LEARN FROM STUART
Stuart The Blacksmith at work.
INTRODUCTION
Blacksmithing can be an extremely enjoyable hobby or occupation, when done safely, and with the proper training. This is one of the hardest crafts to learn, because it is four-dimensional in nature. Most Craftsmen only deal with three dimensions, length, width, and height. A woodworker does not have to worry about his work cooling off. The old adage "strike while the iron is hot" introduces the time dimension into this craft, making it imperative that the ironworker maximally utilizes his techniques in forging iron and steel before it coolsoff and loses its malleability. The element of extreme heat also introduces an element of danger, because hot steel, when manipulated in an unsure manner, can cause severe burns. Therefore, it is imperative that the novice acquire some training before trying his/her hand at this craft untaught. Knowing basic technique and safety can insure that the new blacksmith, at any level, can create beautiful and functional objects out of iron and steel, with infinite possibilities to create wonderful things in the forge. The forge work I teach is primarily masculine in nature. Be prepared to SWING a hammer!
SYLLABUS FOR THE SEMINAR
1. Safety
It is absolutely imperative that students taking this seminar observe certain rules that I have established which will keep the new blacksmith safe and have the ability to learn as much as possible without fear of getting injured. These rules have been established through decades of observing tried and true methods of safe forging without getting hurt. I have observed horrendous accidents caused by callous disregard for experienced workmen giving sound advice to frivolous people thinking they know better than the master.
A. No student is to touch or turn on any machine without my permission. Triphammers, grinders, welders, etc., when used by
inexperienced people unsupervised, can cause serious injuries to themselves and others. I have seen these severe accidents
personally, and know how to avoid them.
B. Safety goggles are to be worn at all times in the shop area. It only takes a microsecond, with power machinery, to lose an
eye or a limb. I will gladly provide safety goggles for everyone.
C. Steel-toed shoes are to be worn at all times. A lot of tools in a blacksmith shop, like anvils for instance, can fall and smash
feet and toes.
D. It is inevitable that your hands will suffer small burns. The best first aid for these burns is ICE. I will have a plethora of ice
in my freezer for this eventuality. Real blacksmiths do not wear gloves, because touch is imperative in hitting hot steel with
a hammer. Expect tiny burns on your arms and hands, it is part of the craft
2. The shop and Tools
A. Anvils, forges, hammers, tongs, welders, vices, and other tools will be discussed. I will also discuss how to acquire these
items, and what to look for when purchasing them.
B. Shop layout will be discussed. It is extremely important how to position these items in relation to each other in order to
do good and efficient blacksmith work. Anvils should be a certain distance from the forge, as well as vises, in order to
"strike while the iron ishot"
3. Steel, Iron, and Coal
A. I will explain the difference between steel and iron, including properties, malleability, uses, and acquiring materials to
forge.
B. I will discuss the hardening and tempering process with steel, and how to select the right type of material for what you are
forging.
C. I will describe the properties of good bituminous coal, and how to start, shape, and maintain a good coal fire, which is
necessary to forge anything out of iron and steel. This is an essential attribute to blacksmithing!
4. Forging Operations
I will demonstrate, and you will all try your hand at copying me, as I teach you all the basic forging processes, including:
A. Tapering (hammering something smaller or thinner)
1. Square points
2. Round points
3. Flat edges, as in chisels
B. Upsetting (making something fatter).
1. At the end of a bar
2. In the middle of a bar
C. Punching holes, drifting holes larger, and cutting hot steel with chisels.
D. Bending steel over the horn or edge of an anvil, in a vise, with bending forks that you will make, or with jigs, which I will
show you how to make.
E. Forge welding
5. Forging Different Projects
After gaining familiarity with these basic skills, by hands-on forging, we will work on making certain tools and items, to gain familiarity with making something, step by step, from scratch to a finished product. I will teach the class how to forge-dress edged tools, like jackhammer bits, which is an easy way for a blacksmith to make money. These hands-on projects will help you, the student to acquire for yourself the ability to make a finished forging, from beginning to end! See you in the class room!
