Bolt-Head Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Howdy, I'm just getting into blacksmithing and found this place. You guys sure have a great resource here and I'm hoping to learn a lot. I was in the process of setting up my shop however a friend of mine is having marital dificulties and my new smithy (my garage) will now be housing his car...however I'm still hoping to work on my setup and get things rolling. I've got an old Buffalo forge that I inherited when I bought the place and I was cleaning the garage when I started thinking about getting it setup and working. So in my quest for more knowledge I bought The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex W. Bealer. I've worked with steel since I've been out of high school and I've worked as a production welder for many years and am currently working as an Ironworker (high steel). So blacksmithing is right up my alley. I recently bought a book called Back To Basics put out by Reader's Digest in a used bookstore and in it was a chapter on blacksmithing as well as numourous other pieces of useful information. In this chapter it showed how to build a brakedrum forge which really lit the fire in me, so to speak, that it's possible to get things rolling without spending a lot of money. I was a little concerned about the cost of installing a chimney and the like for getting the Buffalo forge setup. I'm still trying to get my smithy setup however it wont be operational until my friend settles his marital issues...I can see how the collecting portion of this hobby can quickly become addicting. I made a few purches today. Think I made out okay. I bought a straight pein hammer, a sledge, a handeled chisel, three sets of tongs, a wire brush, I found a lid which should fit perfectly on a brakedrum, and I picked up a post vice. Already had one set of tongs and a cross pein. I might post up some pics when I get around to taking them. Feel free to ask any questions...I know I sure will be! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccustomknives Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Howdy from 'bama. You should put at least a rough location. You might be suprised how many smiths are in your area. I've got Bealer's book, it was written from a third person account. Several instances you can really tell his knowlege of 'smithing was more of a intellectual on rather than experience, but it is interesting none the less. Look forward to seeing your progress! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Welcome aboard, glad to have you. I'm confused, you have a CAR in your garage? That just doesn't seem natural. <grin> Bealer was more a historian trying to keep the craft from disappearing, the book has some things that just ain't so but it's well worth having on the shelf. I have two copies. Pick up a copy of "The complete Modern Blacksmith" by Alexander Wygers. Being a welder fabricator you'll be able to use Wygers book to it's fullest. He was an artist in many media and traveled the world but didn't bring his tools. When he found something he wanted to use he'd set up a field expedient blacksmith shop and make whatever he needed. He did a lot of wood and stone carving and was a master at starting from whatever was around. It's one of my favorite books. There are lots of other very good books I'm pretty sure there is a list on IFI somewhere I just don't know where. We LOVE good questions and brainstorming problems. WE LOVE pics more though: projects, shop, tools, family, scenery, dogs, food, you name it. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolt-Head Posted October 20, 2013 Author Share Posted October 20, 2013 Well the car isn't there yet. I've got a few pictures here, hope they work okay. I've got the tools I own and a picture of my post vice. I've also got a cross-pien and another set of tongs that aren't pictured. I'll try to grab a picture of my forge next time I get the chance, been kind of busy. I'm still getting started but I think I'm more then well on my way for tools. Any suggestions on what else I might need? I've still got to find an anvil but I might have a line on one so I'll have to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I have some questions if you do not mind...Are you thinking that with a brake drum forge you will not have to have a vent pipe like with the buffalo forge?,,,,you will..fumes can get ya!, Not sure wot you will need the lid for,,,,looks like youi have a good start,,,keep at it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolt-Head Posted October 25, 2013 Author Share Posted October 25, 2013 Yes to be honest I did think that if I had the garage door open I would be able to get away with a breakdrum forge not having a vent pipe...hmm...you've definately given me something to think about. I might just fire it up and take a test drive so to speak once I'm able to get set up just to see how bad the smoke is in there with the door open. You might be right though and I'd need to vent it. The lid is to keep the kids in the neighbourhood out of the forge. Everytime I'm out in the garage doing something one of the neighbour's kids always comes around to see what I'm up to and to offer their help. So far it's been very much appreciated as they sure helped clean the garage up and even helped put together an engine stand. So I figured that having a lid would keep them from getting their hands where they shouldn't be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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