Cody from Spring Lake, NC

[Cpotts215]

Hello all! Like the title says I'm Cody and I'm currently in Spring Lake, NC. I got stationed here at Fort Bragg about a year ago. Was googling blacksmithing and stumbled across this amazing site. After creeping at projects for a few days, it just made me want to start smithing that much more. Haven't figured out how I'm going to start, but I'm working on it. Seems like a real great community on here and I'm sure everyone will be real helpful as long as I don't mention swords for about another 5 years lol!

[Glenn]

You start by reading the entire site. Pack a lunch and a cold drink. (grin)

 

Next can you build a fire in your location?

If yes, then find a fuel source and build the forge to use that fuel.

If no then use modeling clay to understand now the metal moves. Use the same tools as for hot metal.

 

You can cold work non-ferrous metals into all manner of things.

 

Give use more information on what you have available, what you want to do, and we can provide better suggestions.

[swedefiddle]

Swords, Swords are good for holding marshmellows over a fire!!!!! :) :)

 

Neil

[Cpotts215]

As far as I know a am allowed to have fires in my area. I have been trying to contact some local smiths to see if they offer classes. As far as equipment goes I have nothing. I've been searching Craigslist and what not for supplies Though. I'm worried about just jumping in and spending alot, with no idea what I'm doing.

[RSnip988]

 I'm worried about just jumping in and spending alot, with no idea what I'm doing.

That's kind of what I did!  

Well I built my forge from an old disc brake mounted on a 55gal drum with a shop vac as a blower(using a dimmer switch for regulation of speed) the setup only cost me about $35 for the plumbing parts at Lowes, then I found the coal locally for around $7.50 for 50#.bags.  So the forge costs little to build (assuming you have some things laying around)

RKS

[Frosty]

Welcome aboard Cody, glad to have you. If you'll put your general location in the header you'll be surprised at how many folk here live within visiting distance. No swords for at least 5 years eh? I LIKE you, you're gonna fit right in here. <grin> Hook up with the local smithing organization, they'll put you in touch with tools, materials fuel and best of all experienced smiths to learn from. If you go to Iforgeiron's front page and scroll to the bottom you'll find the section of regional clubs. Find the one closest to you and look them up.

 

There are plenty of blacksmiths in NC, get hooked up with them and you're golden. I have good friends living very near Brasstown.

 

Frosty The Lucky.

[John McPherson]

Welcome aboard! And thank you for your service.

 

The next statewide NCABANA meeting is June 29 at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem, and there are regular local meetings all around the state. http://www.ibiblio.org/nc-abana/

 

Near the center of NC, Fourth of July weekend will have an auction, plus tailgating of lots of old tools and things under the trees at the Southeastern Threshers Reunion at Denton Farm Park. http://www.farmpark.com/ Bring a hand truck or wagon to retrieve your bulky purchases or be prepared to wait all day, no vehicles allowed in the gates 8-5. (It was a long half mile uphill to the parking lot with a big ol' leg vise over my shoulder in 95 degree heat. I was still grinning all the way. Or maybe it was a grimace...)

 

There are also two pickers/dealers of used anvils/vises/tongs that advertise on craigslist regularly, one near Charlotte (west of Lake Norman) in NC, the other in Pageland SC.