My buddy and I are members of the Blacksmiths Association of Missouri and we have also started a local group of blacksmiths and we do Forge Friday and we rotate shops and we keep it open to the public and we started posting videos of it on my RUclips channel Albrecht Metal Works and in one of the shops we have a TV that we play your videos and other smiths videos while we hang out and have fun
Where In missouri are your shops? I live near Columbia Missouri. I'm just starting out in my blacksmithing journey and would be interested in visiting one or more of your sessions.
Great info as always. After injuring my back shoeing a horse, I hadn't done any blacksmithing for nearly 25 years. My son works at a living history museum and got me back into it. I was in the process of becoming a volunteer since I don't have a shop, when I received a call asking if I wanted to be employed a couple days a month instead so now I get paid to play in the museums blacksmith shop 1-2 days a week. Best job ever.
All of my learning has been through the internet. My first experience was with a smith who was helpful in the beginning but got a little fame under his belt and let it go to his head. Years later I found your videos and have learned so much more. I tried several times to join groups in my area but never got a response from any of them. I've asked several smith if I could buy coal from them and they all said no and wouldn't even tell me where I could find it. One even seemed offended that I even tried to talk to him! Having said that, you are the best resource I've found. You take the time to explain things, you don't talk down to people and you are genuinely interested in seeing people succeed. You are a true inspiration. May you live as long as you want but not want as long as you live
I've also had that experience with some local smiths, which definitely put me off from wanting to learn in person. When someone is rude and condescending to someone who's just excited to be there and learn, that person isn't going to want to come back. Eventually I decided to stop by a shop that offers classes and I got a tour of the shop, bought some coal, and had a great time. I've since been back for events and classes and I've learned a lot more than I would have on my own. Unfortunately that shop is three hours away and most of the events (I'm in the California blacksmith association) are a long drive too. It's a shame that our first experiences being bad can make us not want to reach out in the future. I do think that the blacksmithing community is a great community overall, but some blacksmiths can be jerks just like anyone else. I've tried to do my part and be respectful and helpful to new smiths, especially when someone drops by because they heard the ring of the anvil and wanted to ask questions. I'm certainly not as experienced as some, but I know enough to point someone in the right direction. Sometimes you have to be the person who you wished you could have met yourself when you started out. It might not seem like it, but it can make a big difference in someone's life.
Join ABANA, find your local affiliate group. Feed stores will have coal or order it for you. Lazzari Blacksmithing coal is the best coal I have used. When I got started I was living above the horse camp in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park(east of San Diego) and would have farriers and the occasional smith drop by. Build yourself a gas forge.
@@aebemacgill I've got some coal now but it's difficult finding it. I live just south of Birmingham Alabama which has several mines but most places sell it by the dump truck or train car and won't consider selling smaller quantities. Feed stores are no help around here. I worked at two of our local feed stores for 20 years and hunted every supplier I could talk to. I bought a bad of antricite once from Tractor Supply but I hated it. I've collected buckets of it from the train tracks and quite a bit from under the warehouse at the feed store I worked at. It was a railroad depot from the 1870's -1970's so I got a good bit. I also got some wrought iron bars, endless supply of spikes and a few sections of track, with permission. As for Abana, I tried getting in touch with three different chapters in my state an never got a response. The last time I checked the website for the Alabama Forge Coucncil it hadn't been updated in years and none of the people I tried to contact ever responded. I haven't looked at it in probably more than 10 years so maybe it's been updated since then.
Wonderful video! I started at age 12 (40 years ago, full time for 32 years…. How time fly’s by)learning what I could from the few real smiths (Railroad smiths)still alive at the time and any book I could find. Then found Abana and our Appalachia Chapter and that is when I realized that I could do this for a living. Every meeting was a blessing. I ended up doing a 6 month (24/7) internship(Elmer Roush),then a 2 year internship(Russell Odell). All this was possible because of our local forge group and people’s willingness to teach. Once again, wonderful video. Cheers from East Tennessee, Jamie Tyree
I started blacksmithing 6 months ago. I somehow followed the same approach as your 500$ beginner blacksmith guide, without knowing about it. The first real problem I faced was actually finding where I could forge. I only had my garage available (I live in an apartment), and the neighbors were getting very upset about the noise. Now I am renting a part of a warehouse. It's expansive but I can forge whenever I want ;) I also joined a small blacksmith volunteer club so I can forge in a museum one day a week (it's also nice to have people who can watch us forge). I think that finding local blacksmith groups is the best option. One of the guys will surely know a place where you can forge! Anyway, I have to say that I really like the quality of your videos, the topics, and the way you present things and talk. Very informative but also very entertaining! Cheers from France/Belgium.
Once again John, thanks so much for all you do to help others who are in the trade at any/all levels, or considering entering it. I hope you have a nice day!
Thank you as always for your kind demeanor and great advice. I started out working with my neighbor doing lighting and hand rails in an industrial setting. I thought before that I could never get into it but stubbornness prevailed. All I can say is that my interest and then love of the craft has kept me going.
If you’re in North Georgia, the Roswell community arts center has a shop that does open anvil once a month and offers classes that range from never swung a hammer before to pattern welded knives. I’ve wanted to give blacksmithing a try for years and seeing that was the kick that did it for me. Met some great folks there who introduced me to the local ABANA affiliate and now I feel like I have the support to really pursue this.
Started smithing in 2019 outside under a tent with a 100lb chunk of steel a friend got me a old bbq a dressed up harbor frieght cross pean hammer and a hairdryer. Fast forward i have my 8×10 storage shed converted into my shop. The journey has been awesome...... Anyone that wants to start ....if there is a will there is a way.... just do it!!!
