Product Description

Virtually every task beginning and intermediate blacksmiths must master is presented in this excellent book. Over 400 detailed drawings help increase comprehension levels. This is a reference manual that will be found lying open on the workbench more often than found on the bookshelf and is highly recommended to anyone swinging a hammer to shape hot metal. This is an excellent introduction to this glorious craft and an excellent resource for advancing your knowledge, skills, and vision for blacksmithing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #73530 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 174 pages

Review
One of the most unique and truly useful books I have seen in a long time. -- Don Plummer, author/blacksmith

This is one of the finest companions to have at your side while learning forging techniques. -- Christopher T. Ray, sculptor/craftsman

About the Author
Randy McDaniel began his experience in blacksmithing with an 81-year-old blacksmith in 1972. That was the spark that ignited his passion for forging hot metal. He has taught basic and advanced workshops for more than twenty years. He was also a lecturer/demonstrator for the 1990 Artist-Blacksmith Association of North America's International Conference.

Customer Reviews

Blacksmithing Primer
This book is a must have for every beginning or intermediate blacksmith. It details the process of blacksmithing from the start till the end, beginning with the building of your own forge to making tools and even some elaborate door knockers. This is all written in a very easy to understand and easy to read style. The only drawback is the way the book looks. It is bound in a rather amateuristic way for a book of this quality. That's the only reason why I didn't give it five stars. So despite that the information within this book is certainly worth it.

All the basic skills, and much more!
For the prospective blacksmith and artisan in metal-craft, we have an invaluable learning resource in Mr. McDaniel's thorough text.

Divided into three sections, the manual begins with a description and use of all the necessary equipment you will need, such as the anvil, forges (gas or coal fired), tongs, hammers, and miscelleneous other items. There is advice in setting up the shop.

Section 2 advises you on hammering technique, metals utilized, fires, and heating of metal.

Section 3 encompasses a great bulk of information, the instructions for various projects. Here you will learn to make such practical hardware as hooks, chains, hinges & pintels, nails, and handles. There is instruction various type of welds, heat treatment, finishes, scrolling and collaring. Of great importance, is instruction in making tools: tongs, chisels, forks. Purely decorative projects are also covered, a detailed segment descibes the steps to forging ornamental heads.

not bad
Not a bad book. I bought this to get an idea of what it was all about and of course start pounding some steel as soon as possible. I would suggest that you find a good supply of coal and be sure you have access to ... or are determined enough to build a forge (Im using BBQ smokeless coal). A generic piece of Hot rolled steel costs about 4 bucks (3 feet long about, and 1/4 inch thick) so this is another expense, as well as some of the basic tools cost money (this is something I didn't consider much since I am doing this on my own.) An anvil is a whole other story, they're expensive and junk yards don't seem to have much scrap metal around my city. This is a book for doing, not so much a book for reading; if you want to actually learn this stuff rather than merely read about it, the book is good. Also this book isn't that complicated, you don't need to know advanced physics (just always wear eye-protection!) Sure you could make your own coal or smelt your own iron, but this book isn't about that... this is about blacksmithing, hence the title of the book. I live in the city and its hot here, they don't like fires in peoples back yards because they tend to burn down houses; so consider this also... and likewise consider building a system that makes this safe. Ok, have fun.