[TheForge] Start up

[Andrew Vida]

Welcome, Nathan.

These days anvils are not that inexpensive as they were, say, 20 years 
ago.  That said, you can still find deals.  As for size, 80 pounds is 
sufficient for most work.  You can also start with a non-anvil.  Any 
large chunk of tool steel not in an annealed state might serve you 
well.  Old die blocks come to mind.  I chunk of 6" round sunk into the 
ground is also quite serviceable.  RR track can also serve as a good 
starter.

You will need some tongs, hammers, and so forth.  It would help to know 
where you are located as we could then help put you in touch with a 
local smithing group where you may be able to find people with things to 
sell.  That is usually the best way because you also have at your 
disposal people who can show you first hand how to do things.

Best luck.


On 8/27/14, 11:08 AM, Nathan wrote:
> To all and any who wish to respond,
>         I am a recent addition to The Forge mailing list.  I am looking to start doing some metal work in the fashion of a blacksmith.  I have been interested for sometime and would like to start gathering the required tools or instruments needed.  I plan on starting with basic concepts and branch out from there.  My oldest son, he is 8, wants to help me make swords and knives (what 8 year old doesn't), but that is a little advanced I presume.  So I turn to the experience of the members here and ask for advice.  What would I need to do some basic blacksmithing?  What is a appropriate sized anvil?  If I would like to use coal for my forge what type and where would I find it?  Are there anyways to get an inexpensive anvil that is not a railroad tie or random peice of metal?  Any advice you have is appreciated.  Thank you.
>   
> Nathan
>   		 	   		
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