Best Ways To Start Blacksmithing on a Budget

As intriguing as it is, blacksmithing as a hobby or business can seem unreachable to some due to the costs attached to starting. There are the material costs, equipment costs, and fuel costs. However, what you may not realize is that blacksmithing can be more accessible than you think. If you shop smart, you can pick up the craft too. Here are some of the best ways to start blacksmithing on a budget.
All You Need Is the Essentials
While you may be eager to jump into the hobby and order every piece of shiny, new equipment you can find, stop and make a list of what you need. You only need a few key tools to get your blacksmithing workshop off the ground. Without a furnace and crucible, you won’t have a place to melt your ores, so start with these. And make sure you have enough crucibles for melting each different type of metal you want to work with, as you shouldn’t use different metals in the same crucible. You’ll also need an anvil and hammers for shaping out your heated materials. Don’t forget about tongs and protective equipment for handling hot metals and protecting yourself.
Shop Secondhand
While you only need the essentials, even those can be expensive for some hobbyist blacksmith’s budgets. Instead of shopping for these brand-new items, consider tracking down gently used, secondhand options. Many blacksmiths will sell their used equipment instead of trashing it, knowing the value these items hold. Shopping for used items like crucibles, hammers, and more can save you quite a bit of your overall blacksmithing budget.
Choose Your Fuel Wisely
All fuel sources are not the same in the world of blacksmithing. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, as well as different price ranges. If you’re starting as a blacksmith and want to stretch your budget, opt for charcoal as your fuel source. Charcoal is readily available no matter where you’re based, and it’s your cheapest option. Coal is also a good option for burning efficiently and is easy to find, though it will cost you more.
Blacksmithing is a cool and unique craft that many have turned into a hobby or career. And it can be accessible for many people too, as long as you have a place to call your workshop. If you want to get into the hobby yourself, try these best ways to start blacksmithing on a budget to save money along the way.