I've recently become interested in metalworking, specifically forging. However because it is a relatively obscure hobby that requires some equipment, I have not been able to find many resources (granted I haven't looked terribly hard.)
Seeing the threads for fishing, smoking meat, and brewing made me think "Why not ask TKP?" I am looking for resources that any of you have used or know in this realm as well as any places you know of where somebody could go and learn this skill. I am from Winston Salem, NC and while there are some makers spaces around here none of them, as far as I know, offer anything in this category.
If anyone can provide info on how to start getting into it, where to start looking for basic equipment, etc... that would be great. Not sure how many people have any experience in this but I figured it was worth a shot!
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I work with a lot of guys that metal work and one guy built a forge for his kid to play with. Most homemade forges I have seen use a metal drum lined with fire brick and a tube for a hairdryer to blast some charcoal to glowing hot. I am sure there are several varieties of homemade forges online. Also check local trade schools or community colleges, most offer welding classes.
Hmmm that's interesting. Could be cool to make some DIY stuff. I took a welding class at Tech and it would be cool to learn a little more, but I want to learn how to use a forge, heat treating, stuff like that. Thanks for the input though I didn't even think about looking into community colleges.
Here's a cheap starter book for blacksmithing that I like.
https://www.amazon.com/Blacksmiths-Craft-Primer-Tools-Methods/dp/1580175...
The author actually hosts free blacksmithing classes on saturdays up in Orange county (VA, Rapidan to be exact) if you're ever up that way.
Not sure when I would be but I'll keep that in mind thanks! Hands on learning is definitely preferential to any other kind of learning when it comes to stuff like this.
One intriguing thing I've always wanted to build being a geeky electrician is a nice Induction Forge but thats behind my current Aquaponics project in the budget. Always loved doing metal work but I feel an induction forge would be a bit cleaner if you dont have a big yard to build a drum forge.
That would be a really cool project. I know I've seen Bob Kramer melt meteorites to use in his knives using an induction coil. Not sure I've ever seen anybody do it on a bigger scale such as a forge but it's an interesting idea.
Its at the top of my list being a junky for electrical systems and spending all day working on robotic stuff eggs me on in wanting to try and build one but itll be pricey but there are alot of youtube videos of home made induction forges or regular ones at that.
The YouTube thingy has lots of video. It has some videos for learning blacksmithing and how to start cheap and small.
Someone has been watching Forged in Fire...
Haha I honestly haven't. I love cooking and when I was researching knives to purchase after graduating I naturally came across some great knifemakers (of which I won't be able to afford their knives for years). As I looked into them more it just seemed really cool and a lot of these guys just picked it up one day because they were interested and after years of working at it make some of the industries best knives.
That's my most specific interest but I broadened the post because there is more to learn about this stuff than just bladesmithing.
I've never heard of makers spaces until just now, they sound interesting. I've been getting into woodworking the last couple of years building mostly just misc. things out of reclaimed wood. I also live in Winston-Salem, so if you have any makers space classes or anything interesting you know of and want someone you've never met before to come along, let me know. I'd probably be interested in going.
If you're into woodworking you should check out Sawtooth. It's downtown and kinda like a makers space. Haven't explored it yet but experience artisans (woodworking, pottery, etc...) can pay for a membership to use the space and they also have classes that I will probably try soon. Greensboro also has one that's a little cheaper I think.
I haven't taken any classes yet but definitely want to at some point. I'll reach out if I ever do! Not sure if you'll need the classes I will be taking though lol.
If you're ever up towards Afton, VA (before you stop by Blue Mountain Brewery, Basic City Beer Co, or Pro Re Nata) reach out to Wayfarer Forge Blacksmith
I ordered some railroad tie bottle cap openers that were personalized for my groomsmen as a the groomsmen gift from him, and he did fantastic work. I'm sure if you dropped Gerald an email and asked to come by, he would be more than willing to show you around!
Awesome! Thanks I've been trying to track down forges and most of the smiths seem welcoming to people who want to drop in and check it out. Just wish there was something more close by so I don't have to travel so much.
Had my first experience blacksmithing a week and a half ago. Wow is it cool. I sucked, but as the smith told me, this piece of metal is only limited by your imagination.
I can't wait to do it again.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhwS4rQH8fp/?taken-by=siessel4
Where did you do it? Did you just take a class with a local smith? I really want to try it soon somehow.
Check out the King of Random channel on youtube. He has step by step to make a basic forge that can be used to melt aluminum and brass, and form ingots. He also has has step by step directions to do foam forms in sand with the molten aluminum, or brass. Pretty cool stuff actually...
A close friend of my girlfriend is a "Certified Traveling Farrier" making horseshoes for horses. He's something like 24th in the world rankings for this and one ridiculous blacksmith and he's also a big VT fan. Makes all of his own tools and everything. We were over at their place a few weeks back and he just asked me if I wanted to try making something. It was awesome, hope to do it again with him soon.