my dad wants to get into classic ironwork

[bbqk1ng7]

My dad's looking to get into ironwork, he wants to build a classic styles like Victorian and Art Nouveau fences, gates, and garden pieces.

He's totally new to it and wants to start with a minimal setup, ideally making some of his own tools. He's really hoping to avoid needing a huge, expensive shop.
He just found a YouTube guy who does amazing work without a forge, using just a few tools and even making his own twisting machines.

I'm hesitate that this "no forge" approach is a good way for him to start, especially since we live in a town where classes seem hard to find/expensive.
So, I'm asking the experienced people here, can he really learn and do this kind of ironwork without a massive workshop?

Any advice on how to get started or good books would be awesome! Thanks for any pointers

 

[Motion-Vacation5465]

That's so cool! It's possible to start small. start with cold bending and twisting with basic tools maybe, especially for decorative work. A small propane torch could be a good middle ground before a full forge. You can look up The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex W. Bealer, he can start from there. What kind of space does he have to work with right now?

 

[Tinker.man]

Absolutely, he can get started with a small setup, especially for decorative work, many poeple just begin with just a vise, a few hammers, and basic cold bending tools, so a full forge isn't always necessary right away, especially for twisting and scrollwork

 

[Jackson55]

My dad's looking to get into ironwork, he wants to build a classic styles like Victorian and Art Nouveau fences, gates, and garden pieces.

He's totally new to it and wants to start with a minimal setup, ideally making some of his own tools. He's really hoping to avoid needing a huge, expensive shop.
He just found a YouTube guy who does amazing work without a forge, using just a few tools and even making his own twisting machines.

I'm hesitate that this "no forge" approach is a good way for him to start, especially since we live in a town where classes seem hard to find/expensive.
So, I'm asking the experienced people here, can he really learn and do this kind of ironwork without a massive workshop?

Any advice on how to get started or good books would be awesome! Thanks for any pointers

It sounds like your dad has some great ideas wit those Art Nouveau and Victorian styles!
I've seen a couple of those videos you're referring to, and while it's impressive, a forge is pretty essential for the kind of decorative work your dad is talking about.
Replicating those fluid scrolls and intricate twists without heat is going to be incredibly difficult and frustrating.
He doesn't need a huge shop for this. He can start with a simple charcoal or propane forge, a decent anvil or even a heavy steel block should work, and a few hammers and tong.
A small setup like that can fit in a corner of a garage, and it's a great idea for him to make his own tools too since that's a big part of the craft!
For books, I'd suggest 'The New Edge of the Anvil' by Alfred G. Zeleny and 'A Blacksmithing Primer' by Randy McDaniel. Good reads!

 

[Billinthedesert]

Also strongly recommend "The Backyard Blacksmith" by Lorelei Sims. It's the best of several I own.

 

[crucibleking]

It sounds like your dad has some great ideas wit those Art Nouveau and Victorian styles!

Yeah, I'm on the same page. You don't need much of a forge to start making those scrolls and twists, just the basics like a block and some hand tools. Getting the metal hot enough is key for that kind of work. And I agree about those book suggestions; they're great

 

[thedailygrind]

Your dad can kick things off with just a few essential tools, think an angle grinder, a plasma cutter, and a small anvil. For twisting metal, he could whip up a simple jig using some scrap metal. It's a good idea to start with basic projects to get the hang of things. A couple of great books to check out are "The Complete Book of Blacksmithing" by Paul N. Hasluck and "Blacksmithing: A Beginner's Guide" by Jack Andrews.

 

[warpaint_54]

Your dad can kick things off with just a few essential tools, think an angle grinder, a plasma cutter, and a small anvil. For twisting metal, he could whip up a simple jig using some scrap metal. It's a good idea to start with basic projects to get the hang of things. A couple of great books to check out are "The Complete Book of Blacksmithing" by Paul N. Hasluck and "Blacksmithing: A Beginner's Guide" by Jack Andrews.

Thanks for these suggestions! My dad just retired and wants to try blacksmithing. We have an old angle grinder and a small anvil from my grandpa's shop. He wants to make hooks and garden tools first.

Do we really need a plasma cutter now, or can we just use the grinder? Also, are there any easy projects we can try without a full forge?

 

[Strauss Lee]

Thanks for these suggestions! My dad just retired and wants to try blacksmithing. We have an old angle grinder and a small anvil from my grandpa's shop. He wants to make hooks and garden tools first.

Do we really need a plasma cutter now, or can we just use the grinder? Also, are there any easy projects we can try without a full forge?