Great information. I actually live about 5 miles from John C. Campbell folk school. I can't afford to take classes. However, watching your videos has been a God send. Maybe one day I'll be as good as you.
I started in my backyard, but also joined a club in a nearby town that had forging space, and not only was i able to forge there, but i made some good friends and had some good mentors to help me on my learning journey. These days i am retired I give back, I volunteer doing blacksmithing classes at a local men's shed that has setup a small forge, and I volunteer at the local historical village blacksmith shop 2 days a week. I also have a mate who cant forge at his place come over for a forge day regularly.
I just forged my first two projects today! A quick set of basic tongs and a coffee scoop! I invested in the single burner Vevor forge and 66lb anvil. I bought second hand hammers and vice. I’m working off my back patio! I’ve got maybe $300 invested!
John, I've been a smith for about 11 yrs. now, and am a regular viewer. You hit this one out of the park!!!! I've bookmarked your video to share with others who have asked me, "well, how do I get started in smithing?" This one and the other video in your "annex $500 start up" are stars. You have done a fantastic job of pointing out options, how it doesn't have to be expensive, clubs and associations to help one along in the blacksmithing pathway. Depending on where you live fuel can be a challenge but there's always gas and charcoal. Well done, my friend.......👍
Some very good information here John, thanks for that. I'm just beginning my blacksmithing journey after having found a non-profit in my area that offers some blacksmithing classes. Then I can also rent some time in the forge to practice what I've learned with them giving me access to propane forges, hammers...essentially everything I need and also someone I can ask a question. I just found out by attending the state fair that there's an ABANA meeting there each month and since that's free I'll be going there. The smiths that I met during the fair were open and willing to share knowledge and make me want to continue. Thanks go to you to for all the videos you've put together over the years. I'll probably never get to see all of them but those I've watched so far have been really informative.
Thanks John, great tips. I used to be able to do it in my drive way, but we moved to much bigger city and that’s it not an option anymore. I’m going to look more seriously at ABANA and volunteering at the local historic site! Met a local smith at the rendezvous there last summer.
In 2020 I turned an old wood stove into a forge with a leaf blower, hammer, and a jewlers anvil. I had rebar laying around, and tried to make a knife out of an old file I found in the dirt. The knife turned out ok for my first go. I made some plant hangers, a fire poker , and a snake out of the rebar. Did it in the back yard. Most fun I've had making stuff.
I'm currently tooling up and creating inventory and skills as a farmers market armorer. They said they were cool with it because it fulfills the home made aspect of the farmers market. You were a big motivator. My shop is in a bus. . . But hey, now my town has part of the renaissance festival once a week all year round.
My shop is one of those tarp shops 10x20. When I work the forge I pull my two burner Amazon special forge (aka FebTech) to the center of the shop. (don't want it close to the tarp walls after all, that would suck). My 88lb Acciao anvil is set in front of my mechanic tool box with room to get all the way around it. My first tools I also bought from Amazon a hammer and three tongs combo. I got these for under 500.00 before I even saw your under 500 dollar blacksmith video. I have made a guillotine tool and a hardy cut off tool as well as a small punch. I am now working on my first knife. I haven't looked around yet to see if there are any groups in my area. (Portales/Clovis area of New Mexico) After watching this video I am gonna start looking. Maybe I can finally find some friends that share my interests. Thank you for your videos, I have learned a lot though I haven't put much of it into practice just yet, but I do have your lessons stored in my mental tool box ready to take them out and utilize them.
Hey buddy I'm in New Zealand and been watching your videos for the last 6 months you have got me all inspired and I'm halfway through making a charcoal Forge even making a hand cranks blower just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you very much for your inspiration you're very easy to listen to great work thanks mate
The living history museum suggestion is excellent. There are a few near me, and I'd been interested in volunteering already, but hadn't thought about looking for ones that included a blacksmith shop
My blacksmithing road started with making a chisel in shop class. Later it resumed with a hole in the ground and Bealer's book. Nice to see how others started out. Great vid, Blackbear!
Joined ABANA late in '83, left it in '05. Learned a wealth of blacksmithing in between. In '81 I traded a week's labor for a 150lb Heybudden that had been thrashed by generations of high school students.Started with coal and tamarisk wood, in '96 I built a gas forge based on Hans Peot's design, added a preheating chamber for air and I was welding stuff like cable and chainsaw chain easily. Wrecked my back working as a laborer in '90, kept playing in the fire for as long as I could.
I joined FABA here in NE Florida/ A really great group of people who have helped, encouraged, and are continuing to teach me anything I am willing to attempt in the forging world. All levels of expertise and we are fortunate enough to meet at a living museum settlement every month. I even was part of the demostration folks at one of the settlements events recently. I can't wait to learn and do more. Your videos geive me lots of ideas of new things to try that I had never even thought of. I thank you immensely for that.
Great video John. You're right about the giving nature of many smiths and instructors. Years ago I took a great class at a local space (Rochester Arc and Flame Center). I couldn't afford to buy a forge, but the blacksmithing director pointed me towards a really great set of build instructions by David Hammer for a gas forge and a self-aspirating burner. Was able to source most materials for free, did my homework, borrowed a welder, made it happen and I've been loving this hobby for a good 7 years now. All along the way, the blacksmithing community has been one of the most giving and helpful I've come across (yourself included) and so I think you touched on one of the most important thing for a future smith to consider, don't be afraid to ask!
