Tommygun Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Greetings from Arkansas, I have been wanting to get into blacksmithing for almost a decade now but between the moving around in the army and the past several years of raising four young monsters I just never found the time. Things are starting to settle down though and my current employment has afforded me some unique opportunities in both time available and the ability to use equipment that isn't my own to pursue my interest in moving metal around. Built a propane tank forge a week ago with a T burner and acquired a chunk of RR for an anvil until I can make the wife something that lets her see the light of this beautiful skill and gives me the greenlight on spending more. So far I have made a RR spike seax (because that's what it ended up looking like) and some flat jaw quickie tongs. Impressive right? I've spent some time creeping around the forums trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible and am grateful for all the detailed information I have found so far. Here's to a lifelong obsession. Brandon Thompson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Welcome to IFI! If you haven’t yet, please READ THIS FIRST!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Hammer Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Welcome Brandon. There's so much good information here to read. I know I just read and read for months before joining. Your forge and railroad track will get you started. What has won my wife's heart over is all the useful hooks and things I've made for the house. My first knife was a size of kitchen knife that she needed. She really sees the usefulness of this craft and hobby. When I do all the cabinet pulls I think it will just be the icing on the cake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommygun Posted January 10, 2019 Author Share Posted January 10, 2019 MC, Absolutely what I think will win her over. I have been looking up candle stands, furniture for drawers, and other household items. Plan on making a kitchen knife that can split an atom or at least her heart. It's good to hear my struggle is not my own. I have almost convinced her leatherworking is her lot in life, we will see how that goes. There is an awful lot of antlers for handles and hides for leather going to waste in NW Arkansas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Welcome Brandon... One of the best ways to learn is to attend meetings of ABANA affiliated clubs. There are quite a few members here in NW Arkansas. You might look into attending our next meeting of the BOA NW Chapter in Fayetteville this coming Saturday visitors are always welcome. If interested PM arkie for directions. https://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/187-blacksmith-organization-of-arkansas/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommygun Posted January 10, 2019 Author Share Posted January 10, 2019 Just for fun, this is the short week long journey so far (In no particular order). I have learned about a hundred things i didn't want to do and maybe three I did. 1228181336.mp4 0105191046.mp4 0108191356.mp4 0108191356.mp4 4 minutes ago, Irondragon Forge & Clay said: Welcome Brandon... One of the best ways to learn is to attend meetings of ABANA affiliated clubs. There are quite a few members here in NW Arkansas. You might look into attending our next meeting of the BOA NW Chapter in Fayetteville this coming Saturday visitors are always welcome. If interested PM arkie for directions. https://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/187-blacksmith-organization-of-arkansas/ I saw a meeting was coming up this weekend, trying to convince the ol lady to attend. Are they typically kid friendly? Thanks for your time Irondragon. I apologize for the image dump. Not a computer savvy individual. More of a 6'2" 300lb smash things kind of fellow. I await your scrutiny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommygun Posted January 10, 2019 Author Share Posted January 10, 2019 17 minutes ago, Irondragon Forge & Clay said: Welcome Brandon... One of the best ways to learn is to attend meetings of ABANA affiliated clubs. There are quite a few members here in NW Arkansas. You might look into attending our next meeting of the BOA NW Chapter in Fayetteville this coming Saturday visitors are always welcome. If interested PM arkie for directions. https://www.iforgeiron.com/forum/187-blacksmith-organization-of-arkansas/ We have been talking about heading down there. Was wanting to know if it was a family oriented at all? If so we will gladly come. Been wanting to eat at the Catfish Hole for some time bwahahaha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Our meetings are family oriented and kids are welcome. However keep in mind a blacksmith shop is a dangerous place and children must be supervised at all times. Depending on their age and maturity level, we encourage youngsters to participate and get a taste of hammering on hot steel. They must have appropriate clothing and shoes, no flip flops or synthetic clothing. We supply eye protection and ear plugs are encouraged. Usually the hosting member will supply some sort of lunch (may be beans & corn bread) Look forward to seeing ya there if we don't get an ice storm. Randy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommygun Posted January 10, 2019 Author Share Posted January 10, 2019 I feel odd, Randy or Irondragon? What is a ma to do? Thank you sir! I will insure they act appropriately. See your Sat. Can i pay upon arrival? Gross. i lower case verse I upper case. joking An icestorm in AR? your joking right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Randy is my name Irondragon Forge & Clay is my logon (name is from our business my wife & I had before retiring). Ma can visit & observe or hammer on hot steel if she wants. If you are planning to join you can pay the membership then. We have family membership dues. I suggest bringing chairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkie Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Tommy, I will PM you the location directions. We don't publish them publicly for privacy reasons. Since there is a good chance that winter weather will be upon Fayetteville, your location in Bella Vista will give you a good idea of travel conditions. Tommy, I will PM you the location directions. We don't publish them publicly for privacy reasons. Since there is a good chance that winter weather will be upon Fayetteville, your location in Bella Vista will give you a good idea of travel conditions. Tommy, I will PM you the location directions. We don't publish them publicly for privacy reasons. Since there is a good chance that winter weather will be upon Fayetteville, your location in Bella Vista will give you a good idea of travel conditions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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