parrish654 Posted November 26, 2009 Posted November 26, 2009 Hello, my name is Robert and I am in northeastern Arkansas. I am not as yet active in the art of blacksmithing, however, I am hoping to have my smithy up and running by late spring in "10" if all goes well. I have recently made my first 2 purchases of a 10# anvil I bought on e-bay and a 55#er which came from Harbour freight, it is made in china. But anyway, I am planning on a 20x30 shop with a permanent forge built of rock and fire-brick. I have recently bought a book on how to build a bellows, so if anyone has any helpful info, I would be much appreciative. I am trying to go as primitive as possible. I also need a good source of bitumous coal of a good grade that can be had in north-eastern Ark. and south-eastern Mo. if any-one can help. Thanx and looking forward to meeting some of you online and in person as well, I hope. your comrade Robert P. Quote
stribett1 Posted December 12, 2009 Posted December 12, 2009 Glad to see more Arkies. Where in the Northeast are you? SteveT Quote
Thomas Dean Posted December 12, 2009 Posted December 12, 2009 Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! Check out this site; Blacksmiths Association of Missouri : ABANA affiliate. it is the MO ABANA affiliate and fantastic smiths. Their newsletter has places to buy coal, possibley near you. Might want to join their group also. You can get some good hands on experience with a knowledgable smith at meetings, and as good as book are there is nothing like hands on instruction. Quote
matthew a Posted December 12, 2009 Posted December 12, 2009 Well i am an unexperianced self teaching smith. I just wanted to say hello and howdy doodie. i built myself a little forge out of a brake drum and some pipe. just having a little trouble getting coal localy. but braking the rule of not using wood i still have been having pretty good luck. Still working on forging my own anvil tools. Quote
Grape ape Posted December 12, 2009 Posted December 12, 2009 get it hot and hit it hard but keep your eyes on the design within your mind before you start. use a piece of plasticene to test the process and step by step, blow and strike will be more decisive. Quote
KivaStudio Posted December 12, 2009 Posted December 12, 2009 Hey there, New to the site and Blacksmithing. I'm a sculptor/metalworker in Portland, OR looking forward to making connections and learning a lot of great info here. Quote
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