I liked the video John. Sparked some memories. My first memory of smithing is with a claw hammer, forging nails into something in the 60s. It took a while to realize that most of the books in the library were not written by smiths. But still, the passion remains...
I was a civil war reenactor for 13 years in South East Ohio . Right on the west Virginia border. Every year at the event, a blacksmith would come in and do demonstrations for everyone. I was 8 years old when I saw my first blacksmith working at the forge, not to mention, that I was a little fire bug in my younger years lol Watching those sparks fly had me memorized. I was raised by my Great grandparents, homeschooled as well, they had little to no money what so ever, but I've learned so much from having very little, so I agree with you John, you don't need all the fancy tools and equipment...yet ;) im also a history nut. I was told when I was a kid that I wouldn't get any where in life playing with fire....I sit back laughing at that comment now lol since 8 years old, I wanted to be a smith. And now, I'm working in my new building that I just built from old privacy fencing and some lumber I had lying about, a good 10 feet wide, 16 feet long and 8 feet high. Much better than my first shop that was an 8 feet by 8 feet shack made from pallets. Did I mention that I made a set of fire place tools to get get the privacy fence?? This trade pays off, but a lot like getting steel up to forge weld heat, it takes time. I love what I do, and hope I can do it for years to come.
I bought a vevor 44lb anvil and a small gas forge weather permitting I put it out in the yard and go to town Thank you for all the valuable advice and information you provide
I started blacksmithing just over a year ago. Thanks to you I have learned so much. I was hoping to attend your demo but could not make it work this year. Thank you for your time and efforts.
Good video john. Its been a hot minute since ive watched any smithing content. I still work out in the shop from time to time, I had to put it on the back burner for a little while. My little one just turned two, my big one is 15, and I recently jumped back into martial arts. (Had a small relapse with alcohol and at the time it was like a ritual. Get home from my shop, grab a bottle and bam) And martial arts has been a huge help in that. But im good now, I'll be a year dry in January. But whats nice is that as long as I check up on it from time to time, add some oil to the anvil and vice, it'll be there when im ready to swing a hammer again. Thank you again for all the goodness you bring!
Great video John. I am a member of ABANA and the local New England affiliate. You are correct - there is so much information/guidance/tool acquisition through these memberships, it’d be crazy not to take advantage of them.
I may not be forging, per se, but your 'I hope you get out to your shop' is a motivator to get into my wood shop . . . . working on a small place to do Blacksmithing, the town historical society forge is working on getting a new coal forge . . . lovit !
Sadly I have no blacksmith association nearby. I'm actually improvising and practicing on a flexible tire base on my balcony. The tire prevents me from smashing tiles with every strike - and the downstairs noise factor! - it's not ideal but it works! It's a home made anvil (30kg steel plates, 70kg including the wood base and tire) and a DIY forge... But it is a ton of fun to make leaf keychains and what not :) Highly recommended!
Good information for anyone looking to get started in blacksmithing or expanding their knowledge of the craft. I have several books that I have gotten a lot of good information from and even made some tools and accessories for my shop from them. The chain hold down on my anvil came from one of the books I have.
There is a Blacksmithing festival every year in Central Pennsylvania where you can sign up to do classes with experts and professionals and use all the tools on site.
Right on, this applies to woodworking too, which I'm practicing. I have a basic table (no a real bench, yet), crappy vises, a lot of budget tools, sharpening tools and skills (freehand baby!) and two Paul Sellers style sawhorses (and clamps to secure pieces). Almost no powertools, only one crappy miter saw that I use once or twice a year. Yet I have produced boxes, birdhouses, kitchen stuff, trays, planters and various other things. Takes a lot of studying from RUclips and/or from forums and such, patience and thinking outside the box. TL;DR: You don't need ton of money or modern fancy high-tech machines and gadgets to get stuff done, be it blacksmithing, woodworking, leatherworking or even tailoring. Only thing you need is right mindset and attitude (and some basic tools). Go create, people! Btw, glorious mustache, suits you.
Nice video John. I'm in Australia (Aus) and have found a few groups when traveling around on holidays. I check out old museums and antique stores and ask the people working there if there are any blacksmiths in the area. I find fellow blacksmiths are very welcoming and I've had quite a few fun sessions. As I accumulate gear (to my wife's horror) I've been starting to wonder what to do with it all when I get past it. In Aus we have an organization called "Men's Shed". Most towns have a men's shed where people who like to make things can have access to tools and machinery they might not be able to afford or don't have the room for. These are voluntary run, and all equipment is donated or sought through grants. I'm thinking I might shift my workshop to my local men's shed when I get older so others can join in and have access, that's a few years away yet though.
Thanks for the great information John, this will give lots of beginners some new hope for their future smithing. Good luck to all who venture into the trade. Fred.
I had the idea of setting up a mobile forge: portable equipment in a car, with which I could drive to a remote parking lot where no one cares. I didn't do it, as a found some other place to forge, but maybe this idea could be helpfull to someone else.
Great info! I just took a blacksmith class this weekend at the local maker space and got to hammer on hot metal for the first time, apparently following this advice in advance😂
thanks for this, im right about where this video was encouraging for me. I started this january and i'm in, hunting for a place where i can work on my projects rather than just taking a class. I have some of these resources near by that i've been waiting to tap, and this was a good push to take some agency over the opportunities i have near by. Thank you.
