Jem Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 My name is Jeremy. Most people dont bother saying the full name so any abbreviation is fine. I am looking to train as a blacksmith but I have no idea where to start. I live in South Africa Any help to this end would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Welcome Jeremy! We have a number of smiths from SA on IFI and hopefully they will chime in with details.A few things that would help: Are you looking to train for a career or a hobby? Where in SA are you at?Are you just starting out or looking to make a career switch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Welcome aboard Jem, glad to have you. We have a number of smiths from SA aboard, the more the merrier. There are a couple thousands man years of experience archived here on IFI. Its organize by subject so pull up a comfy chair, pack a lunch and something to drink, pick something that interests you and have at it. There are many hours of reading to help you on your way. It's a good place to start, some knowledge is really handy, it'll help you ask good questions, get you started on the trade jargon so you understand the answers and help us not have to reply to questions that have been answered repeatedly. There are things you can ask yourself now that'll help you get on track. What do you want to make? as a general category it's a lot more detailed than you might think. For instance if you wish to make swords you can look in the bladesmithing section and discover how many years some brilliant bladesmiths studied and practiced before they made their first sword. There's a HUGE number of things you not only need to know but need to be able to do. Okay, that was just a common beginner target and a good one but it's full of sweat and study. Other goals might be ornamental home hardware, say hinges, cabinetry hangers, hooks, shelf brackets, etc. Maybe garden hardware from decorative bits like hangers, trellis' fences, etc. to tools, its a broad field. Wood working tools? Oh yeah, plenty of room for good wood working tools. It's HUGE craft and we're always happy to help someone get themselves thoroughly addicted. You betcha we are. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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