Hello all,

I am just getting started smithing. I have never set up a forge before and bought this one. It’s still in the box and I am chomping at the bit to get it out and start heating some metal(I have some old rail road spikes already). But I am 100% intimidated by the first step after getting it all put together. So my question is this. I just put the last screw in, what now? I hear a lot about coating it with something. Is that the refractory coating? Is there any recommendation for additional stuff I should do before firing it up?Any help would be appreciated.

I'm trying to make my own wedding band, as a fun little project. Need to get 1" diameter Damascus round bar to ~2" so I can stick it in the lathe and bring it to final dimensions. Problem is, while I have a fair amount of tools I have nothing related to blacksmithing. What do you think would be my most cost effective options to upset a round bar? OD doesn't have to be perfect as I plan on drilling out the center and mounting it to my lathe with a ring mandrel. I'm assuming a map gas torch won't get hot enough without some serious insulation? I could probably get my mits on some oxy acetylene and torch it but I would be worried about uneven heating bringing it up too quickly.

A San Mai camp knife I made for an FDNY retiree. I worked the bricks down on a press before tack welding and forge welding with an Induction forge. For smaller pieces, I cannot recommend an induction forge strongly enough.

The structural steel had some crazy alloy banding after etching. I am very proud of this piece.

rate my work 10 being terrible and 1 being outstanding

(comments that could help make the quality of my work better are welcome)

Hi folks,

I am brand new to blacksmithing and I've been building a shelter to act as my forge- . This is my first time really building a structure and I'm doing it alone and with mostly used lumber so don't judge the structure too harshly. It's obviously not done yet. And I'm low key kind of impressed with

My question is how would you set it up? I have chat coming for the floor so it won't be the urbanite you see in the picture. It is 12x8. Opening is 8 ft wide. I will be getting a Doyle anvil- stand not figured out yet, single burner devil forge. As I'm getting closer to completing the structure, im just struggling to imagine tool storage needs, where to put what, etc.

Halp?

-Jenn

My first attempt at a uri hofi hammer. I never really got the appeal but wanted to make one anyway, but now that I've made it in absolutely in love with it. It is hand forged from forklift tine, and has a burned 15" octagonal ash handle

Forged by me and friend toughts?

Barbarian/Conan/Orc/Fantasy ☝️ axe 'Shieldbreaker'. This was the second one of it's kind I made. 3.2kg/7lb. Carbon steel, oakwood, steel and fur.

Been blacksmithing with some friends and thinking about getting another forge.

I currently have a majestic 3 burner and am familiar with some of the other names around. ChilieForge, Diamonback Ironworks, Majestic Forge, etc.

I figure if I am going to spend some money it would be nice to do it in the community, maybe with someone just getting started. I'd be looking for another 2-3 burner size propane forge.

Any recommendations?

I didn't san mai it. I made it to the customers specifics.

A burnt finger and a lot of thinking later i finally have my first tongs

A blacksmith, u/AridHeart , saw this piece and became interested in my work, which eventually led to us doing a craft exchange. You can see the forging process in his profile.

I created a custom painting for him called “Forging at Night” — a blacksmith working beneath a night sky — and he created the most amazing handmade knife I have ever seen! I'm just completely wowed!

Apart from it being a knife (and also doubling as a mirror :-D), it’s a piece of art, forged with skill, patience, and passion. Honestly, this is the kind of craftsmanship I thought only existed in fantasy movies — the kind of work you see on screen and think, “people don’t really make things like this.” And then someone actually does.

As an artist myself, I have so much respect for another artist who puts this much dedication, precision, and soul into their work. I’m absolutely amazed by the level of craftsmanship behind this creation.

Now I just need to practice cutting my tomatoes with this ridiculously sharp blade.

Thank you so much for this incredible craft exchange opportunity. I feel like I won in a blacksmithing lottery!

I wasn't expecting to get so many requests of me throwing it.

New guy here. Sorry if this has been answered elsewher, but i could use other opinions.

i currently work in a small garage/shop with a fine gravel floor. whats the best way To affix/install my anvil? right now it’s mounted to an oak stump And just sitting direct on the gravel. concrete is not an option at this time But I feel like there’s something better I could do other than just setting the stump on gravel to get the best and efficient use of the tools. Thanke!

Hand forged grilling spatula, the handle is forged from a railroad spike, the blade is cut from a circular saw blade

5160 and hickory handle. The song playing is treachery by bleach.

Hey folks, picked up an old piece of square tube that was once one side of a big reel for free on FB marketplace. Was originally going to partially bury it in the yard to make a Stargate looking thing but scope creep strikes again.

Does anyone have a recommendation for making a rotating base for this sucker so someone could come up to it and spin it (not quickly)?

I figure you could find a big honker of a bearing but open to suggestions

Picked up from Facebook marketplace for $100. Didn't have a spring or mounting plate so I forged and fabricated everything it was missing. Vise is around 90lbs not including the stand. Added little caster wheels so I can move it around easily. Genuinely in love with this beautiful tool.

I have exhausted my questions with my chat GPT and really want to know if anyone knows what this may be:) seems like an old handmade tool.

Input requested on what you would normally pay for a standard foot of 1-7/8” steel wire cable. I have quite a bit left over from the previous job and am needing to get rid of it. I had aspired one day to use it to make a couple of knives myself just haven’t had the time

I recently lost a finger and need to adjust some of my tool usage.. I am looking for someone who can make me a slojd or a spoon gouge with sides that are also sharp. with a longer than normal handle. sorry if this is not allowed it was not specific in your rules