Hackerspaces are an idea! Similar to a makerspace in being a collaborative working space, some have decent metalworking sections that folks participating in the hackerspace can use. In some cases, someone who's an active regular in the hackerspace can suggest to others of setting up a forge and an anvil, if the space and conditions allow it! The ones I've encountered thus far charge a modest monthly membership fee to keep the lights on (ranging less than 50€ per month) and to pay for the equipment and some of the materials used. Despite the name "hackerspace", I've seen folks make and tinker with all sorts of things from bicycle customization and building to complicated electronics. You might wanna check out if there's one near you, even if you have the means to create on your own! :3
Been smithing for about a year when i have the time around my 70 hr a week job. So I deff don't have time to join a group. I would love to though.oim 35rigjt now so as inget older im hoping to have more time to smith
In New Hampshire, the New England Blacksmiths has a well equipped teaching forge and very welcoming open forge days with volunteer instructors twice a month, more information on our website (RUclips doesn’t allow links in comments, but a quick search will find it)
I've been dreaming of starting a traditional craftsman's guild for the last 15 years of my 18 years at the anvil. I just wish I could find more people who were serious about it in my area (central rural NYS)
Started in back yard with homemade bellows going to a wok fire pot, railroad track anvil, Harbor Freight hammer, bucket for slack tub. Made plenty stuff for history reenacting campfire cooking. No RUclips back then, I figured out most blacksmithing is common sense.
sounds like you are thinking like me I'm seriously concerned about the loss of old world skills with the youth and the feeling you get to make things by hand.Love your video
Just what would I've done without them Jr High and High School Shop class. Didn't make my work valuable but I've saved lots of money keeping my cars going and remodeling 5 different houses and for the last 30 years no house mortgage and collect rent form one of the houses and it's paid for also.
I work rough hours on my regular job and am a part time smith. I have a shop, but would love to have another smith to share the shop, and on the rare moments I could share, would love to help someone learn. If you know a smith, and would like to start, ask them. They may be willing to share, help, and help teach.
I am online joining ABANA now . Hopefully I can find a group close to me . That's the issue in my area . Not many smiths around other than a few bladesmiths . Thanks for the info John.
If your local storage buisness has power on their units, you may be able to rent a storage unit to work out of, know a few people who have shops they run out of storage units. Mostly west coast. But possibly all over.
if you have a trailer and car you might be able to make a mobil forge if you live in city and you might be able to rent a pice of land out side the city from farmer or something
I noticed it appears that you are still using the Dark Star forge that you did a video on last year. It would be great to know your thoughts on it presently. The Dark Star website appears to be dead but I'm very interested in what your experience with a ribbon burner forge has been - a possible video? Thanks, I enjoy all your videos and greatly appreciate your efforts.
So i had started my blacksmithing a few months ago but have since al but stopped as my forge simply couldnt get my steel hot enough for long enough to really make the progress i felt i should be making in a heat. For instance while making a simple leaf keychain it required something like 10 heats over the course of nearly an hour. It is a single burner forge without doors. Im considering getting a new triple burner with double doors to alleviate this issue, especially with MN winter just around the bend. Any thoughts on this? Is the heating a user error, a poor equipment problem or simply a fact of blacksmithing?
I have a question for you. I was looking into investing in a tire hammer, but I don’t know where to start. Can you possibly give me some insight as an experienced blacksmith as yourself?
John. I’ve got some questions and requests. How is it best to contact you with the above. I understand you’re loaded with questions and requests. I’m in no big hurry. Thank you
The best p;lace to ask a question is in the RUclips comments on the relevant video. I don't publicize my contact information, because it tends to turn into a full time free consulting service.
@@BlackBearForge I meant without a workshop at all. I live 50 miles from my nearest family, my friends live in apartments in the capitol as well, and the only shop here in Norway that is close by costs 200 dollars to rent for a few hours. So, I am waiting to move further out to get some more space and less noise sensitive neighbours.
My buddy and I are members of the Blacksmiths Association of Missouri and we have also started a local group of blacksmiths and we do Forge Friday and we rotate shops and we keep it open to the public and we started posting videos of it on my RUclips channel Albrecht Metal Works and in one of the shops we have a TV that we play your videos and other smiths videos while we hang out and have fun
Where In missouri are your shops? I live near Columbia Missouri. I'm just starting out in my blacksmithing journey and would be interested in visiting one or more of your sessions.
Great info as always. After injuring my back shoeing a horse, I hadn't done any blacksmithing for nearly 25 years. My son works at a living history museum and got me back into it. I was in the process of becoming a volunteer since I don't have a shop, when I received a call asking if I wanted to be employed a couple days a month instead so now I get paid to play in the museums blacksmith shop 1-2 days a week. Best job ever.
All of my learning has been through the internet. My first experience was with a smith who was helpful in the beginning but got a little fame under his belt and let it go to his head. Years later I found your videos and have learned so much more. I tried several times to join groups in my area but never got a response from any of them. I've asked several smith if I could buy coal from them and they all said no and wouldn't even tell me where I could find it. One even seemed offended that I even tried to talk to him!
Having said that, you are the best resource I've found. You take the time to explain things, you don't talk down to people and you are genuinely interested in seeing people succeed. You are a true inspiration. May you live as long as you want but not want as long as you live
It's sad, but that has been my experience as well. It's like people are trying to hoard knowledge, not understanding it's 2024.
I've also had that experience with some local smiths, which definitely put me off from wanting to learn in person. When someone is rude and condescending to someone who's just excited to be there and learn, that person isn't going to want to come back.
