Hi Folks,

I'm from about a half hour North of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and have been interested in trying out some blacksmith projects for some time. I have worked with steel a fair bit (I did production line welding and also a fair bit of fabrication in the past).

I'm currently looking at making a small forge and finding an anvil to get started, and suggestions on where to find materials is welcome. 

I have access to most tools at work, even though I'm in sales now I can still use all of the shop tools including welders, saws, lathe, CnC laser. Just not a forge, although we have various propane burners used in soldering carbide onto cast steel. 

Hey, welcome aboard!

Couple of suggestions:

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH. There is a HUGE amount of information on IForgeIron (hence IFI) on just about every possible subject you'll need to know for getting started. Pull up a chair and read! If you have a question, try to find the answer in the forum before you ask. If you can't find the answer, at least you'll be in a better position to ask an informed question.

2. DON'T GET LOCKED INTO ONE IDEA. The great thing about starting out is that you can do just about anything. Folks here do all kinds of incredible work on improvised anvils with some pretty unlikely looking forges. Be flexible, and work with what you've got. 

3. RESPECT THE CURMUDGEONS .  Remember what I said about doing your research? We have some of the most knowledgeable folks I've ever met, and always ready and willing to share their knowledge BUT they're sick to the teeth of answering the same basic uninformed questions for the ten thousandth time! Respect their time, and follow Suggestion #1!

4. FIND YOUR LOCAL SMITHING GROUP.  You will learn more in an hour of watching a good smith than you will in a week of reading online. Find your local ABANA affiliate or the equivalent, and go meet some folks to learn from in person.

With that said, Welcome again! Enjoy!