Product Description

The Backyard Blacksmith takes the mystery out of blacksmithing, but not the magic...

There is an increasing interest and revival in the art of blacksmithing as a hobby and art, and both men and women are becoming at-home blacksmiths. Blacksmithing is a simple, rewarding craft anyone can enjoy in their backyard or home workshop -- even beginners can produce useful and beautiful projects on their first try.

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

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30968 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Turtleback
• 184 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781592532513
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author

Customer Reviews

Book Review of The Backyard Blacksmith
I have been to a blacksmithing rodeo or two and have seen most of the books intended for the beginner blacksmith. This one immediately jumps up to the top of my recommended list.

Ms. Sims is an artist and blacksmith who specializes in creating hand-forged functional ironwork. Her public art commissions include the Omaha Botanical Gardens in Nebraska, Lincoln Log State Historic Site in Illinois and Fordham University in New York. In additional to teaching blacksmithing classes and workshops, she has been a featured demonstrator for blacksmithing conferences throughout North America. She is the owner/operator of the Five Points Blacksmith Shop in Charleston, IL since 1993.

Folks, this is a get-your-hands dirty lady and in this book she shares her experience and expertise in the subject matter, but probably more importantly, has the ability to pass on just how it is done.

The Backyard Blacksmith will show you how, with some patience and 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 as letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.

In all over 20 projects are organized by difficulty level allowing new, novice or hobby blacksmiths to progress at their own pace and master/reinforce the skills they learned in earlier chapters.

The book is also sprinkled with safety and other tips and techniques.

If you are a beginning, hobby or want-a-bee blacksmith, this book should be read cover to cover several times.

Ken Scharabok, Poor Boy Blacksmith Tools

BLACKSMITHS, A MUST HAVE NEW BOOK
The Backyard Blacksmith by Ms. Simms is a an excellent addition to any blacksmithing library. She explains in plain english how to accomplish a task and the photography is excellent. Throughout the book are tips that even the advanced smith will benefit by reading. Safety, an all important issue these days, is well identified with good tips. As a 30 plus year veteran of blacksmithing as a hobby and leader of a large group, I highly recommend her book. Also, it is an affordable price range. Good luck and keep the fire burning.
Ted Stout
Forgemaster,
Rocky Forge Blacksmith Guild

Clear step-by-step instructions with photos
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

With use of modern equipment and traditional blacksmithing techniques you too can create works of art. Heat and hammer work together along with controlled movement to produce works of art. Lorelei Sims finds the "repetitive motions such as tapering, flattening, scrolling and texturing have actually become meditative." "My goal is to provide knowledge, insight, and inspiration to enthusiasts interested in implementing their own backyard smithy."

Chapter one discusses appropriate site, setting up your workspace and safety. Ms Sims goes in great detail concerning safety. Burns, even minor should be held under cold water for several minutes but do not apply ice to the burn. You'll need a first aid kit, hose and fire extinguisher. You should never "allow others inside your work triangle. All visitors should wear safety glasses. Good lighting is must." Most of the precautions were common sense but today not everyone has common sense.

Chapter two begins the discussion of equipment. The book continues with the discussion of iron, coal and tending the fire. She discusses how to use the tools. Each chapter has inserts of "Tricks of the Trade" and "safety Tips." Techniques are offered for assembling several pieces of forged iron.

"This book is for the person who has always wanted to try blacksmithing, but has never had the opportunity. It is my desire to present the basic tool usage and forging techniques in the simplest manner possible. As you become more knowledgeable of the terminology, tools, and procedures, there will be more resource material for you to grow with."

"The Backyard Blacksmith" by Lorelei Sims is a must for anyone interested in blacksmithing. While the information contained with in the covers is invaluable to the blacksmith, my favorite part was the photos of her creations. She offers instructions for a door pull that is beautiful, as was the candleholder. There's a doorknocker and gate pull as well as other projects. Ms Sims is a very gifted person. I highly recommend this book to those interested in blacksmithing.