Ridgewayforge Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 I'm a newbie from Maryland, and boy am I glad I found this forum! I got started in blacksmithing fairly recently, although I've been interested for a while. The first time I saw a 'smith was a number of years past when I hiked in the Sangrio Cristo mountains near Cimmaron, NM. I played around at first, hammering some hot metal that I heated in a campfire. Nowadays I have a better set up, but some of you might say my methods are 'uncouth' and 'unconventional', or even 'wrong'. I still heat my work in wood fires. I've figured out ways to build up a campfire so that it mimicks a forge's heat output. I have a few pieces of railroad track that I use as anvils, which serve my purpose well. (Yes I know they're not the best, but they're what I got for now.) So far it's been a struggle, but I've been figuring things out slowly but surely. I've made hooks and a utensil to lift pots, and want to expand what I can make. I appreciate having this space to gas about myself and my experiences! I look forward to learning all I can on here! ~RidgewayForge Quote
781 Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 welcome to this group check out you local blacksmith group also. nothing like hands on help might be able to find some equipment for sale also Quote
Joseph Tinsley Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 where in maryland? im in St. Marys. Quote
ThomasPowers Posted February 1, 2012 Posted February 1, 2012 Considering that hot coals (charcoal) has been a major smithing fuel for over 2500 years I don't see the unconventionality---just most of us separate the production of charcoal from the using. Generally when I use my Y1K forge I build a wood fire nearby and transfer the hot coals to the forge as needed. Coal didn't get used for smithing until the High/Late Middle ages according to Gies & Gies in "Cathedral Forge and Waterwheel" With your background and set up I would strongly suggest you ILL "The Complete Modern Blacksmith", Weygers, at your local public library! Quote
Ridgewayforge Posted February 1, 2012 Author Posted February 1, 2012 Joseph, I'm around Frederick, I like to call it podunk, not a whole lot around here. ThomasPowers, I just know that some people tend to look on using a campfire as a little bit novice, but I say anything that can cook your bacon AND the fork you eat with is worth trying. It takes a little longer in the campfire vs. a forge, but I like the wait. Its rather relaxing. I'll definately go check out that book, I've found a few others that were rather good, too, although I cannot remember their names. Thanks all for the resources! Quote
Joseph Tinsley Posted February 1, 2012 Posted February 1, 2012 well if your everdown this way hit me up, i would be more than happy to show you some tips and tricks Quote
Jacob Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 Go through Dave's links above. There are a lot of groups and smiths in the area. BGCM sells good coal and has an excellent school shop, BGOP has a forge shop, and BGWM has been touring local member shops lately. I'm north of Frederick. There is a pretty active community here. Welcome! Quote
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