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 Hello my name is Rich Blaisdell. I am 43 years of age, I live in Mulino Oregon. I have been a plumber with local 290 plumbers union for 22 years. in the last few years I have grown a passion for blacksmithing. I find it is all I think about and it consumes most all my time. I have only been at it for a little over a year and thanks to craigslist I have accuired quite a few tools, an anvil, a small gas forgemaster forge, several hammers and tongs, and even a 6 ton flypress.  I have never had any lessons only self taught. As a young adult I was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and discovered that my bones are slowly fusing to each other with small calcium deposits. It has been a rough battle and the pain never stops. I find forging metal and smashing things to help me take out my frustrations. But for this reason I have not been to any classes because I need to be at my own pace as my health lets me. I would hate to hold anyone back in a class, so until I can find some private lessons locally I am very excited to see demos at the confrences. Thanks for the chance to meet you all. Happy forging!