February 25, 201313 yr My name is Anthony. I reciently started getting into blacksmithing. Always wanted to try it out. I built my own forge and have a 200+lb anvil on Loan. Ive read a few of the threads on here lot of good information. I have a few different sized ball peen hammers laying around the house. Will probably buy a 2-2.5 lb German or Sweedish hammer. I do have a quick question I read lot of people recommend building tongs. Which pair should I BUY to start off with since there are so many sized, shapes and styles? Id like 1 pair that would be good to start off with. After I practice a bit I will start building my own.
February 25, 201313 yr Welcome to the group Tongs need to fit the material you will be working so there is no easy answer Many started with a vise grip or use a piece long enough you dont need tongs.
February 25, 201313 yr raserei, Let us know where in Texas you are. There are several very active groups around the state and we may be able to get you hooked up with one of them. I live in Devine, about 30 minutes south of San Antonio. Yesterday I got to open Stroud's Blacksmith Shop. It has been many, many years since that forge has seen a fire. We ended up with seven of us in the fire and had about 20 visitors to the shop. It was a very interesting day. We have been invited to come again so, we will probably be helping get it into shape. If you are close, let us know and we will get you in there too. Jerry
February 25, 201313 yr Author Didn't expect this many replys this quick LoL. I live about an hour north of Dallas. In a little tiny town called Farmersville. lol.
February 26, 201313 yr Last weekend three Texas blacksmith groups got together at Steephollow Forge Works in Bryan, Texas. They are Balcones Forge, Houston Area Blacksmith Association and the North Texas Blacksmith Association. We had a great turnout. I am much more familiar with Balcones and HABA but, you should get in touch with North Texas Blacksmith Association http://www.ntxba.org/. Good luck, Jerry
February 26, 201313 yr Well you are not very far from the NTXBA headquarters. It is based out of Princeton, Tx. I live west of FTW and make it up there ever now and then.
February 26, 201313 yr Author Oh nice, I messaged them on their site. I would like to attend one of their meetings in the near future. Learn as much as possible from them. Thanks for the info everyone.
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