June 18, 20251 yr Hello everyone, I'm Michael from eastern Saxony in Germany, 43 years old, and I run a workshop for accident repair of cars and buses. As a balance to sitting at a desk, I’ve recently discovered blacksmithing for myself. I was lucky enough to get a nice basic setup with an 80 kg anvil, a coal forge, and some tools. Since then, I’ve built more tools, forged my first pieces, and gathered ideas. My greatest inspiration is the YouTube channel Black Bear Forge, as I prefer forging all kinds of items rather than mainly knives. There’s no better way to unwind from a stressful office. job.
June 18, 20251 yr Welcome aboard Michael, glad to have you. Beating hot iron on an anvil is a terrific way to deal with frustrations. Not only do you get some "violent" exercise you must control it to accomplish anything good. I advise you NOT spend much time acquiring tools, they don't do the work. The smith does the work, his eyes, ears, hands and skill are the only things that REALLY count. I've found videos aren't terribly valuable until a person has enough knowledge and experience to sort what applies to them. Black Bear forge produces some excellent videos but I find myself arguing with them because I don't do it THAT way. So, remember what matters is what works for you. Don't be afraid to try new things but be skeptical about methods. And don't hesitate to ask here, even if I don't know the answer I'll be happy to make something up. Frosty The Lucky.
June 18, 20251 yr Michael, Welcome aboard from 7500 feet (2286 meters) in SE Wyoming, USA. Glad to have you. There are some good videos on Youtube and some really bad/dangerous ones. The channels I like are Black Bear Forge, Torbjorn Ahman from Sweden, and Christ Centered Ironworks. Some folk like Alec Steele but I'm not a fan of his presentation style. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand."
June 19, 20251 yr Also, good videos from JLP Services, Inc. (our very own Jennifer). And while videos are good hard copy books are an excellent resource too. Let us know if you want recommendations. I'm not sure how available some of them may be internationally.
June 19, 20251 yr Gutan tag Micheal. Nice collection of tools you got there. But i do agree with Frosty on not spending a lot of time acquiring them. Work on the skills. A guy i found on youtube a while back ago that i think is worth watching is Will Bastas, his channel is "Black Metal Studio". Not done a video in a long time and only has a handful but he is thorough in his instruction. I found youtube great when i first started but now learn very little from them. I do watch but it is more of just an enjoyment of watching other smiths work.
June 19, 20251 yr Author Thanks a lot guys. I know all of the above mentioned youtubers and like their work. I've a lot of fun to try out new stuff without any preassure that I "have to do" something. My grandfather was a really good wheelwright and teached my how to pull a nail while hammering it in. That helps a lot in hammer control. I'm excited to see what this hobby has in store for me.
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