Eventually I decided to stop by a shop that offers classes and I got a tour of the shop, bought some coal, and had a great time. I've since been back for events and classes and I've learned a lot more than I would have on my own. Unfortunately that shop is three hours away and most of the events (I'm in the California blacksmith association) are a long drive too.
It's a shame that our first experiences being bad can make us not want to reach out in the future. I do think that the blacksmithing community is a great community overall, but some blacksmiths can be jerks just like anyone else.
I've tried to do my part and be respectful and helpful to new smiths, especially when someone drops by because they heard the ring of the anvil and wanted to ask questions. I'm certainly not as experienced as some, but I know enough to point someone in the right direction.
Sometimes you have to be the person who you wished you could have met yourself when you started out. It might not seem like it, but it can make a big difference in someone's life.
Join ABANA, find your local affiliate group. Feed stores will have coal or order it for you. Lazzari Blacksmithing coal is the best coal I have used.
When I got started I was living above the horse camp in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park(east of San Diego) and would have farriers and the occasional smith drop by.
Build yourself a gas forge.
@@aebemacgill I've got some coal now but it's difficult finding it. I live just south of Birmingham Alabama which has several mines but most places sell it by the dump truck or train car and won't consider selling smaller quantities. Feed stores are no help around here. I worked at two of our local feed stores for 20 years and hunted every supplier I could talk to. I bought a bad of antricite once from Tractor Supply but I hated it. I've collected buckets of it from the train tracks and quite a bit from under the warehouse at the feed store I worked at. It was a railroad depot from the 1870's -1970's so I got a good bit. I also got some wrought iron bars, endless supply of spikes and a few sections of track, with permission.
As for Abana, I tried getting in touch with three different chapters in my state an never got a response. The last time I checked the website for the Alabama Forge Coucncil it hadn't been updated in years and none of the people I tried to contact ever responded. I haven't looked at it in probably more than 10 years so maybe it's been updated since then.
I love this, I just commented on a Reddit post about wanting to get into Blacksmithing and I recommended Black Bear Forge videos.
Wonderful video! I started at age 12 (40 years ago, full time for 32 years…. How time fly’s by)learning what I could from the few real smiths (Railroad smiths)still alive at the time and any book I could find. Then found Abana and our Appalachia Chapter and that is when I realized that I could do this for a living. Every meeting was a blessing. I ended up doing a 6 month (24/7) internship(Elmer Roush),then a 2 year internship(Russell Odell). All this was possible because of our local forge group and people’s willingness to teach. Once again, wonderful video.
Cheers from East Tennessee,
Jamie Tyree
I started blacksmithing 6 months ago. I somehow followed the same approach as your 500$ beginner blacksmith guide, without knowing about it. The first real problem I faced was actually finding where I could forge. I only had my garage available (I live in an apartment), and the neighbors were getting very upset about the noise. Now I am renting a part of a warehouse. It's expansive but I can forge whenever I want ;)
I also joined a small blacksmith volunteer club so I can forge in a museum one day a week (it's also nice to have people who can watch us forge). I think that finding local blacksmith groups is the best option. One of the guys will surely know a place where you can forge!
Anyway, I have to say that I really like the quality of your videos, the topics, and the way you present things and talk. Very informative but also very entertaining! Cheers from France/Belgium.
The ABANA has members all over the world... :)
Once again John, thanks so much for all you do to help others who are in the trade at any/all levels, or considering entering it. I hope you have a nice day!
Thank you as always for your kind demeanor and great advice. I started out working with my neighbor doing lighting and hand rails in an industrial setting. I thought before that I could never get into it but stubbornness prevailed. All I can say is that my interest and then love of the craft has kept me going.
If you’re in North Georgia, the Roswell community arts center has a shop that does open anvil once a month and offers classes that range from never swung a hammer before to pattern welded knives. I’ve wanted to give blacksmithing a try for years and seeing that was the kick that did it for me. Met some great folks there who introduced me to the local ABANA affiliate and now I feel like I have the support to really pursue this.
Started smithing in 2019 outside under a tent with a 100lb chunk of steel a friend got me a old bbq a dressed up harbor frieght cross pean hammer and a hairdryer.
Fast forward i have my 8×10 storage shed converted into my shop. The journey has been awesome......
Anyone that wants to start ....if there is a will there is a way.... just do it!!!
Good stuff
Great information. I actually live about 5 miles from John C. Campbell folk school. I can't afford to take classes. However, watching your videos has been a God send. Maybe one day I'll be as good as you.
I started in my backyard, but also joined a club in a nearby town that had forging space, and not only was i able to forge there, but i made some good friends and had some good mentors to help me on my learning journey. These days i am retired I give back, I volunteer doing blacksmithing classes at a local men's shed that has setup a small forge, and I volunteer at the local historical village blacksmith shop 2 days a week. I also have a mate who cant forge at his place come over for a forge day regularly.
I just forged my first two projects today! A quick set of basic tongs and a coffee scoop! I invested in the single burner Vevor forge and 66lb anvil. I bought second hand hammers and vice. I’m working off my back patio! I’ve got maybe $300 invested!
John, I've been a smith for about 11 yrs. now, and am a regular viewer. You hit this one out of the park!!!! I've bookmarked your video to share with others who have asked me, "well, how do I get started in smithing?" This one and the other video in your "annex $500 start up" are stars. You have done a fantastic job of pointing out options, how it doesn't have to be expensive, clubs and associations to help one along in the blacksmithing pathway. Depending on where you live fuel can be a challenge but there's always gas and charcoal.
