Blacksmithing

Daniel Johnson MA is an artist blacksmith who takes on iron work commissions and teaches blacksmithing courses through his company, Forgeworks, based in south Norfolk, UK.

Contents:

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