New to smithing and the site

[nts]

Hi all, I am glad to say that I will be building my first forge this weekend. I am 16 and live in PA and I can't wait to get to know people on the site. I am full of questions and a desire to learn many skills. For now, I plan on forging Railroad Spike Knives for personal use mainly. I figure I will ask my first question right now, is there anything that I can use as a makeshift anvil until I can buy a good one?

[Glenn]

Anything with a mass of 50 to 100 pounds will do as a beginning anvil.

May want to go to IForgeIron.com > lessons in metalworking > blacksmithing. It will answer a lot of your questions.

[Steve Sells]

welcome to I Forge Iron, there are many beginning smiths here. some younger than you are good place for friendship, and instruction.

[ironrosefarms]

Great to have you here, Glenn has told others in the past to pack a lunch and a tall cold beverage before going into the depths of this site... and for good reason! There is a wealth of info here and lots of people of every skill level.

Great to have ya around.

James

[nts]

Thanks for the warm welcome and tips. Just wanted to hop on and wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays.