brucerdn Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Hello everybody, Been awhile since I could do anything with blacksmithing finally in a position where I can. I have a question for everyone if you had 2000$ to spend on supplies what would you get? Ihave a good coal forge, hammers,some tongs, steel, an anvil, a press, a couple of different vices(take that anyway you want) and a few other things. What would those of you making a living at consider essential? thanks for your time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTBlacksmith Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Well i don't make a living at my craft, yet. But there are still a few things that i have noticed definitely help out. One of the handiest things i have is a nice mig welder. You will be amazed by how much it helps out in the shop. Within the first 3 months of getting mine i made back more than the cost of the welder doing oddball jobs for friends and family. Not to mention it helps out with fabricating tools, repairing things and making jigs if you are making multiples of a piece. Before i got the welder i picked up an oxy acetylene setup. Its a pretty handy thing to have around for heading up the center of a long bar or cutting a thick section of steel. I don't know if you have an angle grinder or not but that is another tool that will certainly save you time and make back the cost of it within the first few projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thingmaker3 Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 If I wanted to make a living at it? I'd spend the money on tuition for marketing class and small business admin class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ishoe Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 CTBlacksmith is right on. I might add that a good 2x72 belt grinder would be impossible to get along without. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Triphammer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't tread on me Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 School or a triphammer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spears Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Let me elaborate on what CTBlacksmith stated. I have owned a Millermatic 250 Mig welder for 12+ yrs now. Way before I started forging. Requires 240V single phase like an electric range oven in the kitchen (consult an electrician for wiring and circuit breaker size). Most homes with 200amp service will easily accommodate. With this one can easily fabricate 1/16" thick up to 1/2" thick structural steel plate in a single pass with only a medium level of skill. Sure, stick welders are a lot cheaper but the handiness of such a tool without having to chip flux is utterly incredible. Stock racks, tables, benches, forge stands, anvil stands, anvils, power hammer with dies, etc etc. I do use my welder in my blacksmith shop, and before that it was used to almost entirely "build" my blacksmith shop. It's only a hobby for me at this time but thinking about my hobby it is kind of hard to use the word "only". Regards, Spears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Miller Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 A power hammer if you can find one for $2000. You are a blacksmith you forge iron first and foremost. I would put a good mig welder a close second. Also a good saw that cuts square. A powerful belt sander is a good investment as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucerdn Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 Thanks for the replies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbob Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 look for a good chop saw, a band saw would be nice. a couple of good 4½" angle grinders (one with flap disk the other grinding disk), good drill press (floor model)with a good set of drill bits up to 1", good bench grinder...this list could go on and on but thats close to $2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Creek Blacksmith Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 If you are going to make a living at blacksmithing insurance better be at the top of the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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