I just signed up here. Looks like a good time to learn about blacksmithing & forge welding.

I grew up in my grandfather's construction company building, wiring, plumbing and remodeling houses. Just out of high school in SC, I went to a TEC school to be a tool & die maker but my (British) instructor suggested I'd make a better blacksmith. As part of that training I took some basic metallurgy courses and did some heat treating too but that was 30 years ago. Eventually I became a general contractor myself doing remodeling ,repairs and cabinets until I had to get a "real job" due to the economic slowdown in the late 70's.

I spent 24 years with a large power utility in NC/SC. I was a millwright, multi certified welder, machinist, crane operator, etc - it all came under the title "power plant mechanic". I had to have my hips replaced so I was out of the "hands on" work and became a turbine generator outage planner.
After my second set of hip replacements I took the "early out".

Not knowing where the world is going it seems like a good time to learn to build and use a charcoal forge for welding as well as learning to make the charcoal fuel.
Even if I never have to make a forge weld, I'll enjoy learning how to do some real blacksmith work. I'm ready to learn!

Welcome to the site!! If you want to learn, you came to the right place!

You can find lots of info here, just look around, the lessons in metalworking on the front page of the site is a great place to start. Just make sure you set aside some time to read it all.

Good to have ya!

Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! AHH, my friend, you have found the BEST site to learn about blacksmithing. I would suggest that you find an ABANA affiliate in your area and join. You can get a ton of hands on with them and see first hand some forges that are most likely made by a member. There are several IFI members up there and some good affiliates. Yesteryearforge, a member here, has a school up there also that you may want to check out. Once again, welcome.

Bud, welcome to Iforgeiron!
You'll find that this site is huge and full of metalworking information........including forge welding.
A good place to start is the 'Lessons in Metalworking' section on the front page.......lots of great info there.
Also, I think there are a bunch of smiths/IFI members up your way.......might want to check them out.
Enjoy!

Welcome aboard Bud, good to have ya.

Frosty

Welcome Bud, from another WV smith. Check out the Appalachian Blacksmith Association. Spring conference will be along before you know it. I know we have members near you in Oak Hill and Beckley areas. Forge on!