how to blacksmith ???????????????????

[N4ARH]

The National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis used to have classes and probably still does. Also Google "ABANA" (Artists, Blacksmiths Association of North America). They used to have lots of info.

[trstek]

We were just at the Memphis National Ornamental Metal Museum a couple of weeks ago, good place to visit. Lot's of good work.

They have a working shop, casting and bending / shaping. Real friendly folks.

If you are in the area worth stopping by and taking a look.

Tom

[kcstott]

We actually have a Blacksmith shop here in escondido ca and they take volunteers They operate as part of the historical society in Grape day park Open mid week and Saturdays only. Nice shop with lot of experience running the shop. Kind of half actual blacksmith and half pre-machinist. Belt driven power hammers, etc.

[vin-man welding]

you do know this thread is over 2 years old?

and no one notices.
love seeing the help still coming from everyone. i use to work for a smithshop 15 years ago. don't miss the sot.

[trstek]

vin-man, It's not that no one notices, just don't care

My Wife's Grandpa was the Blacksmith for a town in northern Illinois. Even when he retired the folks came from all around to set in the shop. Turned into the local meeting place for the old timers.

It was cool watching her face as we entered the shop, see the equipment and the wares around it.

Had to laugh, the lady that was showing us around kept saying "those bends are really easy to make". Everything is easy when you have the equipment and know how to do it. She did show us what was hard to make also. Wife and I enjoyed the visit.

[trstek]

So, for a second ponder this, all ye faithfull.

Welding has been the last ~100 years...

Blacksmithing has been around for how long?

Course, any fool, with a couple hundred bucks can buy a welder, but to be a blacksmith, and, work with the metal, well... that can be achieved in...

For the record, and the score keepers, I am not a blacksmith or a welder, by definition.

But, I do know, what it means to be a welder, or blacksmith, and have formed a certain respect for those who have the touch, as they say

[vin-man welding]

try and catch the show ' metal on modern marvels.' they really get in to the blacksmithing and when it started and were it is today.