Yup-I live in a neighborhood with what I'd consider a pretty active HOA. At some times I'd say too active... My house is on just under a half acre lot and it's one of the bigger ones. Neighbors are close and for that reason, I don't ever see having a power hammer. I do most any forging on the anvil during the day time so loud banging with the garage open doesn't cause too much issue with others. That being said, I don't end up forging super often, either. I'd love nothing more than to have a big shop on some property that wasn't part of a neighborhood-but...I don't see that happening anytime soon.

I haven't had any problems with the neighbors about my forging when I've done it. I'd imagine if I had a power hammer though, things would likely be different. In my opinion, so long as a guy is careful and thoughtful about the time and manner of forging/tool use, it can definitely work out in a neighborhood.

Jeremy

I live in a residential neighborhood with nice neighbors. I work Monday to Saturday 9 to 6 with no forging on Sunday. A bunch of them have come by to watch. Been living here over 20 years. Just added a shed and I'm building it out as I write this. Again I try to keep the heavy noise to decent hours. It's been 2 1/2 years and we are all still getting along well. There are over 200,000 residents in about 20 square miles here.

I think George has the right idea. Keep the heavy noise to reasonable hours and invite the neighbors over to watch. Maybe even put a hammer in their hands once in a while. Many will consider it a treat to live next to a bladesmith as long as you are respectful of their wishes.

Gary

From my experience it really depends on the neighbors...and your relationship with them. The one deal breaker I experienced was when a neighbor worked nights and slept days. I've heard of problems folks have had when young families with sleeping babies were close by.

It's not just forging either. Angle grinders, circular saws, planers, air compressors and other equipment can make a racket too.

If you're burning solid fuel for forging smoke can be another challenge. I used coke rather than coal, which only smoked when igniting. Using a torch to ignite it rather than newspaper and wood cuts that down. Burning gas eliminates that issue altogether.

Sometimes it's not noise or smoke, but the unknown that can make neighbors anxious. "Dragon breath" flames from a forge, a trail of glowing sparks from a cutoff saw or the drama from a cutting torch can alarm folks if they do not understand what is going on. Visual barriers (hedges, screens, etc) can help circumvent those possible issues.

Julius you mentioned possibly moving to a more shop appropriate property. If you have the means and gumption...go for it! Spread your wings and make stuff. Grow stuff. Raise some chickens. Live the good life!

Good luck.

Hello Julious, good to meet you at the hammer in. I do live in a residential area, no hoa though. I am lucky to have good neighbors. I do keep my forging to the hours of nine to five out of respect for them. Especially power hammer and press work. The neighbors actually seem to like having a bladesmith/blacksmith around and have projects every now and then. Just be courteous and respectful and let them know what is going on.

Brion

Julious,

Moved to the "country" from the city 14 years ago. Not one regret. Lower taxes, less crime, great neighbors, but not to close. We are only 20 miles from the Memphis metro area, so still have access to good doctors, shopping, etc... Obviously this is a decision your wife has to be involved in, too.

I agree with Phil, if you can, do it. That way you can build a proper shop and work without too many hassles. The only one that complains about my power hammer at 1 am, is my wife, lol.

Nice meeting with you at the hammer-in. Very nice folders and knives you had made!

Bob

Hey Julious! We talked a little about this during the intro class, but I wanted to post here as we'll for anyone's benefit.

I live in a subdivision, but don't have to deal with an HOA (thankfully!).

I have some great neighbors as well, and don't have any problems as long as I don't forge too late in the day. I have had a few curious folks drop by and show interest, and I also have at least two cops who live in the neighborhood.

If it's at all possible, buy land where you can build the shop of your dreams. Preferably NOT all the way over in Oregon. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />