Blacksmithing

"The Blacksmith's Project Book" presents 20 original intermediate and advanced projects for blacksmiths looking to further hone their skills and learn techniques from European master smiths. This hardcover 248 page book, with over 900 high-quality photos, clearly explains the necessary steps and techniques for completing projects which include metallic fusion, damascening, chromatic finishing techniques, foldforming, patination, sculpture forging, and other interesting topics. Antonello Rizzo's first bestselling project book, "Secrets of the Forge", contained almost 50 original projects by Italian master smiths for beginning and intermediate level blacksmiths. This excellent new book brings the level up a notch and has the intention of also serving as creative fodder for the smiths' own project designs. The bonus 21st chapter of this book is a fascinating essay presenting the essayist's heartfelt thoughts on the restoration of old wrought iron. You can be sure that there is plenty of material in The Blacksmith's Project Book that will be of great interest to any practicing blacksmith.

With more than 500 illustrations, this book is perfect for craftsmen who want to set up a blacksmith shop, and for lovers of history and craft alike. This book describes and illustrates the equipment and techniques developed in more than six thousand years of working iron by hand.Indeed, this unique book covers every aspect of a fascinating and little-known art, the fundamental craft on which the civilization of the Iron Age was built.

Geared toward answering the many questions that new blacksmiths often have, author Ryan Ridgway hopes to fill the void of inaccessible information for aspiring blacksmiths with this comprehensive volume. By explaining the physics of moving metal, the different styles of anvils and forges, and alternative fuel sources, Ridgway sets his book apart from less detailed volumes. With 40 practical, easy-to-follow projects, The Home Blacksmith shows hopeful blacksmiths how to make tools, such as hammers and chisels; farm implements, such as gate latches and hoof picks; and items for home use, including drawer pulls and candle holders.

The ability to heat and shape metal into tools, fixtures, and other useful items is one of the most practical skills in the handyman's toolbox. The Book of Blacksmithing shows how surprisingly easy it is to get started in this rewarding craft. Veteran blacksmith Michael Cardiff teaches you how to set up a basic shop, gather the necessary tools, select the right steel, and hone common metalsmithing techniques. He then walks you step-by-step through 15 simple projects—including making handy tools for your workshop, decorative items for your home, and a classic single-edge knife—that will help you master hammer control, coordinate tong and hammer use, and perfect other essential skills of the trade. Every technique and project is accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow illustrations. Hot iron is a joy to work with—a normally hard, unyielding material that suddenly, as if by magic, becomes easy to bend, twist, cut, and shape into all sorts of functional items. Learn how to do it safely and effectively with The Book of Blacksmithing.

The Backyard Blacksmith takes the mystery out of blacksmithing, but not the magic... There is an increasing interest and revival in the art of blacksmithing as a hobby and art, and both men and women are becoming at-home blacksmiths. Blacksmithing is a simple, rewarding craft anyone can enjoy in their backyard or home workshop -- even beginners can produce useful and beautiful projects on their first try. The Backyard Blacksmith shows you how blacksmithing can be easy to learn, and a rewarding hobby, with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, basic tools, and techniques. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.

“Blacksmithing” is vintage guide to metalworking, with a special focus on farm-related work. Originally written for “farmers and farmers’ sons”, it contains instructions for making a variety of things necessary for the farm, including tools, horse shoes, wagon and plough components, etc. This volume contains much information that is still relevant today and is highly recommend for modern farmers and blacksmiths. Contents include: “Iron and Steel”, “The Farm Shop”, “The Forge Fire”, “Forging Iron and Steel”, “Simple Exercises in Blacksmithing”, “Forging and Tempering Steel Tools”, “Plow Work”, “Wagon Work”, “Horseshoeing”, “Soldering and Brazing”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on metal work.