Manipulating metal from Maple Valley area | Introductions Come First, Right? | Forum

Hello to all!

My name is Andrew Germann, I am now a Software Engineer at Microsoft. Before and kind of currently I am in the Army (still in National Guard...).

Since I was young I have loved creating and destroying (to learn, right). When I was 15 I bought a 1935 Southbend lathe and then shortly after a Jet mill/drill I fell in love with machining and someday I hope to get this equipment back in my shop. While I was enjoying the capabilities this craft was giving me, I had the ability to acquire a TIG welder and added a new skill to the tool belt. Since I was doing all this for fun anyway I found a job at a jig and fixture shop. I worked there for 2 years and moved my way from a welding position to running CNC mills, manual mills, manual lathe, and the surface grinders. I also had the opportunity to teach the two engineers that were employed there Solidworks, before that they had been modeling everything in wire-frame AutoCAD. 

Currently I am setting up shop with some tools. I have an Everlast TIG/Plasma welder, oxy-acetylene setup (still looking for a good gas supplier in the area, if anyone has recommendations), and some light fab tools.

Currently looking at options to get started in smithing. My current plan is to build a striking anvil, since finding one seems more time consuming and maybe more costly upfront. Build a propane forge about 250 cu in, still trying to decide on a burner. And start making some punches and drifts to then allow me to make some tongs. Was also planning to just use a small sledge to start out.

Thanks to everyone that made it to the end! I'm really excited to join this group!! Take care