[trial.rec.metalworking] Begining smithing

david@talgras.UUCP (David Hoopes) (05/29/91)

Hello,

    Yesterday ther was a posting from someone asking about getting started 
in balcksmithing.  I know I marked the article to be saved so that I could
reply to it today after I looked up some info.  But it's gone.

    Anyway, who ever it was that ask if you are just getting started in
smithing here is some info that I found interesting.

"The edge of the Anvil"  by Jack Andrews.   This book is a must for the
beginner.  Read this book before you try reading any other book on smithing.
It explains the terms that all the other books assume you know.  It is a
very good tutorial that will walk you through the basics.  Check the local
library.  That's where I found a copy.

"The Blacksmiths Journal"  Rt. 1 189 Lonedell Mo. 63060  This is a montlty
loose leaf journal that is very informitive.  It contains great step-by-step
drawing and instructions on differant processes.  Some are at the beginner
level and some are more advanced.  I am not sure but I think it runs $28/per
year.

Local blacksmith groups.  This can be a wealth of info (and a whole hell
of a lot of fun).  They can be hard to find but are well worth the effort. 
I am a member of BAM (Blacksmiths Association of Missouri).  I know that 
there is a Great Plains Blacksmiths assoc.  (Ks, Ok, ...) and I know that 
there are several groups in the Eastern states.  If you dig a little there
is probably a group in your area.

(If any one knows of any groups share the info)

ABANA.  The Artist-Blacksmiths Association of North America.  This is a
national organization and might be a source of good info ( I have not
scraped up the $35 to join yet).  
ABANA
P.O. Box 1181
Nashville, IN 47448

Hope some of this is helpful.  If anyone has anything to add lets hear it.






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David Hoopes                              Tallgrass Technologies Inc. 
uunet!talgras!david                       11100 W 82nd St.          
Voice: (913) 492-6002 x323                Lenexa, Ks  66214