[TheForge] tools

[Jeffrey Polaski]

Where are you located? The first thing to try is see if there is a
blacksmithing event near you. It'll make it a lot easier if you can hook
up with a local group. 

As far as tools go, you can get a 110lb anvil from harbor freight for
about $90. They don't show them on the web site, but have them in the
stores. If one is not out, try asking the manager. They're not great
anvils, but they're not bad, either. They'll get you started for cheap.

You can put together a coal/coke forge or a propane forge for not too
much... maybe $100 if you scrounge. Coal is the traditional way to go,
and it's more versatile, but you can't have a coal forge just anywhere
due to the smoke. I'm slowly putting together a How To/FAQ about propane
forges... 

You can use regular hammers from harbor freight. If you want to keep it
cheap you can make your own tongs, once you have a pair of vice grips. 

You'll need something to hold the work in... You'll want to clamp hot
metal, so a woodworking vice won't really work. A machinists vice will
do, but you'll want a leg vice eventually. 

One of the great things about blacksmithing is that it's "scrounger
friendly" -- if you're willing to spend some time looking around you can
put together a serviceable shop for fairly cheap. Still, it's not free
-- you're going to have to spend some money on fuel and stuff. But it's
not an expensive hobby, unless you want it to be.



Jeff Polaski
Research and Graduate Studies Webmaster
University of California, Irvine
http://www.rgs.uci.edu/
949.824.6363

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jesse Seipel
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 8:23 PM
To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [TheForge] tools

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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