EarthwormJames Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 I am at the forefront of beginners of smithing. I haven't done a first project yet. I am of course looking for the minimal amount of tools to get some experience, as well as a minimalist setup. Any recommendations on that, as well as a great starters book? Maybe there is a thread that has already answered these questions that I have not found. A link to that thread would also be great if it exists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Lots of good books, try "New Edge of the Anvil"http://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/f7/beginner-questions-14231/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragons lair Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 Bare bones would be Heat source,hammer and vise grips. I started with a cutting torch hammer and 24inch RR track. Made cattails for a first project. Now have 2-4 of every thing. I can stop any time. Is that a anvil sticking out of the mud over there? Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sorefingers Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 I started with a wood fire in the backyard and a piece of a cast Iron forklift frame for an anvil. First project was a poker for the fire and then it was off to the races. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 A heat source something to hold the hot metal with if it is small/short stock. if it is long enough you don't need tongs. something to hit with something resembling an anvil Once you have the basics you can make more tools as you need them. After awhile it will seem like the tools are breeding by themselves. later you can move to hardies, fullers, hot cuts, tongs, etc., but a lot will depend on what you want to forge with your new found addiction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike-hr Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 If you are just starting, my vote for minimum tooling would be a car, tank of gas, and a free weekend to drive to a local guild meeting or hammer-in. You can beat your brains out for a long time and develop bad body mechanics without a coach handy. A weekend at a good hands on oriented hammer-in will jump start you at least 6 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 Mike-hr has a very good point. If you can find a local blacksmithing group and use their equipment. That way you will have a better idea of what equipment works well for you, and you will develop skills much faster with supervision. Otherwise most folks have the minimal tools around the house, a pair of pliers or vise grips, a hammer of some sort, and a heat source such as a barbecue, wood stove, fireplace, torch, or even a pile of firewood in the backyard. And something to bang it on such as a block of iron, steel such as the head of old sledge hammer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 I agree with Mike for all of Dave's reasons. Hi thee to a meeting and profit wonderously! Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welder19 Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 A good book for starting out and learning the basic's is A Blacksmithing Primer by Randy Mcdaniel. welder19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecelticforge Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Two of my favorite books are: "The Village Blacksmith" by Aldren A Watson and another book by him that I can't remember the name of now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig Posted September 5, 2009 Share Posted September 5, 2009 You don't need too much to start out with...You can do a lot with an improvised forge, anvil, and hammer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pault17 Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 When I first read this post, my first thought was "hitter, hittee, hit-onner, hittee heater" - I call them the 'H-quad'. but after reading through, I would have to strongly agree with Mike-hr and say the minimal tool list would be another experienced blacksmith. Watch, learn, do. of course, you can only do that if there are others of a similar bent in your area. God-speed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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