New here, from Seattle area

[Zack]

Hello. My name is Zack. I am 25 and live near Seattle, WA. I have wanted to get into working with metal for a long time but never really pursued it.

I am excited to start this. I plan to focus mainly on practical things. I want to make hooks, hangers, tools, knives, etc.

I am in the process of building a brake drum forge. I want this to be completely self sufficient, so, I am trying to find a hand crank blower for it. I have also done some research on how to make my own coal. I do not have any tools specifically for blacksmithing yet, but i do have some stuff laying around.

I look forward to learning a lot off of this forum and sharing everything I can.

I am mainly searching for an anvil right now, and a blower. everything else I can figure out pretty easily I think. (And I am on a tight budget, so any leads on inexpensive or free tools or supplies is much much appreciated)

I have been doing a lot of research recently about getting into this. But, if there is anything you would like to add that a lot of beginners tend to overlook or anything at all, please let me know. I want to learn everything I can.

Thank you all. I look forward to utilizing this source,
Zack

[Steve H]

Welcome Zach, You can check out my studio in Ballard sometime,

Steve

[Tom Allyn]

But, if there is anything you would like to add that a lot of beginners tend to overlook or anything at all, please let me know. I want to learn everything I can.

Just one piece of advice, go to a couple of blacksmithing conferences. That's where you'll find the best deals on quality blacksmithing supplies. And the experience of watching skilled smiths will inspire you.

I think there will be both Spring and Summer conferences in the NW this year. Go to them.

[Zack]

I will have to keep an eye on the calendar here and make it to some conference. Thank you Tom

Thanks Steve. I would love to see your shop some morning or weekend. Just getting into this, it would help me understand visually what I need to look for.

[Brad Roland]

Welcome Zack,

for information regarding the Spring Conference ... look on the menu bar of this site under ... Event Calendar. Once there, navigate to April, there you will find when and where the Spring conference is. you can also find out other information on this calendar as well, once people post to it as to what is going on.

The Spring Conference is April 27-29Th at Longview, WA

I am a newbie when it comes to blacksmithing, but I will tell you that some of the best information I have learned came from attending the conferences. Also, some really nice deals I found were there as well. Not to mention the awesome load of talent that is always there ready to teach and help anyone interested in learning. If you can find the time, I would venture down there if I were you. it's always a great time. If you need help getting there, post on this forum and perhaps one of us that are going can help you out, you never know!

Anyway, welcome aboard and may you learn plenty!

[James von Mosch]

Welcome aboard Zack. Don't let a lack of equipment stop you from getting started. Take a gander at this setup I used in the desert in Mexico. Bummed a brake drum from the local junkyard, found a few cinderblocks at an abandoned building site, and borrowed a used inflatable foot operated bellows raft pump from neighbor. I arranged the bricks in a "V" and the wind usually provided enough "blower". I used a $50 anvil from Harbor freight (knew it might get stolen, and I was going to leave it there buried in the sand). Voila, instant desert forge. Even a hair dryer can work - or a vacuum cleaner on blow mode. I made some very nice stuff there. Attend conferences, buy classes but you don't have to wait to get started experimenting. Welcome again.

[Zack]

Thank you brad. I good to know, I am sure I'll see more about it when it gets nearer.

Thank you James, I plan on getting a couple hammers and that same anvil from Harbor Freight. I know it doesn't take too much for a basic setup. I planned on getting a hairdryer to make due, but ultimately want a hand crank blower. And upgrading tools as needed and picking up others along the way. I can't wait for this check so I can get started finally. I got a couple small scraps from work that I was gonna start messing with maybe a knife or something. Too bad I think it's mild steel. So probably not the best for a knife.

[David Einhorn]

Welcome from Pennsylvania.

[zacharycbernard]

Welcome Zack.
I'm down in Tacoma and happy to hang out and kick around ideas any time you'd like. Come say hi.

--Zach