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Posted: 2/29/2020 10:01:25 PM EDT
My 12 year old has been bugging me for about 6 months now about how he really wants to get into smithing. I'm willing to indulge but am a bit intimidated after researching online with all the different methods or home-brew stuff.
Does anywhere sell a "starters" kit as it were? Propane forge type thing, small anvil, hammer and tongs, etc? He would start out making small odds and ends, probably working his way up to a small knife. I don't want to break the bank necessarily as I have a sneaky suspicion he's gonna lose interest once he discovers its hard work but willing to throw a few 100 at it at least. I'm sure I'll mess around with it too 
Have asked him about casting but he seems...reluctant on that. I guess hitting shit with a hammer is more what he wants to do as opposed to pouring a mold. TIA for any leads |
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Posted: 2/29/2020 11:44:51 PM EDT
[#1]
The Blacksmithing Association of Missouri annual get together at Sedalia is coming up soon.
Sign him up for the beginners class. There are usually vendors and a swap meet where tools can be found. There's a man in Staunton Illinois that can probably hook you up with an anvil; check Craig's List Another option is to go to Shapiro's and buy a cutoff of around 100 pounds, then live with the soft surface by grinding it smooth as needed. Fork lift forks with the sharp end buried are popular. He'll need a stand with a heavy vise. Straight peen and cross peen hammers are common in hardware stores and second hand. http://www.bamsite.org/ Looks like convention starts 30 April this year. The demonstrators brought in are always worthwhile. BAM members have monthly get togethers at different members forges, too. |
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Posted: 3/1/2020 12:27:58 AM EDT
[#2]
Thanks for that. I'll definitely get him out there. I'd love for him to start off learning properly.
Only concern is that he might be too young? Most people I've talked to (like at the renfest) said 16 to start. I'm sure its for legal and liability reasons. |
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Posted: 3/1/2020 12:54:21 PM EDT
[#3]
BAM requires membership and 14 years old for the classes.
I wouldn't let that deter him. Talk to some members about giving him the basics at their own forge. I doubt more than a short hunt would required to kick up someone. Something to consider as a quick anvil is a mail head on a stout base. Use a flat side. Grind the edges of the faces smooth if necessary. These make a pretty good bench anvil for other work. |
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Posted: 3/14/2020 3:13:47 PM EDT
[#4]
Centaur is great place for supplies. Starting out look for used equipment.
Anything and everything you might need. centaur forge |
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