[TheForge] tools

[Dan Brewer]

I suggest that you visit a few blacksmiths in your area, read some books
continue to read the posts here. Look on craigslist in your area. The news
paper.  Farm auctions estate sales for tools.  When you have decided what
you want to make start with the collection of tools that you have.  You will
find as we all have that you will never have all the tools that you want but
you will have enough to get most jobs done.  Some tools you can make and
some you will have to buy or barter for.  But start with the books. They are
a way to learn a lot that you can put into practice later.

Dan in Auburn  

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jerry Frost
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 9:44 PM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] tools

Welcome aboard Jesse:

It's been a while since anyone asked the minimum tool 
list question. There isn't one best answer, so much 
depends on what you want to do.

The shortest list some think I'm being flipant giving 
is, you need a: fire, something heavy to beat against, 
something to hold hot metal and a hammer. It's the bare 
truth.

On the other hand you may want to get into forging 
wagon or gun parts and need a goodly list of tools.

For the beginner the list is closer to the former than 
the latter. You need something for an anvil, a couple 
feet of RR track makes a decent anvil. Vise grips were 
invented by a blacksmith tired of dropping work from 
tongs. A selection of ball pein hammers can be had from 
Harbor Frieght for around $15 +S&H. A 2lb. cross pein 
is a good addition too. Don't try swinging much more 
than a 2lb. hammer till you've developed good 
technique, even then it's not a great idea.

The forge can be as simple as an old BBQ and a hair 
drier or as complex and space age as you like. Coal, 
coke, charcoal and propane are the most common forge 
fuels. Once we know more about what you intend you'll 
be showered with ideas, pics and forge plans.

So, tell us more about what you want to do and we'll be 
more than happy to tell you all about it. <grin>

Again, Welcome Jesse.

Frosty
-------------------------------
If it ain't forged
it ain't real.
Wrought iron is.
The FrostWorks

Meadow Lakes, AK.

http://www.artmetalradio.com/

From: "Jesse Seipel" <jsguardian at hotmail.com>


> Does anyone have any recommendations on specificly 
> what type of Hammer/Tongs/Anvil a beginer should be 
> using?  Also, does anyone have and of these items 
> they would be willing to sell or give away?
>
>

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