Hello all, 

My name is Caleb, I have not started any blacksmithing yet but have been intrigued by it for a few years now, I am finally reaching a point where I have some time so will probably start getting some necessary tools here soon. In the meantime I have just been reading anything and everything i can find on the subject. I have found that there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this site and i look forward to learning more from you guys and sharing my accomplishments and failures along the way. 

Welcome aboard, have you looked up the Saltfork Craftsmen?

Great bunch of guys and galls

I have indeed looked at their website, but i haven't done much yet since i have not made a forge. I have just been reading to gain a little knowledge before jumping in and not having a clue what to do   

I would recommend following up on Charles' suggestion about the Saltfork Craftsmen.  What better place to get started, ask questions and observe smithing than a meeting?  They will be more than happy to help you get started.  In our group we have had visitors pick up a hammer and try out smithing on a simple project and left hooked on blacksmithing!!  Ain't no vaccines available to keep you from getting infected with the "smithing fever"!!

Welcome aboard Caleb, glad to have you. Do NOT wait till you have all the tools you THINK you need to get hooked up with the Saltfork gang. You don't have to have anything but safety glasses to start learning blacksmithing hands on. blacksmiths seem to enjoy getting folk hooked on the craft. You don't need a forge, anvil, tongs, etc. just a smooth faced hammer a hole in the dirt and one of literally hundreds of different ways to make air move through a pipe. A smooth rock will make an anvil, RR rail makes excellent anvils as do broken truck axles, rail car couplers, piece of heavy plate on edge, etc. etc. virtually any piece of reasonably heavy steel works a treat.

Get hooked up with the local club and talk to them, they'll line you out. I suggest you talk to a bunch of different guys every single one will have a different answer for your every question, learning to sift things to suit yourself is an art in itself.

Frosty The Lucky.

They are good folks, I don't make near as many meetings as I would like, but their is almost always a demo forge set up and kids off all ages get to try their hand. No need to be a member, we know that once you try our "product" you'll be hooked ;-)