Well done, my friend.......👍
Some very good information here John, thanks for that. I'm just beginning my blacksmithing journey after having found a non-profit in my area that offers some blacksmithing classes. Then I can also rent some time in the forge to practice what I've learned with them giving me access to propane forges, hammers...essentially everything I need and also someone I can ask a question.
I just found out by attending the state fair that there's an ABANA meeting there each month and since that's free I'll be going there. The smiths that I met during the fair were open and willing to share knowledge and make me want to continue.
Thanks go to you to for all the videos you've put together over the years. I'll probably never get to see all of them but those I've watched so far have been really informative.
Thanks John, great tips. I used to be able to do it in my drive way, but we moved to much bigger city and that’s it not an option anymore. I’m going to look more seriously at ABANA and volunteering at the local historic site! Met a local smith at the rendezvous there last summer.
In 2020 I turned an old wood stove into a forge with a leaf blower, hammer, and a jewlers anvil. I had rebar laying around, and tried to make a knife out of an old file I found in the dirt. The knife turned out ok for my first go. I made some plant hangers, a fire poker , and a snake out of the rebar. Did it in the back yard. Most fun I've had making stuff.
Check out the mill marks on rebar, a cheap way to get some 1070.
@aebemacgill thanks! I'm still pretty new to the craft so any tips are greatly appreciated
This really motivated me find blacksmith groups. thank you for that!
I'm currently tooling up and creating inventory and skills as a farmers market armorer. They said they were cool with it because it fulfills the home made aspect of the farmers market. You were a big motivator.
My shop is in a bus. . .
But hey, now my town has part of the renaissance festival once a week all year round.
My shop is one of those tarp shops 10x20. When I work the forge I pull my two burner Amazon special forge (aka FebTech) to the center of the shop. (don't want it close to the tarp walls after all, that would suck). My 88lb Acciao anvil is set in front of my mechanic tool box with room to get all the way around it. My first tools I also bought from Amazon a hammer and three tongs combo. I got these for under 500.00 before I even saw your under 500 dollar blacksmith video. I have made a guillotine tool and a hardy cut off tool as well as a small punch. I am now working on my first knife.
I haven't looked around yet to see if there are any groups in my area. (Portales/Clovis area of New Mexico) After watching this video I am gonna start looking. Maybe I can finally find some friends that share my interests.
Thank you for your videos, I have learned a lot though I haven't put much of it into practice just yet, but I do have your lessons stored in my mental tool box ready to take them out and utilize them.
Hey buddy I'm in New Zealand and been watching your videos for the last 6 months you have got me all inspired and I'm halfway through making a charcoal Forge even making a hand cranks blower just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you very much for your inspiration you're very easy to listen to great work thanks mate
“Karen, across the street” - Gold… lol
The living history museum suggestion is excellent. There are a few near me, and I'd been interested in volunteering already, but hadn't thought about looking for ones that included a blacksmith shop
My blacksmithing road started with making a chisel in shop class. Later it resumed with a hole in the ground and Bealer's book. Nice to see how others started out. Great vid, Blackbear!
Magic hammer at 1:22
He put it in his inventory
Thor
Joined ABANA late in '83, left it in '05. Learned a wealth of blacksmithing in between. In '81 I traded a week's labor for a 150lb Heybudden that had been thrashed by generations of high school students.Started with coal and tamarisk wood, in '96 I built a gas forge based on Hans Peot's design, added a preheating chamber for air and I was welding stuff like cable and chainsaw chain easily.
Wrecked my back working as a laborer in '90, kept playing in the fire for as long as I could.
Thank you! Inspiring and intuitive video as always. ABANA....here I come.
1:23 John casually teleporting his tools back to the anvil stand
I saw that, too!
Yea, easier than walking over
It just went back into his inventory
Yeah, I just called my wife over to take a look at John’s hammer throw 😂
Volunteering for a historical recreation is such a good idea! Never would have thought of that. Definitely an awesome option if you need the space
I joined FABA here in NE Florida/ A really great group of people who have helped, encouraged, and are continuing to teach me anything I am willing to attempt in the forging world. All levels of expertise and we are fortunate enough to meet at a living museum settlement every month. I even was part of the demostration folks at one of the settlements events recently. I can't wait to learn and do more. Your videos geive me lots of ideas of new things to try that I had never even thought of. I thank you immensely for that.
You were great in the movie 'An almost Christmas story' 😊
Been watching your videos for years, thank you for all the knowledge you've shared.
Great video John. You're right about the giving nature of many smiths and instructors. Years ago I took a great class at a local space (Rochester Arc and Flame Center). I couldn't afford to buy a forge, but the blacksmithing director pointed me towards a really great set of build instructions by David Hammer for a gas forge and a self-aspirating burner. Was able to source most materials for free, did my homework, borrowed a welder, made it happen and I've been loving this hobby for a good 7 years now.
All along the way, the blacksmithing community has been one of the most giving and helpful I've come across (yourself included) and so I think you touched on one of the most important thing for a future smith to consider, don't be afraid to ask!
I liked the video John. Sparked some memories. My first memory of smithing is with a claw hammer, forging nails into something in the 60s. It took a while to realize that most of the books in the library were not written by smiths. But still, the passion remains...