Blacksmithing can be an extremely enjoyable hobby or occupation, when done safely, and with the proper training. This is one of the hardest crafts to learn, because it is four-dimensional in nature. Most Craftsmen only deal with three dimensions, length, width, and height. A woodworker does not have to worry about his work cooling off. The old adage "strike while the iron is hot" introduces the time dimension into this craft, making it imperative that the ironworker maximally utilizes his techniques in forging iron and steel before it coolsoff and loses its malleability. The element of extreme heat also introduces an element of danger, because hot steel, when manipulated in an unsure manner, can cause severe burns. Therefore, it is imperative that the novice acquire some training before trying his/her hand at this craft untaught. Knowing basic technique and safety can insure that the new blacksmith, at any level, can create beautiful and functional objects out of iron and steel, with infinite possibilities to create wonderful things in the forge. The forge work I teach is primarily masculine in nature. Be prepared to SWING a hammer!
SYLLABUS FOR THE SEMINAR
1. Safety
It is absolutely imperative that students taking this seminar observe certain rules that I have established which will keep the new blacksmith safe and have the ability to learn as much as possible without fear of getting injured. These rules have been established through decades of observing tried and true methods of safe forging without getting hurt. I have observed horrendous accidents caused by callous disregard for experienced workmen giving sound advice to frivolous people thinking they know better than the master.
A. No student is to touch or turn on any machine without my permission. Triphammers, grinders, welders, etc., when used by
inexperienced people unsupervised, can cause serious injuries to themselves and others. I have seen these severe accidents
personally, and know how to avoid them.
B. Safety goggles are to be worn at all times in the shop area. It only takes a microsecond, with power machinery, to lose an
eye or a limb. I will gladly provide safety goggles for everyone.
C. Steel-toed shoes are to be worn at all times. A lot of tools in a blacksmith shop, like anvils for instance, can fall and smash
feet and toes.
D. It is inevitable that your hands will suffer small burns. The best first aid for these burns is ICE. I will have a plethora of ice
in my freezer for this eventuality. Real blacksmiths do not wear gloves, because touch is imperative in hitting hot steel with
a hammer. Expect tiny burns on your arms and hands, it is part of the craft
2. The shop and Tools
A. Anvils, forges, hammers, tongs, welders, vices, and other tools will be discussed. I will also discuss how to acquire these
items, and what to look for when purchasing them.
B. Shop layout will be discussed. It is extremely important how to position these items in relation to each other in order to
do good and efficient blacksmith work. Anvils should be a certain distance from the forge, as well as vises, in order to
"strike while the iron ishot"
3. Steel, Iron, and Coal
A. I will explain the difference between steel and iron, including properties, malleability, uses, and acquiring materials to
forge.
B. I will discuss the hardening and tempering process with steel, and how to select the right type of material for what you are
forging.
C. I will describe the properties of good bituminous coal, and how to start, shape, and maintain a good coal fire, which is
necessary to forge anything out of iron and steel. This is an essential attribute to blacksmithing!
4. Forging Operations
I will demonstrate, and you will all try your hand at copying me, as I teach you all the basic forging processes, including:
A. Tapering (hammering something smaller or thinner)
1. Square points
2. Round points
3. Flat edges, as in chisels
B. Upsetting (making something fatter).
1. At the end of a bar
2. In the middle of a bar
C. Punching holes, drifting holes larger, and cutting hot steel with chisels.
D. Bending steel over the horn or edge of an anvil, in a vise, with bending forks that you will make, or with jigs, which I will
show you how to make.
E. Forge welding
5. Forging Different Projects
After gaining familiarity with these basic skills, by hands-on forging, we will work on making certain tools and items, to gain familiarity with making something, step by step, from scratch to a finished product. I will teach the class how to forge-dress edged tools, like jackhammer bits, which is an easy way for a blacksmith to make money. These hands-on projects will help you, the student to acquire for yourself the ability to make a finished forging, from beginning to end! See you in the class room!