Description
Book SynopsisSkilled artisans at the heart of human civilization since the Iron Age, blacksmiths gained the respect of their communities through the utility of their creations, whether these were weapons, armour, farming tools, wagon axles or household items. Industrialization and mass production may have led to the disappearance of the blacksmith from everyday life, but the art of metalworking is alive and well. Today, blacksmithing is still practised throughout the world and is experiencing a revival. Blacksmithing provides a photographic introduction to blacksmith practices today, offering the novice and enthusiast an insight into this ancient trade. Learn how blacksmiths heat the metal using a variety of methods, including electric induction and traditional coal-fired forges; see the huge range of items that a metalworker can produce, including wrenches, shovels, door plates, bicycle stands and railings; see craftspeople practicing specialist metalworking techniques, such as upsetting, collaring, twisting, fullering and swaging; and understand how blacksmiths respect the environment by using old iron ore and scrap iron. Illustrated with 180 photographs that will inspire and delight, Blacksmithing is a dazzling pictorial celebration of a craft as old as civilization itself.
Table of ContentsContents:
Basics of Blacksmithing What is Blacksmithing? History; farrowing; what blacksmiths made through the ages Artistic sculpture work today How anvils were made Blacksmith in local community Schools of blacksmithing: Pittsburg, Hereford, etc
Basic Techniques The fundamentals Forging and hammering Drawing; Upsetting Bending/scrolling Punching Setting down Shrinking/tapering Tempering quench Cutting, flattening, collaring, dishing, welding Metals types: brass, iron, steel Soldering; rivetting; welding
The Productive Workshop Lighting and ventilation Risk of burning other metals
Hammers Hammer types: cross pein; ball; straight; lump; sledge 2–2.5lb – regular use; 3lb plus – persuading hammer / sledge Smith and striking Hammer rhythm – tapping the face of the anvil Wood handles – different lengths; Plastic handles Steel hammers; Factory-made hammers Hammer maintenance
Tongs Different types and uses Bits and jaws Handles and reins Face plate Fire welded reins for extra length Flat bit – hollow, round, square Shots of blacksmith holding tongs by hand Wearing leather gloves while using tongs Adjusting – heating and reshaping —loosening and tightening
Anvil tools Rasps Wire brushes
Forge types and fuels Sold fuel forges - coal, charcoal or coke —Two types of solid fuel: Bottom blast and side blast —Can be bellows or fan operated Gas forges; solid fuel forges —Gas forges 2 types: Refracted cement and ceremic blanket
Forgeable steels and iron and warnings
Hardening and tempering Red hot, cherry hot, white hot etc
Projects 1 Decorative leaf keyring 2 Punch 3 Hot cut tool 4 Bottle opener 5 Forged rose 6 Flat bit tongs 7 Utility / hunting knife
Glossary of Terms