I was a civil war reenactor for 13 years in South East Ohio . Right on the west Virginia border. Every year at the event, a blacksmith would come in and do demonstrations for everyone. I was 8 years old when I saw my first blacksmith working at the forge, not to mention, that I was a little fire bug in my younger years lol Watching those sparks fly had me memorized. I was raised by my Great grandparents, homeschooled as well, they had little to no money what so ever, but I've learned so much from having very little, so I agree with you John, you don't need all the fancy tools and equipment...yet ;) im also a history nut. I was told when I was a kid that I wouldn't get any where in life playing with fire....I sit back laughing at that comment now lol since 8 years old, I wanted to be a smith. And now, I'm working in my new building that I just built from old privacy fencing and some lumber I had lying about, a good 10 feet wide, 16 feet long and 8 feet high. Much better than my first shop that was an 8 feet by 8 feet shack made from pallets. Did I mention that I made a set of fire place tools to get get the privacy fence?? This trade pays off, but a lot like getting steel up to forge weld heat, it takes time. I love what I do, and hope I can do it for years to come.
Here in Florida we have the FABA ( Florida Artist Blacksmith Association ). The Barberville historic site has classes for FABA as well.
Thanks for all the information. Especially the magazine/ newsletter info.
I really enjoy your videos.
I bought a vevor 44lb anvil and a small gas forge weather permitting I put it out in the yard and go to town
Thank you for all the valuable advice and information you provide
Wonderful pep talk. This was a fantastic motivation video. Thank you for posting these videos.
Great information.
I've been practicing the craft for 3 years. Your channel challenges me.
That's for all the great videos
I started blacksmithing just over a year ago. Thanks to you I have learned so much. I was hoping to attend your demo but could not make it work this year. Thank you for your time and efforts.
Maybe next year
Good video john. Its been a hot minute since ive watched any smithing content. I still work out in the shop from time to time, I had to put it on the back burner for a little while. My little one just turned two, my big one is 15, and I recently jumped back into martial arts. (Had a small relapse with alcohol and at the time it was like a ritual. Get home from my shop, grab a bottle and bam) And martial arts has been a huge help in that. But im good now, I'll be a year dry in January. But whats nice is that as long as I check up on it from time to time, add some oil to the anvil and vice, it'll be there when im ready to swing a hammer again. Thank you again for all the goodness you bring!
Great video John. I am a member of ABANA and the local New England affiliate. You are correct - there is so much information/guidance/tool acquisition through these memberships, it’d be crazy not to take advantage of them.
I may not be forging, per se, but your 'I hope you get out to your shop' is a motivator to get into my wood shop . . . . working on a small place to do Blacksmithing, the town historical society forge is working on getting a new coal forge . . . lovit !
Just started blacksmithing with making a grill forge with sand and some hair dryer and then this video showed up haha, Thank you
Enjoy the journey
Sadly I have no blacksmith association nearby.
I'm actually improvising and practicing on a flexible tire base on my balcony.
The tire prevents me from smashing tiles with every strike - and the downstairs noise factor! - it's not ideal but it works!
It's a home made anvil (30kg steel plates, 70kg including the wood base and tire) and a DIY forge...
But it is a ton of fun to make leaf keychains and what not :)
Highly recommended!
Good information for anyone looking to get started in blacksmithing or expanding their knowledge of the craft. I have several books that I have gotten a lot of good information from and even made some tools and accessories for my shop from them. The chain hold down on my anvil came from one of the books I have.
There is a Blacksmithing festival every year in Central Pennsylvania where you can sign up to do classes with experts and professionals and use all the tools on site.
Right on, this applies to woodworking too, which I'm practicing. I have a basic table (no a real bench, yet), crappy vises, a lot of budget tools, sharpening tools and skills (freehand baby!) and two Paul Sellers style sawhorses (and clamps to secure pieces). Almost no powertools, only one crappy miter saw that I use once or twice a year. Yet I have produced boxes, birdhouses, kitchen stuff, trays, planters and various other things.
Takes a lot of studying from RUclips and/or from forums and such, patience and thinking outside the box.
TL;DR: You don't need ton of money or modern fancy high-tech machines and gadgets to get stuff done, be it blacksmithing, woodworking, leatherworking or even tailoring. Only thing you need is right mindset and attitude (and some basic tools). Go create, people!
Btw, glorious mustache, suits you.
I was a big fan of the budget blacksmithing series. Started out with about $200, most of that being the forge. Another excellent video sir.
Nice video John. I'm in Australia (Aus) and have found a few groups when traveling around on holidays. I check out old museums and antique stores and ask the people working there if there are any blacksmiths in the area. I find fellow blacksmiths are very welcoming and I've had quite a few fun sessions. As I accumulate gear (to my wife's horror) I've been starting to wonder what to do with it all when I get past it. In Aus we have an organization called "Men's Shed". Most towns have a men's shed where people who like to make things can have access to tools and machinery they might not be able to afford or don't have the room for. These are voluntary run, and all equipment is donated or sought through grants. I'm thinking I might shift my workshop to my local men's shed when I get older so others can join in and have access, that's a few years away yet though.
Interesting comments on how to get started with blacksmithing..
Greetings from Toledo,Spain
Thanks for the great information John, this will give lots of beginners some new hope for their future smithing. Good luck to all who venture into the trade. Fred.
I want to wish all of yall a happy Thanksgiving I really enjoyed all that you do
Happy Thanksgiving
I had the idea of setting up a mobile forge: portable equipment in a car, with which I could drive to a remote parking lot where no one cares. I didn't do it, as a found some other place to forge, but maybe this idea could be helpfull to someone else.
Great info! I just took a blacksmith class this weekend at the local maker space and got to hammer on hot metal for the first time, apparently following this advice in advance😂
thanks for this, im right about where this video was encouraging for me. I started this january and i'm in, hunting for a place where i can work on my projects rather than just taking a class. I have some of these resources near by that i've been waiting to tap, and this was a good push to take some agency over the opportunities i have near by. Thank you.
