February 11, 200719 yr Hello all, I have always been interested in blacksmithing and now that I can afford to start, I would like to get into it, but I don't even know how to begin. I don't know any places to buy the stuff I would need to start up besides Ebay maybe. Anything anyone could tell me would be greatly appreciated.
February 12, 200719 yr Olfiar, There are many features of this site that will help you get started. Unfortunately, they (the site admin) are in the process of updating and adding new features to the site. Once working correctly again, there are loads of what we in IFI land call Blueprints available to help you. Many of the the BP's (Blueprints) are geared toward people new to the craft. I myself have benefitted greatly from the info. available here. -Hang tight, wait on the updates, and then start reading the BP's. -Search the ABANA website for an affiliate chapter in your area. There may be active members of this site near you that I'm sure would be glad to help you get started, or even "try it, before you buy it" so you don't spend your money for nothing. -Once you find what you need to start, don't be shy and get started, even if on a small scale. Good luck, welcome to the site, and feel free to ask questions.
February 12, 200719 yr For tools Look around at the flea markets,and farm sales or auctions.For mail order sales try Blacksmiths Depot.com,Piehtoolco.com For beginner projects and stuff check the blueprints section,
February 12, 200719 yr Go to the opening page IForgeIron.com and "search the site" then enter BP0300. From there use the links or enter the Blueprints into the search engine.
February 12, 200719 yr GO TO THE LIBRARY AND GET THE ART OF BLACKSMITHING BY ALEX W. BEALER. YOU MAY EVENTUALLY BUY IT. TO GET STARTED:GET A HAMMER, LARGE CHUNK O'DENSE MATTER (or an anvil), LONG PIECE OF STEEL [REBAR WERK'S no tongs needed] BUILD A FIRE HEAT THE LONG PIECE OF STEEL THEN BEAT THE FIRE OUT OF IT! U R NOW DOOMED TO BE A BLACKSMITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 12, 200719 yr Author Thank you for your replies. After looking at a few books online, I see that I have to have a gas forge that way I won't upset any of my neighbors. I'm hoping to maybe find a gas forge and an anvil at the flea market. If not, what kind of stores would I be able to find an anvil at?
February 12, 200719 yr Olfiar, I would like to suggest that you might consider taking a class or two at a blacksmith school if your schedule and wallet permit. Abana has listed several schools. ([ABANA] Blacksmith Schools and Programs) In my opinion a course is a great way to get going and a HECK of a lot of fun..
February 12, 200719 yr if you dont want smoke and cant afford a gas forge try charcoal it gives off little to no smoke gets super hot and is great for welding but it burns real quick. i have made a charcoal forge with a hole in the ground and a cardboard box belows
February 12, 200719 yr I would find a local club (again ... look on the ABANA web site for clubs in your state) and attend their next meeting. When you get there, introduce yourself to the host, and let them know that you are new to the craft. In our club, Jim Carothers or another senior member will usually take some time after the demonstrations to work through a beginner demo with you. That's how I made my first "J hook".
February 12, 200719 yr Rocky Mountain Smiths, Colorado Blacksmiths Roy is right. Show up at one of their meetings and you will be warmly welcomed. You will also soon find most of them are trying to sell you tools! You will learn the use of "tailgate" as a verb. Thats where the tool deals are done. Good Luck.
February 13, 200719 yr olfiar, I would suggest that in addition to all of the other excellent suggestions, I would also suggest that you also contact the "Rocky Mountain Smiths" Colorado Smiths. They are all around you. They are a good group of Smiths. I know they would be of great help. Contact: Kalah May, RMS Editor PO Box 1736 Bailey, CO 80421
February 13, 200719 yr Author Thank you for the suggestions. I was wondering if you guys thought this anvil is worth the price? eBay: BLACKSMITH ANVIL 110 lbs HARDENED TEMPERED SOLID STEEL (item 110091350761 end time Feb-18-07 20:00:46 PST) Or even this one?eBay: #110 Knife ~ Sword Making BLACKSMITH ANVIL HARD STEEL! (item 160084922676 end time Feb-19-07 11:12:05 PST)
February 13, 200719 yr Olifar, if you go to a local chapter of ABANA you'll probably find a lot of things you need can be made there, and the members will probably have contacts for the tools you can't. Don't buy anything yet, go and see a Smith at work, get an idea of wether this is somthing that really grabs you first, then set about getting all tooled up.
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