Hello from Sanford, I've never done any blacksmithing but I have done welding and fabricating. I'm signed up to take a blacksmithing class at John C Cambell fold school this fall and just researching what I'll need to get started at home. Mostly I do wood working, especially bowl and hollow form turning, blacksmithing is just something I've always wanted to try.

Hey rob,

Welcome to IFI. I'm about 3 hrs east of you in Durants neck. There are several blacksmiths in NC, one fairly near you in Durham. Depends on your idea of near I guess. Since IFI has active members from all over the world we are neighbors. Good idea on taking the class. If there are any other blacksmiths close enough to you, you should seek them out. They will probably find you on here though. Good luck and don't forget to post pictures of your progress.

Mark <><

Thanks Mark, right now I'm just trying to figure out where I'm going to start setting up. I'm thinking an outside forge off of my shed, build a couple walls and a roof off of it. I have a friend that has done some farrier work, and has an old forge that he's giving me that needs re-conditioned. My dad has a crank type bellows. I'll probably be anvil shopping soon.

Welcome, welcome! Wood working is pretty impressive, it'll come in handy if you want to make yourself knives and their handles.
Your plan for you forge set-up sounds pretty nice. Also, do check out the local blacksmithing organizations near you. Sounds like you're on the right track!

Thanks, I'll probably wait until spring to start building a forge area. We'll see. So many projects, so little time.

Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI!! Here is the link for the ABANA group in NC, NCABANA.ORG You should be able to find meeting dates and locations from there. Most groups meet every month on a particular Sat so getting to a meeting should not be a problem. Good to have ya, enjoy your journey. BTW, we like pictures, yes even pics of wooden objects, so please post if have some you'd like to share.

Just got back from you website you have posted in your profile....nice work! really like the piece with the turquoise inlay.

Rob - Welcome to the craft. I live just north of Pittsboro so we are practically neighbors. Drop me a personal mail if you would like to connect. I first started forging to make woodworking tools myself but went over to the dark side completely once I got started.

Cheers,
Doug

Well it's a small world, I live in Sanford as well. If you need a hand setting up give me a shout. I have a friend that lives in New Hill that does wood work for a living, massive shop deals mostly in quartersawn lumber, but he's looking to start smithing as well.

I think we have the same friend Robert, Scott? I've bought red oak from him, and have got turning wood also. Great guy.

The spring meeting will be at Dean Curfman's shop outside Morganton, NC on March 17. Folks come from out of state for this, so get together and carpool. Directions on the NCABANA website, join in for lunch, tailgating and great demos.

Yep Rob, Scott. Good guy, lots of connections.

Hey Rob it's Mike!!! Welcome to IFI. We can learn together. I would love to be able to take that class with you. When is it?

Mike, it's this one. https://www.folkschool.org/index.php?section=class_detail&class_id=5874

It's costly, but it's our vacation and we figured we would spend that much just visiting some place, and we like it up there. We both really enjoyed the last time we were up there.

Yep Rob, Scott. Good guy, lots of connections.

Hey I know Scott too! Small world.

Rob, You will love the John C. Campbell Folk School. Work there whenever the shop is open to students meaning into the evening hours. Some instructors are not willing to be there late, so check with them before registering.
The week goes by fast. Get your fire started early and be ready to go right after instructional demo. I am the "village smith" at the Georgia Mtn. Fair in Hiawassee. Stop by during July or Oct. events and I'll share any of
my limited - beginner skills with you. Forge on, Har Fisher Ft Myers Fl and Hayesville NC

Howdy folks. I'm from down in Laurinburg NC. Just starting out as well so I can't give much in the way of advice but I'm always happy to lend a helping hand. And for anyone in the far west of the state, I'm a full time student at Western Carolina University so if anyone out that way needs a hand I am happy to help.

Yep Rob, Scott. Good guy, lots of connections.

I don't know Scott but it sounds like I want to know him! haha