Wanting to get started... advice?

B

Bravo11

Joined
Oct 15, 2018
Messages
6
Hello I am is absolutely knew in green as you can get I have not done anyt forging or stock removal etc. I am currently gathering tools I have an Anvil that I think will work, it’s old and I’ve cleaned it up and sanded the work plate until it relatively smooth and flat.( i’m afraid to do much more and take a chance of ruining the anvil, a diamond back two Burner blacksmith forge a 2 x 42 craftsman grinder which I’m getting ready to do the modifications on based on the things I’ve seen on this forum I have 100 pound propane tank for the forge plus two 20 pounders, several tongs, hammers cross peon, and lots of hand tools a hand grinder cheap drill press, files etc. I just retired about four weeks ago and have been collecting these items for the past two years and anticipations have a new hobby I didn’t want to start and do a half assed effort I wanted to wait until I have the time to do things right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
 
Sounds like your next step is to "just do it"! With all those blacksmithing tools it sounds like you might have some forging experience? Doesn't matter - I'd get some "mystery steel", old leaf springs, coil springs, etc to start. Yes, I know most everybody says get known steel to start, but decent knives can be made from leaf or coil springs and you'll learn LOTS in forging blades from FREE steel. OR - if you decide you wish stock removal first, I'd get some 1074 to 1080 series steel and start grinding.

The 2X42 grinder will work just fine. For a better selection of belts I've read it can be fairly easy mod'd to a 2X72 grinder. I wouldn't put much money into mod'ing it unless I could change the motor to a 3 ph motor. For sure you do WANT a VFD setup. Then "if" that cheap VFD does go out, then you can spend the $300+ for the NEMA 4 drive.

Good luck and have fun - this is a good place to learn

Ken H>
 
Thank you sir. I have zero experience forging or doing stock removal so this is a step in to unknown territory for me. I do have serval leaf springs and Some RR spikes. I’ve purchased two pieces of metal one 1084 and one 5160 I’m going to hold on to those. My plan is to just start getting metals hot and seeing how I can shape them and try and make some KSOs. I have purchased several books That have given me the very basics on how to move metal. I have also watched endless videos on basic forging techniques. I’dm going to try my hand at it and see how it goes. The amount of information on the form and the Internet is overwhelming to say the least lol
 
The modification I’m going to do is simply putting in a glass platten and removing some of the housing around the wheels. I watched several videos and I will invert it so it runs vertically instead of horizontally. I’m Not ready to dump a bunch of money into grinder until I at least get some type of basic knowledge of how to move metal in shape it
 
One good way to get started is find a few smiths in your area. There are quite a few within 3-5 hours of you. A day trip to visit one would speed up the learning curve.

About 5 hours from you is where the NC Custom Knifemakers Guild meets - Troy, NC. There are WV guys who go there. Troy, NC is where Montgomery College is located, and the NCKG holds 2-5 day classes there several times a year.
http://www.ncknifeguild.com/

There are also schools and associations in VA. 4 hours from you the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing is in Waynesboro, VA. They teach blacksmithing and bladesmithing.

4 hours north of you is RW Wilson. He is a great guy who builds and sells knife equipment and supplies. He is a hoot to meet. He is up in Weirton, WV. He probably knows every maker in WV and loves to chat on the phone. Give him a call about smiths near you ( and expect an invitation up to his place).

There is a great show in Harrisonburg, VA every spring check out the Shenandoah Valley Knife Collectors. There are many great makers in that group scattered all over the VA/WV border area. Come by and see me next April, 5-6-7. I'll introduce you around.
http://www.svkc.org
 
Thank you Stacy I appreciate the reply. I will set the date for April and look forward to meeting you and attending the show. I’ll start working and try and hook up with the NC guys you recommend. I’ll try to find Mr. Wilson and get up to see him in the meantime.
 
Ron (RW Wilson) will be at the show, too. He sets up his whole store there. He is right around the corner from me at the pavilion. Lots of great folks at that show.
 
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