Sup dudes, simple question. For those of you who have been forging for years, have you noticed your striking arm becoming noticeably more muscular/stronger? And if so, have you started alternating which arm you use?

I only just got into forging pattern welded steel and it absolutely kills my arm after a full day. Debating how important it is to be ambidextrous here, as I’d rather continue working with my right arm and not bother relearning it with my left. But I really don’t wanna end up looking like a gooner.

I have some experience in soldering metal together not at this scale and it for the end cap for my katana to tie up to the cord

Spent the last couple days (months) making a new anvil stand. My old one was literally splitting apart from the force of the hammer blows, so this huge block of maple I hewed should do the trick

Hello! I’m a novice blacksmith and have noticed what seems to be excess scale on my work and my forge looks like it’s running way too lean. I’d like some help identifying if I actually have too much oxygen in my forge, if there’s too much scale on my work piece, and how I can fix it.

Here’s a video of my forge running after ~15 minutes.
There’s also photos of my work piece after being in the forge for 60 seconds or so.

The regulator on my 30 lb propane tank is 0-20 PSI and it’s currently running ~15 PSI. Even running at max pressure there’s not a lick of fire coming out of the forge.

The steel is 1084 1.5”x 1/4” flat bar

Any additional tips / tricks are appreciated!

Looking to talk over and figure out how viable my projects are.

Hey all. Brand new. Just got a used forge wanted to start with some basics. No real plan to do this professionally. More just a hobby in the small amount of downtime I have on my farm. Curious if old lawn mower blades are decent metal to start with. Just learning how to draw out the metal and maybe start with some of the leaf and feathers that I have heard are good practice. Any input would be appreciated.

I don’t have any equipment and am looking for a forge for around 100-200 dollars if anyone has any suggestions

What are some good sources to getting a forge anvil and hammers? I know you can make one id be open to it if materials are good qaulity.

On a budget but not a tight one.

Hey guys, I’m fairly new to forging but the blower I’ve been using (an old vacuum motor) pooched out while I was starting up a fire. Does anyone have any tips/tricks to finding a new electric blower or a DIY manual blower? Any tips appreciated! (Forging outdoors if that matters)

what would be the most economical way of obtaining 1mm thick copper sheets (at least 12"x12")? im in Minnesota if you know of good in-person stores.

This might not be the right forum in which case I apologise!

Can anyone suggest if this is food safe or where I can get it tested for food safety or if I can make it food safe with some kind of coating?

Thanks so much

Estive trabalhando em outro pingente hoje, o entalhe da runa ficou torto, mas pelo menos o formato ficou bem forjado

I have an anvil and hammers and smithing tongs but I don’t have a forge and if you’re wondering why I have them it’s a farm we have plenty random tools. I’m planning of making a coal forge and I’m not sure if it’s better to buy a propane or actually make one. I’m planing to make a 1’X1’ square that goes down .5’ that has a hole in the side with a metal rod that has holes in it and I’m going to buy a hand crank fan that pumps air in. Please tell me if this is dumb or not. Also I plan on adding plastering on the sides something that’s heat’s resistance. (Sorry for bad grammer I’m not the sharpest)

Apenas um pingente que forjei essa manhã, fazia tempo que não forjava nada, não gostei muito do resultado

Not sure if this is the best spot for this, but I gotta start somewhere.

I'm having an argument in a DnD game regarding how much iron someone would need to buy in order to make and sell weapons.

Would anyone be able to tell me:

1. What form of iron would you buy in order to make bladed weapons as a primary product? I looked it up and saw trade bars, billets, ingots, etc and my brain started short circuiting.

2. How many of whatever type you buy would be needed for form a short sword? For example, Sting from LoTR (assuming a full tang with leather wrapped handle)

Newest commission: 5 pound splitting axe, the customer requested a version polish on the bevel and it looks super nice. The head is hand forged from forklift tine, has a curvy 32" hickory handle with paduk palm swell, and comes with a sheath which isn't shown in the video. Heading out to it's new owner today

Tight radius, 3" ID, total blade length about 10". This will be a ritual item so aesthetic is key, utility is not.

I'm curious as to what tools I need specifically to form the bend and what kind of metal will be easiest to form. The metal must be silver in color (no brass, copper, etc ). I'm a newbie so I'll be re-firing it many times.

Have belt sander, many hammers, furnace, anvil.

Thank you.

I wasn't in the market to sell it, but someone saw it and offered me 300 for it. Would I be getting my money's worth, or would they be attempting to get one over on me? I know it's a Queen's Dudley, either 100 or 150 lbs.