Learn To Forge

Tag: how to start

  • Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My First Forge

    When I first decided to take up blacksmithing, I was excited about crafting tools, knives, and maybe even some artistic pieces.

    I figured it would be challenging, but at the same time rewarding and I wasn’t wrong.

    What I didn’t realize was how many of even the smallest details, rookie mistakes, and surprise discoveries would shape my first experiences at the forge.

    If you’re thinking about jumping into blacksmithing, here’s a list of things I wish I’d known before I struck my first piece of glowing steel.

    1. Your First Forge Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

    I spent way too much time stressing over my initial forge setup. I read countless guides and debated every small detail, trying to “get it right.”

    But here’s the truth I learned later: your first forge doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to work.

    My first forge was homemade and scrappy. It consisted of an old brake drum, firebricks I salvaged, and a hairdryer attached to a pipe as my blower.

    It wasn’t pretty, but it heated steel. That’s all I really needed to get started and build my skills. Fancy setups can come later when you know what you’re doing.

    Quick Tip

    Start small and experiment with what you have. It’s better to learn on an inexpensive forge than to sink a ton of money into something you might outgrow in months.

    2. Tools Don’t Need to Be Expensive to Work

    Blacksmithing tools can get pricey fast, and at first, I worried that I couldn’t even start without a proper anvil or high-end hammers.

    Luckily, I soon discovered that you don’t need the best tools to begin, as long as they get the job done.

    For my makeshift anvil, I sometimes used a sledgehammer head and even a chunk of railroad track. It wasn’t perfect, and it didn’t have the rebound of a professional anvil, but it got the job done.

    My hammer? It was from my dad’s old toolbox, and my tongs were borrowed from a fellow hobbyist. Sure, upgrading tools has its perks, but for beginners, improvising works just fine.

    Quick Tip

    Railroad tracks, scrap steel blocks, or a sledgehammer head can act as temporary anvils. Basic claw hammers can double as forging tools, especially for small projects. Borrowing or buying secondhand are great ways to save money while you’re still learning.

    3. Start with Small Projects

    I’ll admit I got ambitious when I first started. I wanted to forge knives, axes, and intricate decor pieces right out of the gate. What I didn’t realize was that I was setting myself up for frustration.

    Small beginner projects, like hooks, bottle openers, or fire pokers, are the perfect way to learn basic techniques without getting overwhelmed. They also provide quick wins, which is incredibly motivating when you’re just starting out.

    Trust me, it’s better to complete a simple project than to spend hours on something ambitious that you’re not quite ready for.

    Quick Tip

    Choose beginner-friendly projects that teach you skills like tapering, bending, and scrolling. Each one builds your confidence and prepares you for more complex creations.

    4. Blacksmithing Is Hot, Dirty, and Exhausting

    This one probably sounds obvious, but the reality of standing in front of a fire, swinging a heavy hammer, and sweating buckets hit me harder than I expected.

    Blacksmithing is physical work, and it can take a toll. It’s important to pace yourself, take breaks, and stay hydrated.

    That said, I found that the physicality is also part of what makes it rewarding. When you see the tangible results of your effort, a bent piece of steel shaped into something useful, it’s all worth it.

    Quick Tip

    Invest in proper safety gear (gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection) and make sure your workspace is well-ventilated. It’s better to sweat than to risk an injury.

    5. The Blacksmithing Community Is Amazing

    One of the best surprises in my early days was discovering how welcoming and helpful the blacksmithing community can be.

    Whether it’s online forums, YouTube tutorials, or local blacksmith groups, there are so many people willing to share their knowledge and support.

    Reaching out to other blacksmiths saved me from countless mistakes.

    From tips on how to position steel in the fire to advice on building a better forge, their generosity, and experience boosted my confidence in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

    Quick Tip

    Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Join blacksmithing communities online or attend local events. They make all the difference when you’re starting out.

    6. Expect to Make Mistakes—and Learn from Them

    I can’t count how many times I swung the hammer wrong, overheated my steel, or tried to fix one problem and ended up creating three more. Mistakes are a huge part of learning, and each one teaches you something valuable.

    The key is to keep going. Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, think of them as lessons. Some of the most rewarding moments I’ve had came from figuring out how to fix or improve something I messed up.

    Quick Tip

    Keep a notebook or journal of what works (and what doesn’t). It’ll help you track your progress and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

    7. Patience Is Part of the Process

    Blacksmithing demands patience. It’s easy to get frustrated when something doesn’t turn out how you imagined, but rushing or cutting corners rarely helps.

    I’ve had to remind myself time and time again that good work takes time and that every swing of the hammer counts toward improving my skills.

