[TheForge] Re: Test mail

[schade at acegroup.cc]

On Oct 28, 2005, at 7:55 AM, Bruce Freeman wrote:

> In my opinion almost ANY other beginners book on blacksmithing is 
> better than Bealer's book, "The Art of Blacksmithing."  Bealer's 
> writing was inspirational to a lot of people, but he ran a bit loose 
> on the facts.  Treat it as a good read, then look for facts elsewhere.
>
> There are now many books available, not just Jack Andrews',  "The Edge 
> Of The Anvil" and  "The New Edge Of The Anvil" (both good books).  Do 
> a search on amazon.com for "blacksmithing".  Get back to us with 
> questions before spending a lot of money.  You're SURE to get opinons 
> back from THIS group!
>
> Bruce
> NJ
>


I hear this all the time on b'smithing sites and I always ask for 
examples of Bealers mistakes but to date I have never heard anything 
specific. Contrary to many others all I found of interest in the Edge 
of the Anvil were the very nice Yellin pictures at the end of the book. 
Worth the price for those.

The one thing I recall being surprised at after reading Bealers book 
was the first time I tried upsetting. The picture in the book made it 
look easy. I had a way too big bar and a way to cold heat and couldn't 
understand why it wouldn't smoosh out like it did in the book. But that 
was my inexperience not Bealers mistake.

The book that worked best for me in those early days was a little 
pamphlet/book "Blacksmithing for the Home Craftsman" by Joe Pehoski. I 
think it was $3. I think it was up to $5 the last time I looked.

Bob