anybody do any blacksmithing?

[iman501]

I've been thinking of trying to learn some blacksmithing for a new hobby, i doesn't seem like an expensive hobby really, and i have tons of tools at my disposal here at work.

So who here knows the trade, and could point me in the right direction of learning a bit about it besides youtube video's...?

 

[Iamarchangel]

Look for a pioneer village type place. They look for volunteers and will train some.

Art of Blacksmithing: Alex Bealer

There's a series: foxfire or firefox, one volume covered it.

Raw material: railway spikes, big nail (not stainless)

Actually, you could learn basics with nails, a propane torch, ball peen hammer, and a solid flat piece of steel.

 

[GAXB9R]

I did it when I was young enough to be going to summer camp. Did it for a whole week. Basic stuff needed is an anvil, a really hot fire, big hammer and the material you want to shape. Thats about all I remember, but it was really fun. Im sure there are websites and possibly other forums on it though.Good luck and i think you just rekindled a fire in me for it

 

[iman501]

i mentioned youtube video's earlier, and i actually did find some pretty helpful video's (i always youtube stuff when i want to learn anything)

I have access to just about all the basic tools i will need besides an anvil.... i'll have to keep an eye out on craigslist or just snag a cheap one from harbor freight

 

[Iamarchangel]

Some sources suggest a large piece of I-beam or a piece of train track for starting.

If you're looking at Chinese anvils, take a hammer (from the hammer section) and tap each one. The one with the clearest tone is the one you're after.

American and British anvils are probably out of your price range/skill/beginner status.