Hello from Centralia, WA!!!

[Chris Jones]

I am a TOTAL New Guy in the smithing world. Have been a fan for AGES however. I'm usually hanging around the smithies set up at Ren-fairs and other events just getting a total eye-ful and soaking up as much info as I can.
I have seen the videos and read the various plans to set up a basic brakedrum forge and I'm collecting stuff as I go. No...I'm not here begging for freebies..I'll get it togeather eventually.
Does anyone know of an "apprentice" type program close by? I would LOVE to come and help out and get some direct to brain expierence and instruction..

I am drawn to Blacksmithing BECAUSE of its ancient roots...I LOVE the look and feel of wrought iron works.It is a dying art form and I feel the more we can get interested in it the better.
Feel free to email me anytime with any info you have....

[J Wilson]

Hello Chris,
Welcome to the forum. There is a wealth of information available here so look around and read the old threads. Ask and you'll get plenty of answers to your questions.

Are you planning to join the NWBA? Our Spring Conference is in Longview, WA April 27-29.

The theme and demonstrations are focused on hand forging. You will have an opportunity to learn from and try your had with some of the best smiths in the country.

Jeff in Poulsbo

[Tom Allyn]

Welcome aboard, Chris!

I'll ditto Jeff, the Spring conference is a great place to start. There will be classes there which you can sign up for.