Woodenknife Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Hello everyone! I just made a profile and am familiarizing myself with the site. I've always been interested in Blacksmithing but being a kid from the reservation in South Dakota some things just aren't available out there as they are in more populated areas. I am a Plant Operator by trade and kinda lost the mystique for high temperatures being in an industrial ammonia plant that uses a 1600 degree process to get the reforming process going. I live in southeast Nebraska and have noted a couple other blacksmiths in the area and plan on making a few visits in the near future but for now I am focused on gathering as much material about the subject as I can so you will probably be seeing more of me as time goes on. I recently took a job with a University at their utility plant and find myself with more free time which I am using to continue my love of learning. I am technologically inclined and draw a lot of inspiration from video games and movies but always keep my ideas grounded in the real world but as I've been a gamer since the Atari 2600 on a black and white tv I offer no promises. I don't want to drone on for too long but I just wanted to say Hi to everyone and will be pestering you guys in the near future! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Welcome to IFI... lots of good info. here. If you haven't read this yet, I recommend it to get the best out of the forum. READ THIS FIRST Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenknife Posted January 21, 2019 Author Share Posted January 21, 2019 Its a good read! I'm slowly working my way through the forums, I was on line as well its got some good tips there as well. Going over the safety tips was eye opening as one of the guys giving the instructions had passed away and they made a lesson of it. I had some idea of the dangers in welding stainless piping at the NH3 plant (Hexavalent chromium-6 I believe) but absolutely no clue of the dangers of removing the galvanized layer on metal parts. I doubt I will ever come across the situation but still its something that's already burned into my memory as far as the danger it presents. I've breathed enough vapors in that plant that I don't need anymore my sinuses are still healing from the NoX gases. Being from a pretty dangerous industrial process I am very well versed as far as safety but have caught my fair share of burns and cuts along the way, mostly by steam lines and one by a Primary reformer burner that got me pretty good. Though I have not come anywhere close to the heat these forges can put out. I will continue doing my due diligence and read all I can before I ask anything, thanks guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 Paw Paw was a friend of mine and I gave the farewell toast for him at Quad-State that year. Every time someone says they have always gotten away with it; I remember Paw Paw and try to be sure that I am not messing up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenknife Posted January 21, 2019 Author Share Posted January 21, 2019 That was pretty shocking to come across as I had been through a few of his other guides before I came across that. Even though it was in the past it still felt like it happened as I found myself enjoying his instructions, sorry for the loss of your friend. I know a lot of old timers in my profession and its always hard to see them go with the amount of knowledge they have, especially so when they leave too soon. Thanks for sharing Mr. Powers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted January 21, 2019 Share Posted January 21, 2019 The site stresses safety. To the beginner that does not know what is safe and what is not safe, we must alert them to the dangers early and often. Hot, heavy, sharp, and dangerous only starts the list of cautions. That said, blacksmithing can be done relatively safely. Welcome to the site. If you have trouble finding something, just ask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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