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Hello everyone, This is my first build and first post. After scouring the beginners section, I found an old air compressor tank at my local scrap yard and started building my forge based on all the advice you've all given. I am very aware that the tank is way bigger than I need for knives, but it's what I have. I started by cutting out the front and back windows and cleaning it out.

Hello wonderful folks of this forum i would like to ask if any of you guys have any ideas or recomendation for the forge i am going to build any input is very much appreciated attached below is the tank that i am going to use Ps: I will be creating a hyrbrd forge where it can be used as a foundry and as a forge

Hi, I've been interested in all sorts of blades since I was about 9-ish, and interested in making them for the past few years. I just never figured I could find someone to help me learn the basics of the craft, much less afford the bare minimum. I've recently began to dig around and found that I could actually get the stuff I needed for my own forge and anvil for pretty cheap. I just need some advice on if what I have planned is okay, or a waste of money. First up, the forge I found a tutorial on making a forge using a cheap charcoal grill, a mix of plaster of paris and sand and a fan. I looked on Home Depot's website and found a grill, an electric leaf-blower, sand, plaster, and some ducting for about $100 - $120. Link to the tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKXN23h3DkI The Anvil I need to check with the local CSX yard, but I was planning to use an old piece of train track. I know there's an anvil for about $85 from here: http://www.oldworldanvils.com/anvils/index.html, but I think I can get the track for cheaper. (Please, correct me if I am wrong.) The Tools This is where I need help. I found a good bit about the tools, but not much on what kind of tongs, punches, or files you would need. I am also at a loss for where to find a good hammer to use. I know i can make my own tongs, but again, I don't know what I'd need as far as punches and files go (and I'd rather not have something with moving parts as my first project. ) Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. The Knowledge Of which I have none. I live in Central Alabama, just north of Montgomery. I am going to try getting a hold of either the Montgomery forge group or the Vulcan forge group and see if someone would mind teaching me enough to get started, but if anyone here knows of someone, I'm all ears. Also, any advice is greatly, greatly appreciated. My plans While I do want to make swords, axes, polearms, and the like, I want to start slow, and I'd like to make my grandmother some decent kitchen knives for my first project. I don't plan on making a living at this, though I'd like to see about making a little money at it. I do plan on posting things I am working on here for critique, so hopefully you'll be seeing a lot more of me. Edit: Forgot to mention that I have no metalworking experience nor do I have access to a welder. I know that some of you guys on here can fabricate anything. I don't have the skill for that, sorry.