[TheForge] RE: TheForge Digest, Vol 24, Issue 20

[Tod Estes]

Howdy Andrei,
Sounds like you have a great start! More comments in the text below.

> 1. I Ordered the "new edge of anvil" off amazon - hope it gets to me in
> about 2-3 weeks.
 That is a good book, As your funds allow think about expanding your
library. The Primer is a really good step by step guide.
>
> 1 and 1/2 . Personally I am vary much drawn to all metalwork - I think I
> will go for ornaments and knives first, then for some more complicated
> tools
> and then I can finally take on to swords and armor :)) - and yes there is
> an
> SCA group in Romania - but no blacksmiths in it - only bowyers. And it
> costs
> money too :( which I am not so willing to give for only a membership - I
> prefer investing them in blacksmithing :)

Its a good idea to start with small projects and work toward the more
complex stuff. Also think of the tools you can build for yourself, I think
one of the first porjects mentioned in the "New Edge of the Anvil" is a
fire rake to help control your coal fire. It is a great starter piece that
is really useful.

> 2. Sadly (or dunno, maybe a good sign for the country) the areas where
> they
> still work the land with horses is pretty far away from the capital - and
> the closest blacksmith to the town is in a place sufficiently far away for
> me to have to sleep over if I go on weekends. So I guess I'm somehow on my
> own.

 We are just a mouse click away and we really do want to hear about your
progress. So please feel free to ask questions and we will try to help.

> 3. I have a yard in a low populated area of the city, which will enable me
> to use a cheaper , hand made coal forge for which I found the plans
> already
> and started making it (it involves a brake drum, a hairdryer, some piping
> and welding but I think I'll manage - mostly if I get the ol' father to
> help
> me with some parts), and I actually spotted a heavy (!!) piece of cast
> iron
> in my grandmother's yard that I will somehow ninja out and use it as an
> anvil.

Fantastic! Take a close look at the cast iron, that stuff can be brittle
and dosent like to be hammered on sometimes. But it is a large mass give
it a try! If you can find a place that works on heavy construction
equipment you may be able to find a large hunk of metal that would work
too. If there is a nearby railroad keep your eyes open for a piece of
rail.

> 4. I bought some coal from a gas station - dunno if they are the right
> type
> ( I think they're barbecue coal or something) - hope they will do their
> thing - if not - I will find a coal-heated house nearby (there still are
> some if I look carefully) and buy some of the owner(these are better
> quality). I think there is some law around regarding usage of hand-made
> propane installations - so I will have to pass on those...

Look for Bituminous Soft Coal. There are all sorts of technical
specifications but the real test is to put it in a forge and burn it up
see what happens. I use coal in my shop. When I started I was teaching
myself and was using charcoal(this is made from wood and normally used for
cooking food) It popped alot but it got hot and heated metal. Not as well
as real coal but it did work. You are on the right track.

> 5. I bought me a round-headed 1kg (that's dunno 2 pounds I guess) hammer
> and
> some tongs that were very cheap and have 30 cm handles or something - I
> think I can make use of them.

Sounds like you got a good start in tools. The good news is with your
hammer, Tongs, forge, and Anvil (hunk of steel) you can build about every
other tool that you need. Keep your eyes open for a File. A nice flat hand
file is really useful. Do you have a hacksaw? metal cutting hand saw. It
is nice to cut large pieces of metal to managable lengths.

> 6. The materials I still lack - I wonder if some scrap iron will do? I
> hope
> it will - cause I have some old angled iron and iron piping lying around
> and
> rusting away :)

Scrap and found metal will do just fine. You can never have enough of it
in your iron pile. Be careful forging pipe. Make sure the end you are not
forging is sealed. Remember that Angle iron can be flattened and even
split to give you some nice flat pieces of iron. You can really find lots
of good metal to work if you look around. A car repair shop may be a good
stop ask for old coil or leaf springs and any worn out steel (not cast)
parts they may have. Coils can be cut and make great chisels, and punches.
Leaf springs can make Hot cutters, slitters and even knives. Railroad
spikes can be made into at least 100 items, but is awfully big hunk of
steel to beat on. If you can find an old hand railing or window grate you
may have a treasure trove of good metal there to use. As you progress and
if you start selling your work It is better to go and buy from a steel
supplier. But if you are eager to get going and willing to take a little
more time the metal you have rusting away is great place to start.

> I'll let you know in a few days and may even post a picture of an attempt
> :)
Look forward to hearing or seeing your progress.
>
> Thanks again for all the support!!
>
> Andrei
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Tod Estes
Oologah Smithy
Oologah,Oklahoma. (Home of Will Rogers.)
Saltfork Craftsmen ABA, ABANA
Time enough for sleep in the grave.

"Prometheus: I took from man expectancy of death.
Chorus: What medicine found'st thou for this
        malady?
Prometheus: I planted blind hope in the heart of
           him.
Chorus: A mighty boon thou gavest there to man.
Prometheus: Moreover, I conferred the gift of fire
Chorus: And have frail mortals now the flame-
        bright fire.
Prometheus: yes, and shall master many arts
            thereby."