Beginner's Guide to Blacksmithing: The Complete Guide to the Basic Tools and Techniques for the Beginning Metal Worker

Table of Contents:
Introduction
CHAPTER 1: YOUR SMITHY
Selecting a Site
Setting Up Your Work Space
Safety Equipment
General Safety Considerations
Protection and Clothing
CHAPTER 2: GATHERING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Anvil
Anvil Stand
Hammer
Hammer Handles
Tongs
Anvil Tools
Handheld Tools
Coal Forge Tools
Coal Forge
Additional Tools and Equipment
Marking and Measuring Tools
Modern Technology
CHAPTER 3: IRON
What is Iron?
Wrought Iron
Cast Iron
What is Steel?
Commercial Forms of Steel
CHAPTER 4: PRELIMINARY SKILLS
Coal
Fire Tending
Working with Tongs
How to Heat Your Iron Stock
Temperature Color Indication
Selecting a Forging Hammer
How to Shut Down Your Coal Forge
CHAPTER 5: TOOL USAGE AND FORGING
TECHNIQUES
How to Use Anvil Tools
Tapering
Spreading
Upsetting
Bending
Scrolling
Twisting
Handheld Tooling
CHAPTER 6: FORGE WELDING AND OTHER ASSEMBLAGE TECHNIQUES
Forge Welding
Forge Welding Fire Instructions
Scar¡ng
Forge Welding Temperature and Appearance
Different Types of Forge Welds
Rivets
Mortise and Tenon
Shrinking
Collars
Wraps
CHAPTER 7: MAKING YOUR OWN TOOLING
Resources Needed to Make Your Own Tools
Drift
Handheld Punch
Handheld Slit Chisel
Twisting Bar
Hold Fast, Hold Down
Hot Cut Hardy
Cold Cut Hardy
Nail Header
Hardy Bending Fork
Roll Bar
Monkey Tool
Adjustable Twisting Wrench
Pritchel Plate
Handheld Bending Fork
Working with High Carbon Tool Steel
CHAPTER 8: PROJECTS
Drive Hook, J-Hook, and S-Hook 1
Stakes for Glass Vessels
Door Pull
Gate Pull
Leaf Letter Opener
Wall Mount Hook and Dinner Bell
Camping Pot Rack
Scroll Candle Holder
Forge Fire Tools
BBQ Fork with Basket Weave Handle
Index


Biographical Note:
Lorelei Sims is a blacksmith and metalworking artist, and the owner of Five Points Blacksmith Shop in Charleston, Illinois. For examples of her work, see her website blacksmithchic.com.

Brief Description:
"Here is the absolute beginner's guide with clear, photo-illustrated instruction for learning the practical art of blacksmithing. ... Adapted from The Backyard Blacksmith, [it] introduces you to everything you need to know, from the tools and basic techniques to a variety of different approaches to this old-school trade. Whether your interest is practical, like fixing broken rails or tools, or artistic, like sculpture and decorative art made from metals, you will find all the instruction you need to be successful in this ... reference"--Back cover.

Publisher Marketing:

Clear, photo-illustrated instruction for learning the practical and artisanal craft of blacksmithing

Keen on making your own custom cutlery? Want to make your own fireplace tools or even your own garden art? The Beginner's Guide to Blacksmithing, adapted from The Backyard Blacksmith, introduces you to everything you need to know, from the tools and basic techniques to a variety of different approaches to this old-school trade. Whether your interest is practical, like fixing broken rails or tools, or artistic, like sculpture and decorative art made from metals, you will find all the instruction you need to be successful in this essential reference.

This easy-to-follow beginner's guide features:

• Clear instructions that make learning easy--Like having a master blacksmith at your side, detailed, step-by-step, full-color exercises teach all the universal skills and techniques used to forge iron.
• Accessible content for absolute beginners--Learn to find and salvage the right kinds of steel, set up your shop, collect the essential tools, and work safely, then explore the properties and characteristics of hot metal and how to shape it successfully.
• Beautiful and functional projects--The book includes beautiful and functional projects organized by level of difficulty, allowing you to progress at your own pace, and master the skills you learned in earlier chapters.

Blacksmithing is a rewarding craft that you can enjoy in your backyard or home workshop, and this book makes learning the basic skills easy and fun. Set yourself up for success with this indispensable guide.