Acorazar Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Hello All, I've been taking some basic metalworking lectures at the Techshop in Allen Park and that got me looking at Blacksmithing. I've wanted to try it for years, since I was about 8 or 10 years old. I lived next to a forge for years and to a kid, that place was magic. Finally got off my butt and started looking around and found all kinds of resources in my area. There's Tillers International, I'll be looking to take a class or two later this year. Also, the M.A.B.A. who host monthly events. I think there is one this coming weekend about 40 minutes North on I75. After that, scrounging together a makeshift anvil and probably a small gas forge should be a decent starting point. I wonder how long before the neighbors start complaining about the noise? Christopher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSW Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Good to have you with us Christopher. When you get the chance, add your location to your profile so all the guys will know where you live roughly at a glance. You may be surprised to find members here that aren't all that far away from you. I know of about 6 or 8 that are in my area here. It can really help when guys ask questions about finding materials and so on, or you might have someone offer to help you out if you are having an issue. Also plenty of great info here. When you get a chance sit back and go thru a bunch of the older threads and you'll probably find the answers to questions you haven't even thought of yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divermike Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 If you are coming near Kalamazoo, I would love to meet you. I have lots of stuff to sell, and have set up a classroom, so if you don't want to pay Tillers prices, message me, I am holding classes. I am about 20-30 minutes past them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 Greetings and welcome Chris, Sounds like you are ready to jump aboard.. Its a wonderful place to be and a great group of people... Lance has a open forge on Tuesdays in Parma Mich with a lot of MABA members attending. Take advantage of Mikes offer for classes he is a great guy and you will learn a lot.. If I can be of any help on your journey give me a shout.. Forge on and make beautiful things Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapremac Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Welcome Christopher, The talent and knowledge here is amazing ! You would be a wise individual to Run not walk to get under the wing of the two fine folks from Michigan offering their assistance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorazar Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share Posted January 10, 2014 Thanks All. I'll definitely be taking advantage of the resources that are showing up in this forum and around my area. The more I look, the more local blacksmiths and metalwork related events are popping up. How have I not tripped over an anvil in the last few years? I live next door to Detroit, if you want somebody that works on/rebuilds/customizes cars, just throw a rock and you will probably hit one. But blacksmiths? I never expected to find that sort of community around here. I'll be heading to the MABA meeting at CJ Forge tomorrow, with admission dues in hand to join up, and I messaged Divermike about the classes he mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted January 10, 2014 Share Posted January 10, 2014 Greetings again Chris, Normally I go to CJ for the meetings... Living in Cadillac and the Ice forecasted I don't think it is a good idea for me to make the treck.. That's my old stomping grounds.. Lived in that area for 65 years... You will have a great time .. Say hi to Kevin, Chris, Owen and the group for me.. Anything they tell you about me is probably true but I will deny it all...LOL Glad you got ahold of Mike... Have fun Forge on and make beautiful things JIm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorazar Posted January 12, 2014 Author Share Posted January 12, 2014 So, I am now a card-carrying member of MABA! Thanks to basically everyone there, what a welcoming and fun group. I even got the opportunity to make my very first forged thing. Basic and simple, but my very first hammer, forge and anvil project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 Your hooked .... so to speak... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divermike Posted January 12, 2014 Share Posted January 12, 2014 nice.. glad you got to make the event, I had plans to take my wife to a play, and could not make both events, momma wins out. Sorry I missed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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