I've noticed that there are several blacksmiths here at XMarks. I thought I'd start a thread for those already smithing, or those interested in it. The two best sources of information on blacksmithing are doing it yourself and talking to other smiths. There was a bit of discussion in the Kilts in the Media section, but I thought it deserved its own thread.

I've been smithing for a few years now. I have a home-built coal forge with a handcrank blower. My normal anvil is an old 375# Hay Budden rescued from the White Pine Copper mine, though I have a couple other smaller ones. My shop doesn't have electricity, and isn't insulated, which makes work in the winter difficult or impossible, but I find ways around it. I'm currently working in the school forges at NMU.

I'm primarily an artist blacksmith, and I love doing very small detail work. I do a lot of forged jewelry, utensils, and small accoutrements. I've dabbled in bladework, but have only done a few knives (I'm currently working on a shortsword). I also make reproduction medieval armour. My primary eras are the 14th and 15th centuries. I'm just a beginner on the armour, but I enjoy it.

So, what's your setup? What do you like doing the most? Are you affiliated with anything?

Nick