Hello everyone, hope all is well with you all. 

My names Cole Sapp, I'm from Columbia, MO, 25 years of age and have been pounding metal for about a year. My interests are particularly tooling and would like to perfect my tooling before branching out to much. I'm really into creating my own tools for the job and have some local smiths I've met with who are all primarily bladesmiths whom all have seemed to show interest in a young smith who cares more about tooling. Previously I've always had a coal forge of which I built myself and am quite proud of it, however I've recently purchased a new home located in a subdivision with HOA which put a hold on my forging until I could feel out the environment. After a few months I've decided it's safe to start forging again without upsetting to many people (some possible gifts for those on the fence). I've just got my gas forge and anvil back up and running so I guess I can officially say I'm back in it and boy am I excited. I'm looking forward to getting to know as many of you as possible and learning as much as I can from you more experienced smiths. I don't know a whole lot but I'm eager to learn and help preserve the trade. Thank you all and feel free to message me if you would like to discuss anything or just to get to know someone don't hesitate. 

Welcome to IFI! If you haven't yet, please READ THIS FIRST!!!

Welcome aboard Cole. I`m pretty new here as well. What drew me to the forum is the vast amount of know how here.  I have been studying lots of said know how and have lots yet to absorb.  Great for beginners as well as anyone of whatever knowledge level. Again welcome.

Welcome aboard Cole.

Making the tools is great. If you get good at it and make what people want that's even better for you. Welcome to IFI. 

Well it does help to be able to use the tools so you know what works best and are not mislead by looks and assumptions.  Example: my wife is a spinster; but took weaving classes as you need to know the properties needed to spin appropriate materials for weavers.