Table of Contents
Introduction 6
Chapter 1 Your Smithy 8
Selecting a Site 9
Setting Up Your Work Space 10
Safety Equipment 12
General Safety Considerations 12
Protection and Clothing 13
Chapter 2 Gathering Tools and Equipment 16
Anvil 18
Anvil Stand 19
Hammer 21
Hammer Handles 23
Tongs 23
Anvil Tools 23
Handheld Tools 28
Coal Forge Tools 30
Coal Forge 30
Additional Tools and Equipment 32
Marking and Measuring Tools 35
Modern Technology 36
Chapter 3 Iron 40
What is Iron? 41
Wrought Iron 42
Cast Iron 43
What is Steel? 44
Commercial Forms of Steel 45
Chapter 4 Preliminary Skills 47
Coal 48
Fire Tending 49
Working with Tongs 53
How to Heat Your Iron Stock 54
Temperature Color Indication 55
Selecting a Forging Hammer 56
How to Shut Down Your Coal Forge 59
Chapter 5 Tool Usage and Forging Techniques 60
How to Use Anvil Tools 61
Tapering 63
Spreading 65
Upsetting 66
Bending 67
Scrolling 69
Twisting 76
Handheld Tooling 79
Chapter 6 Forge Welding and Other Assemblage Techniques 86
Forge Welding 87
Forge Welding Fire Instructions 87
Scarfing 88
Forge Welding Temperature and Appearance 90
Different Types of Forge Welds 90
Rivets 93
Mortise and Tenon 94
Shrinking 94
Collars 95
Wraps 97
Chapter 7 Making Your Own Tooling 98
Resources Needed to Make Your Own Tools 99
Drift 99
Handheld Punch 100
Handheld Slit Chisel 101
Twisting Bar 101
Hold Fast, Hold Down 102
Hot Cut Hardy 103
Cold Cut Hardy 104
Nail Header 105
Hardy Bending Fork 106
Roll Bar 107
Monkey Tool 107
Adjustable Twisting Wrench 108
Pritchel Plate 108
Handheld Bending Fork 109
Working with. High Carbon Tool Steel 114
Chapter 8 Projects 116
Drive Hook, J-Hook, and S-Hook 117
Stakes for Glass Vessels 119
Door Pull 120
Gate Pull 122
Leaf Letter Opener 124
Wall Mount Hook and Dinner Bell 126
Camping Pot Rack 128
Scroll Candle Holder 130
Forge Fire Tools 132
BBQ Fork with Basket Weave Handle 137
Index 143
