Hello, JohnBlack here. I posted the pattern question a little while ago. Any way, I was wondering if anyone on here is currently taking on appretices, or knows anyone who is. I have some general blacksmithing experiance, as well as some time on a 100 lb. Little Giant. I'm long on willpower and desire to learn, short on experiance so far. I currently live in Washinton state, but would be willing to relocate to just about anywhere in the U.S. if need be. Even if it's just starting out as a shop hand, doing dirt work until I've learned enough to do more, I'd still jump at it. I love metal, and forgeing it is what I want to do more than anything else I can dream of. I would really appreciate any help in this that anyone may be able to give.
JohnBlack
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Get it hot, hit it hard!
Hard worker, wants to learn
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Rev. George
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well for a while gundo was looking for people to help him beat down his back log.
gundobad@alltel.net
he lives in rural NC, and as I understand it, the cost of living there is very reasonable.
-+G
gundobad@alltel.net
he lives in rural NC, and as I understand it, the cost of living there is very reasonable.
-+G
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Wilhelm zu Eltz-Kempenich
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I know i guy im sorta working under (however, i need to do more to be a full apprentice) named Darivs. Only he (and i) live in MN, and i dunno if that is possible for you. however, u may wish to get into contact with him. check out his website: www.stormthewalls.dhs.org
even if u cant work with him, he knows alot of folks, so he may help ya out there. tell him Keith send ya!
good luck!
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"May the forces of Evil become confused on the way to your house. Just pray they don't have a phone book..."
even if u cant work with him, he knows alot of folks, so he may help ya out there. tell him Keith send ya!
good luck!
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"May the forces of Evil become confused on the way to your house. Just pray they don't have a phone book..."
If you are in Washington state I suggest you get hold of the NorthWest Blacksmithing Association. There are affordable conferences twice a year with demonstrators from around the world. You can contact Jerry Culberson of Old Cedar Forge who teaches a beginners workshop at his well equipped shop on the Kitsap peninsula. I think he charges around three hundred dollars for a three day workshop. You cannot get much cheaper than that. Having taking his course, you will know how your skills measure up to expectations of production and custom hand forging. Jerry is a very talented practical blacksmith (in his mid-sixties).
Jerry and Daryl Nelson are the people in this region to solicit your skills to. They will have you doing real forging, and their expectations are high. You would be living in a trailer or a converted hen-house, but you will learn solid lessons about forging from making the simplest hooks, to forging under a 400 lb Nazel air hammer.
I have taken the road that you are interested in starting. (still on it as a matter of fact. This stuff takes sixty years to learn and then you die.) It is very rewarding. Best of luck.
A.
[This message has been edited by Armadillo (edited 11-25-2002).]
Jerry and Daryl Nelson are the people in this region to solicit your skills to. They will have you doing real forging, and their expectations are high. You would be living in a trailer or a converted hen-house, but you will learn solid lessons about forging from making the simplest hooks, to forging under a 400 lb Nazel air hammer.
I have taken the road that you are interested in starting. (still on it as a matter of fact. This stuff takes sixty years to learn and then you die.) It is very rewarding. Best of luck.
A.
[This message has been edited by Armadillo (edited 11-25-2002).]
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JohnBlack
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Armadillo, that line "This takes 60 years to learn and the you die" is I believe a direct quote from the esteemed Mister Culberson. I have taken his beginners workshop a few times, and the items I made were quite useful both at my forge and as gifts. When I spoke to him about apprenticeships, he said that he was not taking any more on. I can understand, as the one he had at the time is most proficient. As far as Mr. Nelson, I am a long way off from being able to tackle the beautiful animal heads he makes. The gentleman I learned alot from, David Lisch, if currently learning from him. But since I'm moving, my forge and tools are going into storage, and I dont know when I'll be able to practice.I do appreciate the effort, and I'll be looking into the resource guide that the N.W.B.A. sent me in the mail recently as well. But any kind of metal working job would be a boon, even just welding. I am hopeful, and will keep looking. Thank you again for the help.
JohnBlack
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Get it hot, hit it hard!
JohnBlack
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Get it hot, hit it hard!
John,
So you are spending time with Lisch, eh? Pass on a hello from me. Good to hear that you took Jerry's course. He's an extreme individual, but he will get you off on a better foot than most people out there. Who was his apprentice at the time? Was it still Tri Ficker?
Tri and I served two years out there together, then left about the same time, three years ago.
It sounds like you are fairly well networked up here in the PNW. I would start researching smiths that you wanted to work for, write a cover letter and put together a little portfolio and send it out to them. It doesn't hurt to be ambitious in this business.
Adair Orr
So you are spending time with Lisch, eh? Pass on a hello from me. Good to hear that you took Jerry's course. He's an extreme individual, but he will get you off on a better foot than most people out there. Who was his apprentice at the time? Was it still Tri Ficker?
Tri and I served two years out there together, then left about the same time, three years ago.
It sounds like you are fairly well networked up here in the PNW. I would start researching smiths that you wanted to work for, write a cover letter and put together a little portfolio and send it out to them. It doesn't hurt to be ambitious in this business.
Adair Orr