my son and i are trying to start (learning) blacksmithing and will start building our first forge tomorrow. we have tried in vain to find a active blacksmith in south carolina as closr as possible to the beach (pawleys island) HELP!!!!!!!!! Will also head for scrap metal yard and other places looking for a break drum. we have a railroad track 18" to use as anvil and assortment of tools. we also found a coal yard close by . suggestions are welcome:)

Welcome to IFI

My suggestions would be to make a good cuppa or two and start trawling through the Getting Started articles off the front page then the Blueprints. From that you will have plenty of ideas and things to practice.