    Quick Tip

    Take a deep breath and enjoy the process. The more time you spend working with steel, the more intuitive the craft will become.

    Final Thoughts

    Starting my first forge wasn’t just the beginning of a hobby, it was the start of a passion that has taught me so much about creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade those messy, sweaty early days for anything.

    If you’re thinking about building your first forge, my advice is simply to just start!

    Use what you have, make mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.

    Blacksmithing isn’t just about the tools or the finished products; it’s about the journey you take in learning and mastering the craft.

  • Starting Small: My First Blacksmith Shop on a Budget

    When I decided to try my hand at blacksmithing, I had nothing but enthusiasm, a tight budget, and a very basic idea of what I actually needed. The dream of turning glowing steel into something functional or beautiful was exciting, but the reality was a bit different.

    My workspace was tiny, my funds were minimal, and my toolbox? Half of it consisted of borrowed tools from friends who were kind enough to help out.

    The Costs of Jumping Into Blacksmithing

    One of the first things I realized was that blacksmithing can get expensive quickly if you’re not mindful of your spending. Sure, a professional setup looks impressive, but starting out doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

    I decided to keep things simple by focusing on the essentials: a forge, a hammer, and an anvil (or at least something sturdy enough to function as one).

    My First Forge Setup

    For my first forge, I kept things as basic as possible. I used an old brake drum I found at a scrapyard and combined it with salvaged firebricks. For airflow, I rigged up a makeshift blower using a cheap hairdryer duct-taped to a pipe. Admittedly, it wasn’t an elegant design, but it was functional enough to heat steel for forging.

    For an anvil, I relied on a chunk of railroad track I found at a flea market. While it didn’t have the bounce or resilience of a professional anvil, it served its purpose for beginner projects.

    My hammer? It came straight from my dad’s toolbox. When I started, I didn’t have specialized blacksmithing tools but made do with what was available.

    Lessons from My Early Blacksmithing Days

    Those early attempts were a mix of excitement and frustration. Mistakes were abundant as I took on projects far beyond my skill level and often spent more time correcting errors than actually forging.

    But every misstep taught me valuable lessons:

    • Start with the basics: Focusing on small, manageable projects like hooks or bottle openers is way more rewarding (and far less stressful) than trying to forge something overly complicated.
    • Be resourceful: Improvisation is a big part of learning the craft. You don’t need fancy tools to grow your skills.

    The Power of Borrowing and a Supportive Community

    One thing that surprised me was just how generous the blacksmithing community could be.

    Whenever I lacked the tools or knowledge to complete a project, other blacksmiths were quick to lend a hand. I borrowed tongs, sought advice on techniques, and even had someone offer me their workshop for a weekend.

    This sense of community made a huge difference. It showed me that starting small doesn’t mean starting alone. 

    Reaching out for help opens up access to tools, tips, and encouragement that can keep you motivated.

    Learning on a Budget

    Even with my limited setup, I focused on building essential skills. Each project taught me something new. Every hook, knife, and decorative attempt added to my understanding of shaping steel.

    Sure, many of my early creations were uneven or flawed, but they formed the foundation for bigger and better creations down the road.

    Knowing When It’s Time to Upgrade

    After months of working with my budget setup, I slowly started upgrading piece by piece.

    First, I saved for a proper anvil, which helped improve my projects and speed up my workflow.

    Later, I built a sturdier, more efficient forge.

    If I could offer any advice here, it would be this: don’t rush to upgrade.

    Use what you have until your skills or projects demand better tools. This approach ensures that your investments in new equipment feel purposeful and well-timed.

    Reflecting on My Humble Beginnings

    Looking back, starting small was the perfect way to begin my blacksmithing journey. That rusty brake drum and railroad track taught me resourcefulness, patience, and a deep appreciation for the craft. All lessons no fancy toolset could have provided.

    If you’re dreaming of blacksmithing but feel limited by budget or space, here’s my advice: just start!

    Use what you have, build what you can, and don’t hesitate to ask for help along the way.

    Blacksmithing is as much about the process as it is about the finished product, so enjoy every step of the learning curve.

    Practical Tips for Building a Forge on a Budget

    If you’re eager to start, here are a few tips to get you going without breaking the bank:

    • Forge: Old brake drums, propane tanks, or even BBQ grills can be repurposed into effective forges with a bit of creativity.
    • Anvil: Look for railroad tracks, scrap steel blocks, or large old hammers; they all work as temporary alternatives.
    • Tools: Borrow a hammer and tongs if possible. Starter blacksmithing kits can also be found cheaply online or secondhand.
    • Community: Join local blacksmithing groups or online forums to connect with experienced smiths who can guide you.

    Remember, even the most skilled blacksmiths started somewhere small and with simple setups!