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