The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith

Author: Lorelei Sims
Published 2006 by Quarry Books, Gloucester, MA
ISBN: 1-59253-251-9
176 pages, numerous color photos and drawings, index, glossary, and resource list.
Price: $24.99

Yet another beginner’s blacksmithing book has arrived. This one is written by the lady smith Lorelei Sims, Five Points Blacksmith Shop, Charleston, IL http://www.blacksmithchic.com .

The book is well organized and has lots of very high quality color pictures and well executed drawings. There are chapters covering all of the basics: getting started, setting up your shop, safety, coal fire management, basic forging techniques, forge welding.

I liked that she included a chapter devoted to making basic tooling, such as: drifts, chisels, punches, hardy tools, nail headers, etc. There is another chapter with 17 different projects, divided by skill levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. The instructions for the projects are well thought out and have step by step photographs. Also, throughout the book there are a scattering of helpful “Tricks of the Trade”. I especially like the fact that she herself uses a double horn anvil and that is what you see in all the pictures.

-- AlbinDrzewianowski - 28 Jan 2009