yr ya can't go wrong. Then if you don't like them...highly doubtful...you can always drop your membership. Florida is a small enough state you could most likely make all of the monthly meetings. Personnaly I would love to attend one of the other groups in my state but it is at least 6hrs--one way. You don't have to make every meeting tho. but I'd be willing to bet that once you started attending you would have a hard time not going. Florida has some fantastic smiths and like mentioned before, enjoy sharing knowledge.

Thomas, I know how big Texas is I also know from Junkers place its 5-6 hrs south to hit water. 3-4 hrs west 4-5 to the panhandle. LIved in Sarasota worked gun shows all over the state its a loooong skinney state.Wish I still was.

Thomas, I know how big Texas is I also know from Junkers place its 5-6 hrs south to hit water. 3-4 hrs west 4-5 to the panhandle. LIved in Sarasota worked gun shows all over the state its a loooong skinney state.Wish I still was.

My bad, Didn't realize it was that long and skinny! I guess when looking at a Florida map I should take note of the distance scale.