A Smith's mental health (tips for keeping calm and forging on)

[Crazy Ivan]

    So, I am gonna guess I'm probably not the only one on this forum who has problems with patience, temper, frustration and perfectionism. That being said, I tend to have a really hard time keeping my head when I make mistakes and it puts me in a bad mood for a couple days. I left the shop today after hurling a 4 lber at the wall and a few choice words the whole neighborhood most likely heard. It was just one of those days when I couldn't do anything right. I have been told many times that I am too hard on myself with my standards for what I produce (I'm almost never completely satisfied with something for some reason). I wanted to open up a topic for sharing what your methods are to avoid acting like a toddler and throwing a fit instead of being more level headed about things. This isn't the first time I have gotten this heated in the shop but I hope maybe some of you may have ways to cope with stress, anger, boiling blood etc that could help me (and anyone else) make it the last time I act so irrationally. Sometimes I can catch on early enough to shut off the gas, put the hammer down and walk away until I gather myself, but I have this point where I just get even more stubborn and progressively more angry until I burst. There are also legitimate mental problems involved which I don't feel the need to specify and would not expect similarly afflicted folks to either, but would love some wisdom from anybody who will offer it. Thanks.

 

-A disgruntled Crazy Ivan

[Glenn]

Everything in blacksmithing is either hot, heavy, sharp, or dangerous.

 

Recognize the mood change, shut off the gas, put the hammer down and walk away. 

[Justin Caradoc]

I agree with Glenn. If I am having one of those days that I just can't get anything right. I put it down and walk away for the day. If I have not caught it before I get frustrated I will usualy go hit a punching bag for a bit just to get the frustration out then go play with my 7 year old son.

[Rich Hale]

The fastest route to  the symptoms you described is to try projects you have not developed skills for. The basics,,as described on this forum quite often if you look back through the threads are a base to forge anything you wish. Body mechanics, correct tools, proper fire control all these and more reduce the failure rate. It we were talking about vehicles it is like entering a long distance race in a car that yo have not learned about the transmission selections,,,and which pedal is go and which is stop. 

Turn sq stock to round then back to square...long tapers again with sq to rd and back...roll nice circles, make scrolls...make stock longer and thin,,and shorter and fat. punch holes ,,slit and drift etc...As you do these pay real close attention to wot each part of the hammer and anvil do to steel. 

Forgin steel is so easy I learned it...I did not learn it fast. 

Forge one item. Say a long tapered piece...then two weeks of hard work later forge another one and compare them...and if you have not found and joined a group so you can see how others do things you are going to be a few years into this,,,,but only if you spend a lot of time at the forge.

[Ted T]

Very, very good advice give already!!!! 

 

I am impressed that you would reach out as you have.

That is a step foreward.  Meaning you are advancing. And that is GOOD NEWS!

There may be others that feel the same way at times. 

 

I think all of us have felt that we could have and should have produced something better.

I used to call it my "pile of shame".  Then I realized it was my pile of "GAIN". Because I learned something from it.

I would like to chat with you by pvt. message, or even a phone call if it fits your need. 

 

Blacksmithing espeshilly at a hobby level should be enjoyable, physically taxing, and mentally calming. 

I suggest that you read and ponder what has been said! - It is good advice!

 

 

[Crazy Ivan]

The fastest route to  the symptoms you described is to try projects you have not developed skills for. The basics,,as described on this forum quite often if you look back through the threads are a base to forge anything you wish. Body mechanics, correct tools, proper fire control all these and more reduce the failure rate. It we were talking about vehicles it is like entering a long distance race in a car that yo have not learned about the transmission selections,,,and which pedal is go and which is stop. 

Turn sq stock to round then back to square...long tapers again with sq to rd and back...roll nice circles, make scrolls...make stock longer and thin,,and shorter and fat. punch holes ,,slit and drift etc...As you do these pay real close attention to wot each part of the hammer and anvil do to steel. 

Forgin steel is so easy I learned it...I did not learn it fast. 

Forge one item. Say a long tapered piece...then two weeks of hard work later forge another one and compare them...and if you have not found and joined a group so you can see how others do things you are going to be a few years into this,,,,but only if you spend a lot of time at the forge.

Funny you said that Rich because that was actually exactly what I was doing. I try to take time once a week and go back to the basics (forging nails, rivets, tapers, scrolls, slit&drift, scarf welds, and circles). I have done this for five years almost religiously because I consider it general maintenance on my skills. I tend to get rusty sometimes even if I have been in the shop 10 hrs a day 7 days a week. Even if I have made no project altering mistakes for months on end, I practice the basics. For me there is nothing more infuriating then messing up something I have done 1000 times before. It especially gets to me when the only place I find peace of mind and solace (my shop) becomes a place that I get irate and irrational. Blacksmithing is not just a source of income for me, but therapy and self care. It seems like on some days, I should try and find that solace elsewhere until my mood stabilizes enough that I can trust myself not to throw hammers across my shop. Some coffee might have helped as well. haha

 

-Crazy Ivan

[Crazy Ivan]

Very, very good advice give already!!!! 

