October 4, 20169 yr What was the best advice (blacksmithing related) that you have been given? Let us start with: Get it hot, hit it hard, quit when you are finished. Do not build a box, that way you do not have to think outside the box. You can only build a fire on a day that ends in the letter Y. TodaY ends in the letter Y, so what are you waiting for?
October 4, 20169 yr ITS to cold heat it up again LOL then Hit it - No that's wimpy Harder #@%$ Ho don't grab that its Hot use the tongs that's what there for if you ding my anvil I will Ding you're head Oops
October 4, 20169 yr The Blacksmiths Retirement Plan. 1) Every time you make a tool put one dollar in the coffee can. 2) Make a million tools.
October 4, 20169 yr If you make one of something you make one . If you make 10 of the same thing you learn.
October 5, 20169 yr Wear your PPE! The traditional blacksmith's retirement plan was quit when you lose your other eye. All the mythological gods of the blacksmith are one eyed. You ain't no god, wear eye protection! Frosty The Lucky.
October 5, 20169 yr Being completely self taught, I've never been on the receiving end of much advice. But have always been a prodigious reader, and have gained much insight from the published experience of others. Based on the questions that so often appear in this forum, ... I'm of the opinion that many neophytes place entirely too much emphasis on the esoteric nuances of certain aspects of the Craft. My advice to all beginners is . . . . . K I S S In the fullness of time, the details will take care of themselves.
October 5, 20169 yr 2 hours ago, SmoothBore said: Being completely self taught, I've never been on the receiving end of much advice. But have always been a prodigious reader, and have gained much insight from the published experience of others. Based on the questions that so often appear in this forum, ... I'm of the opinion that many neophytes place entirely too much emphasis on the esoteric nuances of certain aspects of the Craft. My advice to all beginners is . . . . . K I S S In the fullness of time, the details will take care of themselves. Self taught as well, had a quick first lesson on bladesmithing which was hammering in bevels and straightening the blade. Wear your safety glasses Keep an eye on the workpiece in the forge. thats all I can think of at the moment
October 5, 20169 yr if it looks cold pick it up with tongs dont hold the hot end in your hand and my favourite.. there's a special place in hell for people that hit cold steel on an anvil
October 5, 20169 yr Only 2 things Blacksmiths can go to hell for- hitting cold iron and not charging enough. I was also told never work without beer George
October 6, 20169 yr In my limited experience I have learned that a blacksmith is defined by the way he/she holds their work. Planning projects so that tongs are unnecessary is better than using the right tongs for the job. Using the wrong tongs creates unnecessary limitations on a blacksmith's skill.
October 11, 20169 yr I concur with Smooth Bore, however I got an advice sixty years ago. I do not remember how it was said but the meaning was Hit as quickly you can. It is also a well known statement that the Hell is full of smiths hitting cold iron. "Helvetet är fullt med kallsmeder"
October 11, 20169 yr 1) Are you crazy? Go to college. 2) It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye. 3) Just because its not red doesn't mean its not HOT! 4) If you're not happy with it, its not good enough so do it again. 5) You learn as much from doing it wrong as doing it right.
October 11, 20169 yr in the words of Brian Brazeal-"don't go too far too fast" I cant express how true that is, and how much it has helped. Littleblacksmith
October 11, 20169 yr Jim Green's famed quote "Blacksmithing is easy; you hold the cold end and hit the hot end and please get it right next time!"
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