Down'n'dirty Blacksmithing

Down'n'Dirty Blacksmithing

Down'n'Dirty Blacksmithing is intended to be a practical introduction to the craft of blacksmithing through the construction of a primitive forge, tools to work the metal heated in the forge, and basic projects.

Picture of a blacksmith.

We hope that this book will provide information through text and illustrations so that an individual might:

• Acquire necessary tools and materials.
• Build a primitive forge.
• Build a primitive anvil.
• Successfully light a fire in the forge that will bring steel to a working temperature.
• Work steel with tools made and acquired in a series of graded exercises that will give an individual an introduction to the rudiments of blacksmithing.
• Work steel in a series of graded exercises that will continue the individual's introduction to the rudiments of blacksmithing and provide additional tools for the further exploration of the craft.

Contents

• Introduction
• Tools, Materials, and Supplies
• Safety
• Constructing a Down'n'dirty Forge
• Constructing a Down'n'dirty Anvil
• Basic Blacksmithing Techniques
• Exercises and Projects
  • Exercise 1: Pointing
  • Exercise 2: Hot Cutting
  • Exercise 3: Drawing
  • Exercise 4: Freehand bending
  • Project 1: A Simple "S" Hook
  • Project 2: A Fancy "S" Hook
• Advanced Blacksmithing Techniques
• To Learn More
• About the Author(s)