Get to know the ultimate skill for using your own two hands! The Art and Craft of the Blacksmith discusses a range of blacksmithing tools, techniques, and projects, from fundamental skills to advanced forging, as well as a gallery showcasing inspiring artists using innovative techniques today. Craftspeople making the transition from interest to hobby and beyond will find both inspiration and practical how-to projects in this comprehensive reference to ironwork. Beginning with an overview of iron and the traditions of historical forging, professional blacksmith Robert Thomas offers everything you need to get started or to take your work to the next level.

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.

The Art and Craft of the Blacksmith is a visually stunning introduction to the tools, techniques, and traditions every modern smith needs to know.

The Artist Blacksmith is the essential handbook for anyone interested in bringing a creative, contemporary approach to this ancient craft, and for those already hooked who want to improve and expand their skills.Topics covered include: the range and use of tools and materials; fundamental blacksmithing processes; working at the anvil, drawing down, bending, upsetting and spreading, hot cutting, punching, and finally, twisting and joining. Illustrated with over 200 diagrams and photographs, The Artist Blacksmith will provide an introduction to the beginner and valuable information for the more experienced smith looking to expand their workshop.

This vintage book contains a practical treatise on the common methods of production for blacksmiths, apprentice blacksmiths, engineers, and others. Profusely illustrated and full of helpful tips, this volume provides a elementary introduction to the tools and techniques of the workshop, and is highly recommended for those with little previous experience. Contents include: “Forges for Hearths”, “Cast-Iron Forge”, “Brick Forge”, “Hearths”, “Pot Fire”, “Tools”, “Anvils”, “Hand Hammer”, “Tongs”, “Hand Tools”, “Anvil Tools”, “Clippers, etc.”, “Anvil Swages”, “Small Anvil”, “Angle Bar Tools”, “Cutters”, “Side Set Tools”, “Radius Tools”, “Spring Swages”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing “Blacksmith's Manual Illustrated” now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on blacksmithing.

Get that metal hot and start hammering! Setting up your own forge and crafting everyday items is easier than you might think. With simple methods, easy-to-follow photographs, and insightful tips, you’ll soon be creating items of lasting beauty and durability from iron and steel.

The Artist-Blacksmith's Craft, published in 1935 and My Life as Artist-blacksmith, published in 1941, are the literary legacy of Julius Schramm and offer a strong encouragement for renewal here in the United States just as they did during their day in Germany. This edition contains the text of both books. Schramm's words in The Artist-blacksmith's Craft speak to blacksmiths today with just as much importance as they did when he wrote them, at the age of seventy: Schramm's My Life as Artist-Blacksmith provides us with the philosophy of his craft, sharing the integrity and enthusiasm that he had for his work at the forge. Francis Whitaker has been responsible for getting the Schramm books published; he suggested the books be translated by Robert Ruhloff and be published by SkipJack Press. Whitaker proudly carries on this tradition of blacksmithing gives us the final word on the contributions Julius Schramm: We all took great pains to satisfy the master and in return had our own satisfaction in doing a fine job. A year with Yellin, two years with Schramm, set the pattern for the rest of my life. The pursuit of perfection.

Blacksmithing in the modern age has become as much about art as it is about shaping metal. The artist blacksmith must rely on an ability to design to produce original and enduring metalwork, turning steel into sculpture, welding details together in the forge. Casting around for ideas, the artsmith must look at many influences from nature to architecture and beyond. This book looks at the unique design approaches and influences of metal artists, from sketching with wire to paper templates. From the natural world to historical references, artist blacksmiths develop their ideas and hone their techniques. The variety of methods employed is endless and their ingenious solutions endlessly fascinating.David Freedman, an artist blacksmith for over 20 years, draws upon his own work and influences as well as the masterful work of blacksmiths and metal artists he admires. With design sketches, scribbles, photos and ideas from diverse strands of the craft, David looks at what makes good craft skills into great pieces of art, providing inspiration for anyone interested in metalwork and design.Artist Blacksmith Design features the work and design ideas of seasoned artist blacksmiths Brian Russell and Stephen Rook as well as the unique work of Bex Simon and incredible wire work of Portuguese artist David Oliveira.

Learn the timeless art of blacksmithing or simply admire the beautiful illustrations of vintage tools of the...