[TheForge] blacksmithing / metalwork formal training and higher education

[Paul Novorolsky]

I'll second that thought on metallurgy. I have a formal engineering 
background (EE) and took a course in metals in the distant past (long, 
long before I took an interest in the craft).

I've since tried to "teach" myself metallurgy (books, internet sources) 
and it is still difficult to get a lot of this stuff. I end up reading 
some of the books 2 or three times, and I'm still not absolutely certain 
about what I'm doing a lot of the time.

To really understand it, seeing the grain structures under a microscope, 
along with having the variety of metals to examine would really further 
the understanding of what's what.

And as stated, this process will be expensive to do in small quantities: 
equipment and materials.

**Paul

On 10/26/2013 8:14 AM, Matthew DeStito wrote:
> I can understand that for techniques, but from the metallurgy aspect a
> formal course is a very good thing. Choosing the right king of metal or the
> right grade is difficult to learn self taught, and can be expensive, but if
> you are taught why one grade does better in a specific situation can save
> money. That being said, I definately do prefer a hands on method to learn
> something.
>
>
> On Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 7:26 PM, Bruce . <freemab222 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Actually, I second Peter's concern.  I am no opponent to formal education,
>> but for blacksmithing, I want to try it myself.  I don't even want anyone
>> looking over my shoulder till I am myself satisfied with how I'm doing
>> something.  No doubt, this varies from person to person.
>>
>> Bruce
>> NJ
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Oct 24, 2013 at 12:25 AM, Peter Fels & Phoebe Palmer <
>> artgawk at thegrid.net> wrote:
>>
>>> All these excellent references sort of ignore the personality, age,
>>> resources, and inclinations of the young guy in question.
>>> Some of us don't enjoy a formal scholastic environment. Some of us do
>>> better given direct immersion opportunities. Some of us need much less
>>> support and would thrive with occasional guidance and exposure to the
>>> possibilities.
>>> Perhaps the best thing might be to deliver his young butt and a sleeping
>>> bag to one of the larger BS conferences, and let him get his hands dirty,
>>> first off.
>>>
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