Hello I'm interested in learning how to become a blacksmith. I have always loved to watch the blacksmiths at the fairs when i was growing up as a kid. Now that I'm almost 40 and dont really have a hobby other than reading and bushcrafting. I thought i might like to try blacksmithing out. I am planning on building the brake drum forge to start out with. Also was wondering if there are any blacksmiths in my area that i could meet with and get some pointers if needed... thanks

Welcome to IFI. There is a wealth of info on this site and a lot of very knowledgeable smiths. If you run into a problem, after you get your forge up and running, you can find info from the folks on here. There are a few members on IFI from up in your neck of the woods. So stay tuned. :D

Hello I'm interested in learning how to become a blacksmith. I have always loved to watch the blacksmiths at the fairs when i was growing up as a kid. Now that I'm almost 40 and dont really have a hobby other than reading and bushcrafting. I thought i might like to try blacksmithing out. I am planning on building the brake drum forge to start out with. Also was wondering if there are any blacksmiths in my area that i could meet with and get some pointers if needed... thanks

Hello,
I am in Royalston, Ma. In N. Worcester County.You are welcome to contact me , come by the shop and check things out. email is [email protected] I have a web site you can check out to see if my shop interests you.
http//:www.blackdogforge.net I run the shop Sat. and Sundays now.
Mark Suchocki

There is a guy on Craigslist in Florence, Ma. "Roscoe the Country Peasant" who sells anvils, vices etc. I have never purchased anything from him as I currently live in Virginia, but that is my home town, and when in town I plan to check him out. Worth a look if you are needing some gear.

Hey Medy,
We met at Blueprints in chat. Glad to meet you last nite. You say you're almost 40. I didn't start until I was 52. Never too late to start. Suck in all the info you can. It's a blast.

Mark<><