reneeholiday Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 *8-D I'm giddy like a school girl about FINALLY setting up my smithy. A bit of background first... My name is Renee. I live in Knoxville, TN. I am a F/T sculpture student at UTK. Before that, I got my AA at the local community college where I had the privilege to learn from a master blacksmith and sculptor, Mike Rose. When I caught the metal bug, it but me hard. But I was living in an apartment and had no real way to setup shop. I had to finish up general ed, had carpal tunnel surgery, got engaged, bought a home, had a baby, etc. All of these life events took priority, as they should. But the fire has remained in my soul. I took beginning metal fabrication and sculpture classes ( including casting & moldmaking) last year. I had the opportunity to assist a local artist blacksmith a few times over the summer and hope to do so again once I have some skills that may be of value. This year I'm taking metal fab 2, and other sculpture classes. I have appropriated a chunk of financial aid to setup my shop. I am acquiring some basic shop staples like a small drill press, a saber saw, PPE, hammers, etc. I have ordered my z-burner and associated supplies, I got an ASO and am hoping to get a proper anvil soon. (Going to try to make it to Quad State.) I just picked up a post vise at the flea market, and am ready to start building my forge. I'm also reading everything I can. I feel like I've read through a good bit of anvilfire's info for beginners. And now I'm eating up IFI! THANK YOU to everyone who is putting out this valuable information! It makes me even more DRIVEN to get serious about banging on hot metal... and maybe some cold metal, occasionally. ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Greetings Renee, Sounds like ya got the bug... Keep up the great work and see ya at SOFA.. Forge on and make beautiful things Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! Read all you can here, just be careful....it's a BIG place! Find the local ABANA group and JOIN, hands on learning far out weighs 'reading learning'. I also would suggest to contact Brian Brazeal, a member here, and set up a few days of classes with him. He lives in Brandon, Miss so is not too terribly far for you. Again, welcome and don't forget to share pictures, we LOVE pictures. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windancer Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Welcome to IFI and the whole new world that is before you now. I got bit about 5 years ago and my enthusiasm for the craft has gotten BIGGER every year :) Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Welcome aboard, Renee! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tzonoqua Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Sounds like you are well on your way, Renee!! Welcome! Love to see what kind of work you produce!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgirard13 Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Welcome to IFI and the king of trades! IFI, YouTube, books, local blacksmithing group and a heck of a lot of practice. May Hephaestus bless and protect yer thumbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 And when in NJ, contact me for a tour and visit to my museum. Blacksmith's heaven, and lots for sale too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSW Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 I have appropriated a chunk of financial aid to setup my shop. I am acquiring some basic shop staples like a small drill press, a saber saw, PPE, hammers, etc. Hello and welcome. How did you manage to get someone else to pay for your toys, or is this just a loan? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Welcome from Omaha! Check out the chat when you get a chance too. Lots of good discussion, banter and at times blacksmithing and metal work is even the topic :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Good to go! Nobody starts out big, unless they have a financial angel. Much luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EtownAndrew Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 I hope you make it to Quad state. I'll also be there. There will be lots of used tools for sale that should help you get set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seth miracle Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 Greetings you should check out the Clinch River Blacksmith Guild, they are based in Knoxville and from just talking to the the pres. Bob Bell they are really nice! Now go make something! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 Welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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