EricS Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Hi, my name is Eric Smith, My 15 yr old son Eli and I live in NC. We have been gathering up the materials and tools to do some blacksmithing together. I was extremely excited when my son came to me and said he wanted to try forging some iron( something i have always wanted to try). I've tried for years to get him to come out to the wood shop and build something with me or help me fix up some of the old "arn" i use in the shop. but I couldn't pry him away from the video games. We went down to RR tracks that supply coal to the steam plant a couple of miles away and were able to pick up about 30lbs of coal in about a quarter mile. so we fired up the forge and managed to bang out a few things for the first time. we did burn the tip off the rr spike knife my son made but it ended up ok for the first time ever. we learned how the coal burned (never had a coal fire before) and how to manage it a little bit. I made a slitting tool for future forgings. I think it turned out pretty good for the first piece. We don't have an anvil right now or the cash to by one right now so we used what we could scrounge up i sharpened an edge on the flat plat we were using to make a hot cut i'm surprised at how efficient it works. The pick of the forge has the coal pushed away from the tuyere to help it cool down we had about a 4" deep fire ball. Anyway thanks for all the info on the site from everyone and looking forward to posting more. any critiques will be appreciated. Thanks Eric and Eli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry H Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 you guy are off to a great start.......on a journey, picking up coal .....then starting a fire...then forging something ! ! you already think like smiths. Quickly find a group in your area, you won't be disappointed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Welcome to IFI, nice start. I hope you have read the thread about fealonys for RRtrack salvaging right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Welcome to IFI. Looks like you both have the drive to get with it. The knife looks very nice for a beginner and some that have been forging for awhile, too. Like the slitter. Good luck. Glad that your son is interested in forgeing. It will be great to work together. I look forward to seeing many more of your projects. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marksnagel Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Hey Eric and Eli, Welcome to IFI. When my son got back from Iraq we made our first forge. I have been forging steadily since. It's a great hobby. I have been forging for two years now outside under a tree and am just now about to finish my blacksmith shed. Where are you in NC. I'm in Durant's Neck in the north east corner. There are plenty of other smiths in NC. Have fun and be safe. Mind the RR bulls. Looking forward to seeing you progress. Mark <>< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Allyn Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Those are excellent first efforts. Much better than I fared my first time at the fire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 You got a good start going. Contact your local blacksmithing group North Carolina North Carolina Chapter of ABANA Use the first link if you are close to other states and locate a group in that area. The local blacksmiths can provide you with a source for coal, tools, and other things you will need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted T Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Welcome to "I Forge Iron" To enjoy, and being able to work with your son, far out-ways what you end up producing with your hands. To strengthen the bonds of your relationship with your children; I believe is the most important product you can produce at the forge. I have had MANY Fathers and Mothers who have taken advantage of the Blacksmith School located in my area tell me the reason they attended Blacksmithing classes with their children was to use it only as a vehicle to become closer and bond with their children. It worked! So to the pleasant surprise of many of us, that became the positive and unexpected side benefit for families who attend the Blacksmith School. I wish both of you the very best! Ted Throckmorton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yesteryearforge Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 ERIC and Eli Come visit me and ill give you an anvil i'll not sell it to you or ship it to you but I will give you a starter anvil thats better than a lot of people start with. contact me at yesyeryearforge.com if interested Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Welcome to IForgeIron from Pennsylvania. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old South Creations Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Welcome to IFI. I too use "found" coal...not the best but it certainly works. Good job on the slitter & knife. Looks like you guys are off to a great start! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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