For myself, I have got some of my stuff off of Ebay. Some of it from a local flea market and the rest I built myself. What all are you needing? My forge is currently setup under my carport. I roll my tools in and out of the house using a Stanley toolbox that has a good set of wheels. My wife is mostly understanding why I have extra tools set under the table in the laundry room. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> I do not have a grinder so all of that is done with files, rasps, and a lot of sand paper. Tell us what options you have and we'll start tossing ideas until something sticks. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />

Thank you,

I have a small metals studio (jewelry, small enamel, etc) in my basement at home. I currently live back at home in Cleveland, OH.

my house has an attached garage, and I live in a suburb area.

I think the only option, besides by hand, with rasps, files and sand paper, the only place I would be able to work would be in the driveway... however considering the upcoming months ahead, that wont work.

any advise?

-Meredith S. Tibjash

Meredith,

Are you wanting to forge? You might have to consider a portable set up. For example, you might have to have a small propane forge on a stand with rollers so you can move it outdoors for that stage of the process. The same for the anvil and grinder. It will take some planning but it can be done.

Mastersmith Rodrigo Sfreddo started making knives in a very small closet in his apartment. He was not forging at the time, but when he started forging, he had to commute to a shop where there was room for the tools.

If you can get your hands on Wayne Goddard's "$50 Knife Shop" book it would do wonders for your small set up. He even has a forge made from a single fire brick and a small propane torch you can buy at the hardware store. I found my copy at a local used bookstore for around $15.

Hey Meredith, I had a similar situation when I first started bladesmithing only I lived in an apartment. I made my own 2 brick forge that cost me about $30 total. I got the idea from a guy on blade forum, http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/920120-Virtual-BBQ-2-Brick-Forge-WIP, though I did not use the carriage bolts, I just covered the whole thing in satanite, http://www.hightemptools.com/refractorycoatings.html, which I already had. I have made several knives using this simple setup. Lin is completely correct in that you will probably need a mobile setup. I know money is tight but I bought the 4x4 4140 anvil from old world anvils and love it, http://www.oldworldanvils.com/anvils/4x4.html, it is perfect in the simplest way. The only other items I had/have are a small pan w/lid, about 4" deep by 4" wide by 12" long, that I got at the grocery store and Canola oil to quench in. You seem to have files and sandpaper is easy to get. You likely also have a toaster over or even regular oven so you can temper. You can get a good hammer and tongs from any blacksmith/bladesmith site, though you will have to figure out the weight/size you like/need. I know I have gone on for a while but I hope some of this helps. Good luck.

Tim Lively has a nice dvd titled "Knife Making Unplugged" that shows from beginning to end on forging a blade, guard, handle and buttcap all without any powertools. My only complaint is that he cuts the basic tip shape out and then forges the rest. But he shows how little space or tools are truly needed to forge a high quality blade. It is on Amazon for less than $20. There is a fellow on Ebay named Ken Shrabo who is a blacksmith and sells smithing tools very reasonable. His store is called Po'Boy Blacksmith if my memory is correct.

|quoted:

If you can get your hands on Wayne Goddard's "$50 Knife Shop" book it would do wonders for your small set up. He even has a forge made from a single fire brick and a small propane torch you can buy at the hardware store. I found my copy at a local used bookstore for around $15.

Amazon has it for $15 brand new.

Everyone here is amazing! Thank you soo much! This has all helped a lot, and I cant wait to get going!

-Meredith

another question, that 2 brick forge, could I use that in my basement? or would you think there would be too much off gas?

I have a hood/fan attached to a small block window that I use when use my acetylene torch for jewelry work.

Thank you again!

-Meredith

Meredith

Between the gas and the heat I would not use it in the house. For your situation a set up such as Lin Rhea suggested above would be much safer.

Thank you! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />