[TheForge] Re: wannbe blacksmith

[Daniel Kretchmar]

Andrei,
    Are you in the SCA?  I assume from your email that you are.  You might try
to contact other SCA smiths if you plan on smith at events.  Phlip, Johann
(John Husvar) and I (Danr) all smith at Pennsic and other events.  You can get
an good idea from visiting someone else's shop also.  The first smith I ever
visited was Bob Bergman, the Postville Blacksmith. He sold me my first tongs,
hammers, and gave me 50 bls of coal to get me started. That was 9 years ago and
now I have my own shop.  He also gave me a book called "The Edge of Anvil".  I
highly recommend it.  It has been reprinted as "The New Edge of the Anvil".  It
contain all the basics.  I wouldn't recommend "The Art of Blacksmithing" by
Bealer as a book to start with, though it is an excellent historical
reference.

Daniel Kretchmar
Known in the SCA as Danr Ketilsmiðr, OL
www.irontreeworks.com
Traditional Woodworking and Blacksmithing


Quoting LrdThorolf at aol.com:

> 
> In order  to get started properly , and to take full advantage of this
> mailing list,  I'd like to ask the more experienced members a few details
> first, if you  don't mind spending a few time to help a young wannabe
> blacksmith start his  thing.
> 
> 1. What tools do I need? Numbers, details...
> 2. What type of  anvil should I get?
> 3. Where can I find patterns for what I am supposed to  do?
> 4. What do I need to make a forge or could I replace that with  something
> else for starters?
> 5. Where can materials be bought?
> 6.  Some books or other kind of reference about materials, treatment  and
> shaping.
> 
> I don't know if this is and exhaustive list of  questions, if you think I
> missed some details please - fill them up  :)
> 
> Andrei
> 
> First of all  what to you want to make? Blades, ornamental iron,  camping,
> etc
>  
> Then choosing tools, A  blacksmith can never have to many tools.  hammer, 
> tongs, swaging tools,chisels, cut off tools, punches, power hammers,  anvils,
> 
> power tools.
> Starting off tools will need a few hammers different weights, from 1# to  4#.
> 
> and different types, cross, straight, ball pein, Blacksmith, sledge. It just 
> 
> depends on what you like to use and for what stuff you are doing.
>  Tongs to hold your stock if needed.
>  
> As for Anvils, it is up to what you want.or like in what size. Some guys  
> like 300# anvils and others like small compact anvils. Some like double horn,
>  
> some like single horn. I  like single horn  and lighter  anvils. I use a
> future 
> 2 anvil, top half steel and bottom half  aluminum. 100# can pick it up and 
> move it. Has a good surface and long horn.  Best of all no ringing when  
> pounding. 
>  
> Forges, there are coal/coke, propane. Propane is cleaner but there are  
> traditional  blacksmiths who swear by coal forges and some who  like propane.
> I 
> prefer propane. It is cleaner no coal dust, no smoke, quick  starting,
> smaller 
> forge.  Propane can cost more to run, have hoses that  could be cut or
> burned. 
> Storage and transportation can be a problem. Might  not get as hot as coal 
> depending on the forge. How big of pieces that you are  working with in the
> forge. 
>  Make or buy either way. Something you buy  might last longer with less 
> hassles of repair or replacing. 
> I like propane, cleaner, no coal dust in lungs, no wet coal quicker to  start
> 
> and get to heating temps.
>  
> Patterns for what? 
>  
> Books any and all blacksmith books you can find.
>  Practical blacksmithing and metal working by Percy Blanford. basic  stuff
> The Art of Blacksmith by  Alex Bealer. good basic stuff.
>  
> Getting steel  Savage yards can be good, Leaf springs coil springs. 
> Steel yard, all  types of steel to make stuff.
> It all depends on  what you are looking for.
>  
> In the long run, be willing to spend money to get what you want the first  
> time. tools and forge.
> Have fun 
> My blacksmithing is a hobby not a full time job.
>  
>  
> 
>  
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