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The forge has been around since at least 1500 BC and is still going strong today. But because it’s not widely practiced, blacksmithing for beginners can feel like jumping into the bottom of the pool.
Don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as it seems to get started. Although mastering the skill can take a lifetime, anyone can give it a try if they have the right tools and information.
Although blacksmithing was traditionally used to make practical items, it’s also a great way to create jewelry and art, which you can sell online or in local markets.
Do you want to learn about blacksmithing?
Contents
Why learn blacksmithing?
Simply put, blacksmithing refers to the method of making objects from heated metal which is then shaped.
A blacksmith is a name given to this type of craftsman who shapes metal, usually iron, but often other metals such as steel and copper. If you want to learn the art of blacksmithing for beginners, there are a few basics you should know.
Blacksmithing is an ancient craft that has evolved through the ages, from the Copper Age through the Iron Age to the Modern Age. In each phase, blacksmiths played a vital role in transforming these materials into useful tools for farm workers and royalty.
You can craft various iron tools, like knives and cooking utensils. To get started, you need a hammer and anvil as well as a forge, the machines used to heat iron and crafting materials.
In recent years, there has been a movement towards craft blacksmithing. Instead of buying mass-produced items from stores, people are looking for handmade products that individuals have made.
Personalized jewelry is growing in popularity as people look for memorable gifts and pieces to wear that are not mass-produced. People are buying custom forged knives, axes and swords.
But even if you don’t intend to make and sell goods, knowing these skills can be extremely useful. In your journey towards self-sufficiency, it is essential to know how to do a little blacksmithing.
As a homesteader, there are functional items like pots and pans and cooking utensils that you always need. Or you can forge decorative elements that can add a brilliant touch of style to your home. You can make yourself a new pair of earrings or forge a pot to cook family meals.
If you are an avid cook and want to find an old-fashioned iron grill, it can be difficult to find one in a store. If you learn blacksmithing, you can make your own.
Or you can repair things that have become worn or dull. There are so many reasons to have a basic understanding of how to blacksmith.
Let’s talk about forging and hammering first.
Configure your forge
As mentioned earlier, one of the essential tools you will need is a forge. The forge is where you heat the metal. Think of it as a super hot oven or fireplace.
You don’t need complex and expensive tools when you’re getting started with beginner blacksmithing. You can buy a simple, quality forge from places like Amazon.
You can also make your own if you’re a bit more ambitious.
There are several options for heating your forge. You can use coal, charcoal, electricity, gas, etc.
The traditional choice is charcoal because it burns evenly and hot. But, if you’re concerned about the mess of charcoal and want to add extra safety when heating your iron, a propane forge is great for beginners.
Igniting the forge can be as simple as pushing a button or you’ll need a lighter or a blowtorch to get things started.
You will learn three heating techniques: annealing, hardening and tempering. Annealing softens the metal with heat, hardening is the process of heating and cooling to increase strength, and tempering is the final step to make the metal less brittle.
Location
Choose an area on your property that is away from flammable objects and won’t interfere with other activities. Some people place their forge in a shed safe from small children and animals.
Another benefit of keeping your forge in a shed is that it can be locked up and secured when you’re away from home. Of course, a roof is important to protect the forge from rain and wind.
As you can imagine, metal takes a while to heat up and shape when forging and this forge can get hot. You may want to choose a location with fans, air conditioning, or open sides to let in some air.
Here are the tools you need to learn blacksmithing for beginners. As you progress you will be able to craft most of your own tools, but to start you will need to buy or borrow them.
- Anvil for hammering
- Hammers (you will need several sizes)
- Vise to hold materials
- Pliers for removing hot materials
- Drifts, chisels and punches
- Protective gear like goggles, gloves, and an apron
You must wear proper clothing and safety glasses when blacksmithing. If you’re worried about noise levels from pounding, you can also buy yourself a pair of hearing protectors, like headphones or headphones.
Common techniques
There are a few techniques that even the beginner should know. As you become more advanced, you will learn other techniques and perfect the ones you already know.
Knocking involves hitting the metal on the anvil with a hammer to shape it. Quenching involves placing the metal in water to cool it quickly. You can also cut metal and shape it using tricky techniques.
Here is a breakdown of some basic blacksmithing shaping techniques for beginners:
Design
Drawing is a term used in blacksmithing to make your metal longer and thinner. Typically, you hold your metal with a pair of pliers and a hammer to the surface to make it thinner and longer.
This technique may take some practice to really master, but it is necessary for making kitchen cutlery or other pocket items.
Upsetting
Disruption is when you make the metal shorter and thicker. It is the opposite of drawing.
It can be a little more difficult, so it helps to practice your drawing a bit before trying it.
Instead of heating the entire piece of metal, you only heat the specific area and hammer it into the shape you want it to be.
Perforation
Punching is a method of making holes in metal. Holes are needed if you need to punch a hole in the design so it can be hung on the wall. Or, if you want to drill holes in metal to make jewelry.
You start by heating the metal and choosing the area where you want to make a hole. Then you hit the surface with your hammer with a punch tool.
It is important that you take your time when hitting, as it requires concentration and precision. Otherwise, you might accidentally poke holes all over your metal.
Folding
You will need an anvil with a horn if you want to make curved shapes. Fortunately, most have them. You also need a hammer.
Similarly, you can also unbend the form by heating and repeating the anvil horn and hammering process.
This is perfect if you want to recycle old metal without wasting leftover bent scraps. You can simply warm them up and give them a new shape!
Blacksmithing tips for beginners
First of all, accuracy and caution are the most important things to consider when you’re new to blacksmithing. Not only is precision necessary for your project, but it keeps you safe when using a forge. The last thing you want is to hammer your metal and break your finger.
Second, think of blacksmithing as an art form. Take your time and try to see the big picture as you work.
Third, start small. Here are some simple blacksmithing projects for beginners:
- Knives
- fire poker
- Spoons
- single hook
- dinner triangle
- Wristbands
- pliers
Of course, these are just suggestions. You can be as creative as you want when experimenting with a forge!
Find a mentor
A forge is old school equipment, although they have been modernized to make them much easier to use than those of hundreds of years ago.
Yet, as an uncommon tool, most people don’t know how to use forges. Finding someone in your area or online who can teach you how to operate your forge is a good way to learn the basics.
Blacksmithing for beginners is not a solo venture. You are definitely going to want to tap into the knowledge of experienced people.
It takes a lot of practice before you can master the art of blacksmithing. As each machine is different, there may be techniques that work on some forges that don’t work on others. It is practice makes perfect.
Find a mentor who is willing to help you learn the ropes of your forge, even if it’s just someone online. Most people are more than happy to share what they’ve learned.
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