Beginner's Corner for Blacksmiths

Many of the topics presented here were written by Albin Drzewianowski for The Hammer & Tong, The newsletter of the Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland (BGCM).

Notice of Risk and Disclaimer

As all practicing smiths know, blacksmithing is inherently risky. Blacksmithing, involves Fire, Hot Steel, Hammers, etc. It is not an activity to be taken lightly. Safety and caution must always be in the forefront of any blacksmith's mind before they start a fire in the forge or pick up a hammer.

Each of the columns herein contains the information about activities which involve serious risk taking. While acting in good faith, the author, the BGCM, its officers and its members do not assume responsibility or liability for the accuracy, fitness, proper design, safety or safe use of any information contained in Beginner's Corner and they disclaim any responsibilty or liability for damage or injuries as a result of its use.

The information in Beginner's Corner should be understood in the context of all available information about the inherently risky activity of blacksmithing and, hopefully, begining smiths will avail themselves of the benefit of advice and training from more experienced smiths. Join your local guild and work and learn together with your fellow guild members.

And, even if you totally ignore every other piece of advice in this anthology, Please!

Always Wear Eye Protection When Blacksmithing.

Safety

1. Heat Related Illnesses
2. Physical Conditioning
3. Material Safety Documention Sheets (MSDS)
4. Propane
5. Metal Cutting Safety

Operations

1. Common Mistakes Beginners Make
2. Cutting Steel
3. Welding
4. Hot Filing
5. Oxyacetylene Welding

Tools

1. The Hammer
2. Re-Handling a Hammer
3. Dressing Tools, Part 1
4. Dressing Tools, Part 2
5. Large Blacksmithing Machines
6. Gadgets- Accessory Tooling
7. Start Up Tool Kit

Forges

1. Coal Forge vs. Propane Forge
2. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Coal and More
3. Fire Management In a Coal Forge
4. Building a Coal Forge Part 1 - The Fire Pot
5. Building a Coal Forge Part 2 - The Air Supply
6. Building a Gas Forge

Simple Projects for Beginning Blacksmiths

1. 1/4" Square Hooks
2. Coal Forge Poker

Miscellaneous

1. How To Track Your Progress

-- RebStaup - 23 Jan 2008