James from Richardson, Texas. Hi!

[jmcquirt]

1) Name:
James McQuirter

2) Location:
Richardson, TX

3) What type blacksmithing do you do, what do you make:
Knives, so far. I would like to learn other things.

4) How and when did you get started in blacksmithing:
I took an introductory class from an excellent teacher, Chuck Stone, in Newark, TX back in October 2010.

5) What object or thing did you use as your first anvil:
My first and only anvil is a piece of railroad track found at a garage sale. I built a wooden stand about 3' high, filled with adobe and use the track standing vertically.

6) Tell us about your first forge, hole in the ground, camp fire, brake drum, stacked bricks:
My first and only is a washtub forge filled with adobe, Tim Lively style.

7) Who assisted you or encouraged you in the craft:
Again, first class from Mr. Stone. Encouragement from my family, friends and coworkers. Been reading articles and books on knifemaking and general blacksmithing. I have learned a lot from this forum.

8) What event changed your attitude about blacksmithing:
Actually doing it.

9) What tool has changed or made your life easier in the shop:
I don't have a large collection of tools. The bench and angle grinders make life easier. I have a good fitting set of blade tongs. Really, though, it has not been the tools as much as learning by reading and by experience. Thanks for the great resource here.

10) What advice would you give those starting out in blacksmithing:
Don't spend a lot of money up front. Find a way to get the metal hot and pound on it. You will learn as you go. There are tons of resources on the Internet.

11) What advice would you give those already involved in blacksmithing:
Keep doing it. Share what you know.

12) What are some of the interesting things that have happened to you in your life as a blacksmith:
I had been looking for anvils at garage sales and flea markets without any luck. I am also a home brewer, so I have had my eye out for a lagering fridge. I drove by one estate sale, saw a an old freezer in good shape and did a U-turn. I bought the freezer fo $35.00 and, as usual, I didn't see anything useful for my blacksmith shop. The man who sold me the fridge helped me home with it. Once we got it unloaded, I thanked him for it. I told him, I was originally looking for an anvil, but I was glad I came across his sale, since I was looking for an old fridge as well. He said, "Hmmm. I swear I saw an anvil in the house". We went back and sure enough, we found a good length of railroad track. "$5.00 OK?", he said. I was so excited, I could hardly wait to pay him!

Please add any thing we may have missed or should have asked.

[Tagg]

I live in Allen and I'm making knives too. Welcome!