[wolf13]

Haven't done any in a few years, but first lesson I was taught, don't wear gloves. sounds odd, but it works. if its too hot to handle, then you don't need to be handling it direct, use your tongs or leave a shank. you learn fast on what to use tongs on, but I never took even a moderate burn after ditching the gloves. Centaur forge has a great catlog, I loved looking through them. One option to really pick up some hints and even a tutor is to look for rendevous (sp?) 1840's camping and living events. lots of old style blacksmiths there who really know the old tricks. if your anywhere rural, in the winter theres farm auctions, and theres always old tools on them if you keep an eye out.