I love blacksmithing! I find it to be relaxing and a great way to unwind, feel good about myself and like I've accomplished something when I shape the metal to my will. It can be therapy, recreation and a great way to meet new people. It also opens u...
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Beginner gear
Expanding your tools
Beginner gear
Great price for a beginner anvil, but can still carry you a long way in this craft.
Cast Steel 132Lb Anvil, Single Horn, Holes
A great beginner forge, but I still recommend installing refractory cement for extra heat reflection, and it just makes me feel safer regarding potential particulate coming off the ceramic lining at high heat.
1 Burner Propane Forge 2600℉ Double Door
Great book for beginners, easy read, and some nice projects to start you off.
The Home Blacksmith: Tools, Techniques & Projects
Another great beginner book, I love the ones that include relevant projects for you to keep improving in the craft.
The Everyday Blacksmith: 55 Simple Forge Projects
A decent set of tongs to get started forging. Better than using pliers or vice grips. It's just better to use the proper tools, especially to keep safe with red hot metal. This is a decent variety for starting out. Soon, you'll probably make some of ...
VEVOR Blacksmith Tongs 4PCS, 18' A3 Steel
A beginner project, that gives you useful tools. This is a nice step between buying tongs outright, and making them from scratch. Still let's you expand your skills and tools, but not as intimidating.
Rapid Tongs Bundle Set 6 Types with Rivet
In my shop, everyone protects their eyes. I don't always wear a mask or respirator, but have safety glasses on pretty much as soon as I walk in the door. Just a few seconds is all it takes to lose your sight. I don't find "historical accuracy" a comp...
NoCry Clear Safety Glasses Anti-Fog UV Shield
An apron is a must! When the forge it lit, my apron is on as well as safety glasses. Hot metal or a piece of scale can mess you up pretty quick. Also, only wear organic clothes in the smithy, polyester and similar fabrics will just melt onto your bod...
A good hammer to start out. Will want to smooth the face a bit, as that bevel on the face can mark your work otherwise. 2lbs to 3lbs is a good weight to start with.
VAUGHAN Blacksmith Hammer 2 Lbs Hickory
Something to clean off the anvil, and leave a cool, light brass patina on your work. Also available in steel, which is pretty standard.
MAXMAN Brass Wire Brush Set 2Pcs, 10" Handle
Great tool! You can cut things down to size, split things open for forge welding, very useful. Always want to verify your hardy hole size before ordering, although you can always reshape a shank that is too large, but it's easier to get it right in t...
Blacksmith Anvil Hardy Tool 3/4 Inch Shank
The link is to a box of duplex nails. I use these to make mini swords and golf clubs and many other small projects. They make great souvenirs when I do demonstrations!
Bright Duplex Nails (2") - 5lb Box
Fantastic deal for just getting started! This is a really good anvil at this price. I have one of these that I still use for traveling demonstrations.
Vevor 66Lbs Single Horn Cast Steel Anvil
Expanding your tools
An inexpensive drill press to get things started. A machine like this is good if you're expanding things. Maybe you're trying to develop a product line, and this will be much faster than drifting all the holes by hand.
VEVOR 8in Benchtop Drill Press, 2.5A Motor
Huge shop upgrade! I absolutely love my Trident 2x48 grinder! I went with the variable speed version, and it is a fantastic machine. Makes grinds and cleanup on fresh forgings a breeze 😁👍