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Rolly Rolly

posted on October 5, 2011 and updated on October 5, 2011

First and foremost my apologizes if this is not posted in the correct area. I live in concord and was given this website by my mom who is visiting her sister in L.A. she knows I’ve been interested in blacksmithing since I was a small child. My only problem is I live in concord and there are no forges, no classes, and (as far as I can tell) no smiths within a 20 mile radius. It looks like there’s a forge in Berkeley but I don’t have transportation. How would someone get into blacksmithing? I never knew there were classes until like two days ago. But I have no way of getting to a class as the closest ones are in Sac which is a good 2+ hour drive. I wouldn’t mind the drive…….if I had a car. Any help and/or advice please? I really would love to learn how to smith, make a forge and help others learn. I have a giant backyard so I have the space to build one! Well thank you for your time and sorry again if this is posted in the wrong place.

Herb Upham Herb Upham

posted on October 6, 2011

Hi Rolly,
This is a great place to start … CBA has on-going classes as you have discovered, and events you may be able to attend as well. Last weekend was Oktoberfest where we had formal demonstrations as well as hands-on learning for blacksmiths. Our next “local” major event will be Spring Conference at the Petaluma Fair Grounds in April 2012, as well as smaller education events that are announced on this web site.
To get started see if you can work out travel arrangments to attend one of our on-going classes … and get a copy of “The New Edge of the Anvil”. This book has some very practical advice to get someone started in blacksmithing. Membership in CBA will also give you access to our bi-monthly magazine, the “California Blacksmith”, as well as access to the archive of past issues which are a treasure of ideas and techniques for blacksmiths.
I am glad you found us …
Herb Upham, CBA Secretary

CBA Education Chairman Josh Buhlert CBA Education Chairman Josh Buhlert

posted on October 12, 2011

Hello Rolly,
Please contact me at education@calsmith.org
I’d like to help you find a suitable forge in your area. There are a couple of options. Also, I’d like to discuss the benifits of membership with our organization. Hope to here from you soon.

Josh Buhlert
CBA Education Chairman

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