I'm new here and just beginning to look into blacksmithing. Looking for some general info and good ideas on how to get started on a short budget.

Strongmead,

Hello and welcome. I extended this invitaion below to Stiffarm about a week ago and make it no less sincerely to you:

Come and join us, Sat Nov 7

Bring a Friend Blacksmith Day

Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, Bridge St, Willimantic, Ct

Bring your own equipment and smash metal, come to talk and or bring a friend that is interested in smithing. 8 forges were fired up and working last year. The event is promoted by the Connecticut Blacksmiths Guild. Hope to see you there.

If you'd like some help getting started, stop by and talk on Nov. 7
If you can't make it, email some contact info and we'll see what we can do to get hammer in your hand.

Welcome to the Connecticut Blacksmith's Guild.

Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! Check out the blueprints, there you will find a BP on how to build a "Drum Forge" using a brake drum and less than $10.00 worth of materials from the hardware store. Tons of folks use this type of forge and they work real well. For an anvil, any large chunk of steel will work. It just needs to be bigger than your hammer and the metal you plan to forge! Flea markets are great for finding useful tools; nippers can be reshaped to make good tongs, hammers, files both good and worn out--good ones use for purpose intended- worn out ones make good stock for flint strikers, knives, etc. The great thing about blacksmithing is you don't HAVE to spend a ton of money to be able to make some really nice things...and those things you can sale to buy the things you THINK you HAVE to have. Once again, welcome.

If your name is good stick to the mead. A gallon a day will turn you into a great smith
(at least in your own mind) Greetings from an OLD Conn smith. Left yrs ago. I do know
There are many smiths up there. Atleast a few on here. Connect and visit with them.
Ken