 

I am impressed that you would reach out as you have.

That is a step foreward.  Meaning you are advancing. And that is GOOD NEWS!

There may be others that feel the same way at times. 

 

I think all of us have felt that we could have and should have produced something better.

I used to call it my "pile of shame".  Then I realized it was my pile of "GAIN". Because I learned something from it.

I would like to chat with you by pvt. message, or even a phone call if it fits your need. 

 

Blacksmithing espeshilly at a hobby level should be enjoyable, physically taxing, and mentally calming. 

I suggest that you read and ponder what has been said! - It is good advice!

Ted, thank you very much for such a kind offer (for me, a stranger).  I posted this thread in order to see if anyone had ways to avoid/deal with these things that they could share but did not expect such kindness offered on a more direct level like that. I really appreciate it. 

-Crazy Ivan

[forger]

When I have one of those days I would make "S" hooks... lots of S hooks. It was simple, mindless, but I had a sale-able when I was done.

Still to this day When I'm frustrated or at a loss of what to do I make hooks or nails or whatever just so long as it distracts me from my problems.

It reinforces hammer control, discipline and confidence.  It works for me.

Mike

[notownkid]

I would think that what You need is mental conditioning to control your frustrations  I would recommend  closing up your shop for a few days.  Go in the house set in your favorite chair, kick back and take a number of deep breaths.  Now turn on your best big screen TV and tune in 24 hr. Network News, your choice of network. 

 

When you can go 24 hrs. without throwing something through your TV or the TV through your window you are conditioned and most likely can go back to the shop and all mistakes will seem like nothing to you. 

 

If this doesn't work maybe take up knitting something with light weight tools.

[Crazy Ivan]

I would think that what You need is mental conditioning to control your frustrations  I would recommend  closing up your shop for a few days.  Go in the house set in your favorite chair, kick back and take a number of deep breaths.  Now turn on your best big screen TV and tune in 24 hr. Network News, your choice of network. 

 

When you can go 24 hrs. without throwing something through your TV or the TV through your window you are conditioned and most likely can go back to the shop and all mistakes will seem like nothing to you. 

 

If this doesn't work maybe take up knitting something with light weight tools.

I would think if someone could watch the news for a whole day without getting mad, then there would be a problem. haha. Also, I dont have a T.V. But your suggestion did make me think maybe I should go camping for a few days. That always helps and I haven't gone in a few months. I always seem to be more tolerant for a while after being in the woods for a few days. That might just be the ticket.

-Crazy Ivan

[billyO]

If you're not a Teetotaller (and it's legal for you to do so), have a beer (preferably a homebrew), relax, sit back and enjoy.  Look back at previous successes and enjoy them again.  Blacksmithing (Life, for that matter) should be enjoyable.  If you don't enjoy what you're doing, do something else.  

[Rich Hale]

You for sure have put in the years,,,but at wot weekly rate? a couple of hours a week or 60?,,,,If doing long hours then you need to get guidance from a more experienced smith,,,,

[macbruce]

I'm no stranger to the hammer toss especially when I was younger..... :angry: .....I also remember working high iron as you have done and one of the things I loved about it was how sharply I had to concentrate and be aware of WHAT I was doing or pay the price. No time for snits or rages, focus or else. So you have it in you, try approaching your work calmly and methodically a bit like you must have done when you were ten stories up..... B)

[Crazy Ivan]

You for sure have put in the years,,,but at wot weekly rate? a couple of hours a week or 60?,,,,If doing long hours then you need to get guidance from a more experienced smith,,,,

My years of pursuing blacksmithing are slightly scattered. I did 4 years in a vocational high school (mainly smithing, but also general metal fab/welding). and then for a while I was a structural ironworker, work slowed down and eventually stopped in boston, then my life fell apart due to substance abuse, and eventually homelessness. Two years ago I got myself back together and one year ago I set up my shop and have been smithing most everyday. Typically I will be in the shop for 6-12 hours at least 5 days a week. I have been dying to get further guidance from another smith but as I am still trying to fix all the debt I accumulated because of being homeless, I don't have any way to pay for it. I just make enough to pay rent, cost of the shop expenses, and debts with almost nothing left to spend on anything else. On that note, is there someone who anyone on here would recommend I go to for classes or more instruction when I do get the money? 

-Crazy Ivan

[billyO]

is there someone who anyone on here would recommend I go to for classes or more instruction when I do get the money? 

-Crazy Ivan

Spend the money joining your local Blacksmithing organization, go to the meetings and any extra money you want/have to spend on smithing,  sign up for whatever workshop/classes you find out about through your local organization taught by local smiths.  Keep the money in the group, you'll get the best return on your investment there.