Thanks again for the information.
Great job. Thank you 😊
Hackerspaces are an idea!
Similar to a makerspace in being a collaborative working space, some have decent metalworking sections that folks participating in the hackerspace can use.
In some cases, someone who's an active regular in the hackerspace can suggest to others of setting up a forge and an anvil, if the space and conditions allow it! The ones I've encountered thus far charge a modest monthly membership fee to keep the lights on (ranging less than 50€ per month) and to pay for the equipment and some of the materials used.
Despite the name "hackerspace", I've seen folks make and tinker with all sorts of things from bicycle customization and building to complicated electronics. You might wanna check out if there's one near you, even if you have the means to create on your own! :3
Been smithing for about a year when i have the time around my 70 hr a week job. So I deff don't have time to join a group. I would love to though.oim 35rigjt now so as inget older im hoping to have more time to smith
In New Hampshire, the New England Blacksmiths has a well equipped teaching forge and very welcoming open forge days with volunteer instructors twice a month, more information on our website (RUclips doesn’t allow links in comments, but a quick search will find it)
Most places have a local smithing group, facebook is excellent for finding them.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Happy Thanksgiving
I've been dreaming of starting a traditional craftsman's guild for the last 15 years of my 18 years at the anvil. I just wish I could find more people who were serious about it in my area (central rural NYS)
Started in back yard with homemade bellows going to a wok fire pot, railroad track anvil, Harbor Freight hammer, bucket for slack tub. Made plenty stuff for history reenacting campfire cooking. No RUclips back then, I figured out most blacksmithing is common sense.
sounds like you are thinking like me I'm seriously concerned about the loss of old world skills with the youth and the feeling you get to make things by hand.Love your video
Just what would I've done without them Jr High and High School Shop class.
Didn't make my work valuable but I've saved lots of money keeping my cars going and remodeling 5 different houses and for the last 30 years no house mortgage and collect rent form one of the houses and it's paid for also.
I work rough hours on my regular job and am a part time smith. I have a shop, but would love to have another smith to share the shop, and on the rare moments I could share, would love to help someone learn. If you know a smith, and would like to start, ask them. They may be willing to share, help, and help teach.
Good video.
Thank you.
Sculpture studios are as good as or better than maker spaces. Usually well equipped, and less likely to be a fly by night organization.
I am online joining ABANA now . Hopefully I can find a group close to me . That's the issue in my area . Not many smiths around other than a few bladesmiths . Thanks for the info John.
I’m in Maple Oklahoma I have a small forge shop
If your local storage buisness has power on their units, you may be able to rent a storage unit to work out of, know a few people who have shops they run out of storage units. Mostly west coast. But possibly all over.
My son teaches blade smithing in Mountain Veiw, Arkansas.
if you have a trailer and car you might be able to make a mobil forge if you live in city and you might be able to rent a pice of land out side the city from farmer or something
Hi black bear forge! could you make a video what to consider when welding and forging in your garage. how to fireproof your place when forging?
I noticed it appears that you are still using the Dark Star forge that you did a video on last year. It would be great to know your thoughts on it presently. The Dark Star website appears to be dead but I'm very interested in what your experience with a ribbon burner forge has been - a possible video? Thanks, I enjoy all your videos and greatly appreciate your efforts.
If you have a friend with a hobby welding shop, chances are they're more than willing to share the space
Did you ever do the one year review of your Fontanini Anvil. Thanks
So i had started my blacksmithing a few months ago but have since al but stopped as my forge simply couldnt get my steel hot enough for long enough to really make the progress i felt i should be making in a heat. For instance while making a simple leaf keychain it required something like 10 heats over the course of nearly an hour.
It is a single burner forge without doors. Im considering getting a new triple burner with double doors to alleviate this issue, especially with MN winter just around the bend. Any thoughts on this? Is the heating a user error, a poor equipment problem or simply a fact of blacksmithing?
I’m in western Illinois, my shop is extremely small but if you’re in my area hit me up!
I have a question for you. I was looking into investing in a tire hammer, but I don’t know where to start. Can you possibly give me some insight as an experienced blacksmith as yourself?
Wooooooo!!!
I started with a cutoff air compressor lid buried in a clay filled container, a hair dryer, and a sledge head anvil. Anyone can do it.
John. I’ve got some questions and requests. How is it best to contact you with the above. I understand you’re loaded with questions and requests. I’m in no big hurry. Thank you
The best p;lace to ask a question is in the RUclips comments on the relevant video. I don't publicize my contact information, because it tends to turn into a full time free consulting service.
@ understood. In that case what is difference between a “Hot Rasp” and just a regular rasp? Is the type of steel the rasp is made out of?
Hot rasping is simply a description of the work. I use an old worn farriers rasp for hot rasping
@ thank you. I was thinking the same thing but wasn’t sure. I wonder how they forged/made files way back then?
thanks very wise man, Iam doing it from my apartment, i can hammer and make noice after 9am to 5pm
BRVO JAN
Problem: I live in an apartment without a workshop for any tools.
Please advice.
Watch this video, your situation is what the video was about
@@BlackBearForge I meant without a workshop at all. I live 50 miles from my nearest family, my friends live in apartments in the capitol as well, and the only shop here in Norway that is close by costs 200 dollars to rent for a few hours.
So, I am waiting to move further out to get some more space and less noise sensitive neighbours.
Yeah schools suck..... ..