A Thread about Blacksmithing

[Nick]

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

[Yaish]

I'm moving into my new apartment, and it has a yard and I would like to start smithing. What do you think of the brake drum forges? I'd primarily like to do larger pieces so I dont know if it would be big enough. Would making something from clay and brick be better?

[Nick]

I've seen some very good brake drum forges. My portable forge is a small farrier's pan forge, which is similar to a brake drum forge. Brick forges are also good, if built right. The advantage of brake drum forges is you can move them.

What kind of size are you thinking of for pieces? You can work large pieces in a BD forge, but it may be easier to set them in a brick forge.

Another consideration is cost. Find out how much materials will be for each.

[Southern Breeze]

I'm moving into my new apartment, and it has a yard and I would like to start smithing. What do you think of the brake drum forges? I'd primarily like to do larger pieces so I dont know if it would be big enough. Would making something from clay and brick be better?

Here's a site you need to check out- http://www.anvilfire.com/

I've been smithing for around 10 years. I do a fair amount of decorative work for gates and fences. I've also built several wagons and carriages. My current shop is just large enough to house a forge, anvil,tools and have enough room to work out of the weather. If all goes well this summer I'll be able to build a shop large enough for smithing and carriage building.

[Jeremiah]

I have been fascinated by bladesmithing for some time now, but never wanted to invest the money recquired without having any knowledge. I know there is a school in texarkana, but that is a lng drive for me.

[Southern Breeze]

I have been fascinated by bladesmithing for some time now, but never wanted to invest the money recquired without having any knowledge. I know there is a school in texarkana, but that is a lng drive for me.

Here's a short list of places close to you that offer classes.
http://www.habairon.org/
http://www.homesteadheritage-blacksmithing.com/
http://home.flash.net/~dwwilson/ntba/ Not in your area but has plenty of info.
Also check out-
http://www.abana.org/
http://www.anvilfire.com/

[Jeremiah]

Here's a short list of places close to you that offer classes.
http://www.habairon.org/
http://www.homesteadheritage-blacksmithing.com/
http://home.flash.net/~dwwilson/ntba/ Not in your area but has plenty of info.
Also check out-
http://www.abana.org/
http://www.anvilfire.com/

Thanks for all the links, some of those classes look very interesting.

[Yaish]

Thanks for the links. Anvilfire looks good.

Mostly I want to do blades and armor, semi-reproduction stuff because it fits with my other hobby of Renfairs and chainmaille. I expect I'd make some other stuff too, mostly as experimental learning more than anything else. Actually being able to forge some of the equipment I'll be needing for practice for the Highland Games would be pretty darn handy right now too.

Another question is charcoal. Make it or buy it? If make it, what process do you use?

[Nick]

Never used it. I get coal from www.centaurforge.com. I know several smiths do use charcoal, though.