If you're lucky (like I was), you'll make friends with a local smith who could use a hand with some projects.  Offer to help for free, and you'll get WAY more back than the time you give.

[Crazy Ivan]

I'll look into that Billy, Thanks.

-Crazy Ivan

[billyO]

I'll look into that Billy, Thanks.

-Crazy Ivan

Which post?  :unsure:  The one about becoming friends with a local smith, one or the one about having a beer? :D

[Crazy Ivan]

Already grabbed a brew. I meant about meeting some local smiths. haha

-Crazy Ivan

[Rashelle]

A couple of things I do when frustrated, when I can remember. One the verbalization to let it go let it go let it go go go. A reminder to myself to be nice. The one that really puts things in perspective "I aint being shot at". With that one little sentence everything else gets in perspective. Some of the time it's reworded "I aint being shot at I aint worried" or "I aint being shot at, it aint a problem". (Rough life and along with the military I put in 11 years working for the criminal justice system before I realized I was burnt out and got out.)

 

I had put up both a heavy body bag at home and a speed bag, some music and time on the bags would usually work out the physical frustrations. Helps with the desire to hit/break,etc. something. Add in footwork when working on the bags along with good tunes and after the workout things are soothed. It's another way to lose oneself in an activity. Trying different combinations and stuff allowed (myself at least) to avoid boredom from repitition and allowed a focus.

 

Rashelle

[DSW]

Some nice controlled violence usually helps...  :lol: 

 

Take a break and head out to the range with a few boxes of ammo. I like breaking clays myself the best, but it's tough to throw and shoot by myself. Pistol is my next favorite, especially my .22's where I don't really have to worry about ammo costs. I'll also grab the bow and go shoot a few rounds at balloons or try to knock down bottles.

[Crazy Ivan]

A couple of things I do when frustrated, when I can remember. One the verbalization to let it go let it go let it go go go. A reminder to myself to be nice. The one that really puts things in perspective "I aint being shot at". With that one little sentence everything else gets in perspective. Some of the time it's reworded "I aint being shot at I aint worried" or "I aint being shot at, it aint a problem". (Rough life and along with the military I put in 11 years working for the criminal justice system before I realized I was burnt out and got out.)

 

I had put up both a heavy body bag at home and a speed bag, some music and time on the bags would usually work out the physical frustrations. Helps with the desire to hit/break,etc. something. Add in footwork when working on the bags along with good tunes and after the workout things are soothed. It's another way to lose oneself in an activity. Trying different combinations and stuff allowed (myself at least) to avoid boredom from repitition and allowed a focus.

 

Rashelle

I have been shot at before too, so that may actually help as a reference point for my level of anger as well. I also have an 80 lb heavy bag I used to use every day that maybe I should put back up and beat on. Thanks.

-Crazy Ivan

[Crazy Ivan]

Some nice controlled violence usually helps...  :lol:

 

Take a break and head out to the range with a few boxes of ammo. I like breaking clays myself the best, but it's tough to throw and shoot by myself. Pistol is my next favorite, especially my .22's where I don't really have to worry about ammo costs. I'll also grab the bow and go shoot a few rounds at balloons or try to knock down bottles.

I don't own firearms anymore but I should definitely look into getting a bow(I may even make my own arrow heads)

. I have taken to using slingshots and snares for small game while on long camping trips, but maybe I should brush up on my archery skills to pass the time. Even more difficult and rewarding may be to learn to use simple slings to fire projectiles. The sound of glass bottles shattering is also therapeutic to me :)  haha.

-Crazy Ivan

[DSW]

Man it's been years since I used a slingshot!

 

As a teenager I'd take it out almost everyday to go shoot at bottle or cans down on the beach. Targets are so much better when you can sink them. Even made up a wristrocket in metals shop, back when they still had shop classes and something like that wouldn't get the whole school district locked down. I even remember the whole class ( including the instructor) going out in the back field behind the shop and testing it when I finished it one day after class. I think I still have both of them around somewhere. I'd need to get new bands for them though by this point.

 

There's a good forge project I haven't thought of!

 

Never was much good with a twirled sling. I made up one of those at Scout camp in leather class, but couldn't hit the side of a barn with it.

[Glenn]

 Never was much good with a twirled sling. I made up one of those at Scout camp in leather class, but couldn't hit the side of a barn with it.

The secret to hitting the side of a barn is to stand on the inside of the barn. It is that box thing (grin)

[Crazy Ivan]

Ya, my shop class was similar. I remember the first day freshman year, my shop teacher purged a 55 gallon drum with acetylene leaving a ground and stinger (with 200' of lead) attached to it. He turned the machine on from a safe distance to show us how explosive gasses can kill you by sending the barrel 200 feet into the air. That was one thing I will sure never forget. Pretty sure you can demonstrate that in that way anymore haha.

-Crazy Ivan