Blacksmithing Area
The Blacksmithing Area is a sub section of the Hot Metals Hosted Area, which has a wiki page here: https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/Category:Hot_Metals
Other Hosted Areas are listed here: https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/Category:Hosted_Areas
This page exists to explain the specialized tools and processes that relate to the discipline of Blacksmithing in Hot Metals Area.
Overview
Blacksmithing is the process of heating iron/steel to a temperature where it is "workable" and then using various tools to form the metal into useful and decorative shapes.
Getting Authorized
Use of blacksmithing tools requires authorization, separate from the Hot Metals authorization, as the tools and procedures differ from the other shop tools.
How to Get Authorized
Authorization occurs once a month. Please check the Google Calendar on the main site for BOO (Blacksmithing Office HOurs)
Please review the information on this page, in particular the Safety section.
Please bring your own materials, as there is no guarantee there will be any available. Steel rods or rebar (uncoated) are inexpensive and available at the nearby Home Depot.
What will be covered
- Learning how to safely light, adjust gas flow and shut off the Gas forges.
- Preparing your work area, ventilation and cleanup.
- Hand Tools (Hammer, Tongs, etc.) and Anvil overview.
- Basic Hammer control to prevent damage to the anvil.
- Safely handling hot metal.
- Use of Induction Heater (By request).
Gas Cost Contribution
If you use the shop tank you are required to pay for your propane gas. Recommended contribution is about $5/hour of forge use. Note: This may change in the future after we research the cost of running.
SAFETY
Basic Safety...
Danger/Caution/Warning
Please Review these potential hazards.
Required Precautions
- Eye protection
- Gloves
- Closed Toed shoes
Recomended Precautions
- Apron
- Pants
- Hearing Protection
Available Tools
Please go to individual pages for startup/shutdown procedures and other detailed information, specific to the tools.
Forges
Other
Hand Tools
- Hammers
- Punches
- Tongs
- Scrapers
- Files
Anvil Tools
- Hardy Tools
Training resources
Videos
Self Study Courses
- ABANA Forging Fundamentals Program (printable PDF work sheets/Free)
- Interactive Forge
Recommended Guides
- Quick Overview
- Blacksmith Practice
- AnvilFire FAQ and Index of Articles
- Down and Dirty Blacksmithing (WikiBook)
- Nova Labs Blacksmithing Group (Wiki)
Technical Documentation
Books/Magazines
- Book
- Mastering the Fundamentals of Blacksmithing (Recommended for Advanced Users/Paid)
- Magazines
- The Anvil's Ring (Get Ideas/Free)
- The Hammers Blow (Get Ideas/Free)