Blacksmithing on a Home Made forge

Ok, I have just begun the new art and hobby of blacksmithing and I have some definite goals with this pursuit. I want to make some decent medieval armor and weapons. But I don't want to spend a lot of money so I will be home brewing stuff as I can and I will show you these things and teach you how you can make them too. A lot of this will depend on what you have for materials, tools etc.

It just seems to me that there are few things as remarkable as owning a beautiful sword that you have made yourself. So this is what I will be doing, making swords and showing you how to do it too. Here is an introductory video to what I have done so far.

To see how glowing metal on the anvil and watch as it's hammered and the sparks are flying is a truly beautiful thing. I am simply amazed by the art and craft of the blacksmith. And, in the movies blacksmiths are always strong and muscular. Now I can see why. Swinging that hammer down quickly gets very tiring. You have to build up some strength if you want to pursue this craft!! This is going to be the new work out craze. I will call it the Blacksmith's workout :)

About the forge. It is quite a unique little set up and I can't take credit for it. This is turning into a family project and my thanks go to John for making it. Here is an introductory video that shows you the basic setup we have.

There are a few different things that you absolutely need if you want to do some blacksmithing and one of them is an anvil. Here is the anvil we have for this.

An Anvil is used to place your heated metal on so you can work it. Typically, working it means pounding it with a hammer but there are other ways to work heated metal and I will be showing you these. There are also more characteristics about the anvil than jsut a flat surface. For example the pointed horn on the right is made so you can hammer curved shapes out of your metal. This is very important. And the holes on the left are so you can insert various types of jigs and molds so you can do even more varied work. (This anvil shown in the picture weighs 200 pounds.) I have a complete explanation of the anvil that shows you all the different parts and uses here

About the Forge:

The forge is of course where you heat the metal. But you have to get the metal really hot and this takes a few distinct things including some kind of air source that will blow a strong air current on the coals. This raises the temperature significantly. In medieval times they used something called a bellows that had to be hand pumped or hand cranked. Nowadays we use an electrical device like a fan or blower.

Let's continue on and take a look at some basic blacksmithing stuff

PRODUCTS, BOOKS, and RESOURCES

The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith

The Backyard Blacksmith shows you how -- with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, basic tools, and techniques -- blacksmithing can be easy to learn, and a rewarding hobby. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.

Detailed step-by-step full color exercises teach all the universal skills and techniques used to forge iron; it's like having a master blacksmith by your side
Provides the reader with an understanding of the properties and characteristics of forging hot metal, making the craft accessible to those without previous experience
Over 20 beautiful and function projects organized by difficulty level allow new blacksmiths to progress at their own pace and master the skills they learned in earlier chapters

The Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way To Perfection

Looking for instructions in bladesmithing that'll put you on the cutting edge of the custom blade market? Then this definitive guide to forging world-class blades is for you. Written by a master bladesmith, this book tells you how to set up your forge, select your materials, fashion grips and hilts, grind edges and much more!

Techniques Of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century (Medieval & Renaissance)

Few historical icons can match the evocative power of the medieval suit of armour, and this epic new book is a complete course in the tools and techniques of the modern armourer's art. Through more than 1,000 detailed photos and clear instruction, Brian Price presents a working handbook for aspiring and active armourers who want to develop their skills in the production of medieval armour in the style of the 14th century. The book is divided into four sections: a sweeping history of armour and its production from its medieval roots to its modern revival; a practical introduction to all the tools and supplies necessary to equip a modern workshop; a thorough review of key techniques; and a series of actual courses in constructing armoured defenses for the head, body, arm, hand and leg. Taking the reader through the construction of an authentic medieval harness from conception to completion, Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction is a vital addition to the libraries of serious craftsmen, historians, collectors and researchers.

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Lots of Blacksmithing Videos on my youtube channel

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