The Home Blacksmith: Tools, Techniques, and 40 Practical Projects for the Home Blacksmith (CompanionHouse Books) Beginner's Guide; Step-by-Step Directions & Over 500 Photos to Help You Start Smithing

by Ryan Ridgway

The perfect first book for beginner blacksmiths! If you are a beginner blacksmith—or an experienced smith looking for a reference or to expand your knowledge— The Home Blacksmith is the perfect place to start! Blacksmithing is among the hands-on trades that are enjoying a resurgence for both practical and artistic uses as people breathe new life into time-honored skills and traditional crafts. Yet there is not an abundance of readily accessible information available to help beginning blacksmiths get started and understand the craft. Author Ryan Ridgway, a blacksmith with more than fifteen years of metalworking experience, fills that void with this comprehensive volume geared toward answering the many questions that new blacksmiths often have! In addition to tracing the history of the craft and how techniques evolved differently around the world, Ridgway provides a foundation in the science of metalworking, explaining the physics of moving metal, the different styles of anvils and forges, alternative fuel sources, and more. 40 practical, easy-to-follow projects are presented, accompanied by detailed step-by-step instructions and brilliant color photographs from his own blacksmithing shop, and showing any aspiring blacksmith how to make tools, such as hammers and chisels; farm and yard implements, such as gate latches and hoof picks; items for home use, including drawer pulls and candle holders; and decorative pieces for personal use or sale. After a look at blacksmithing through the ages, he explores the heart of any shop—the anvil and forge—and the other essential equipment a smith requires, as well as how to handle different types of steel, and how to salvage steel for different uses. The incredible photography throughout this book takes you through every process, offering step-by-step visuals for the projects and troubleshooting advice, as well as illustrating the essential techniques—from beginner to advanced—that you need to know, and the skills you need to master. Also included is a glossary of terms used throughout the book that will help acquaint you with blacksmithing lingo. Here are just a few of the items you'll learn how to create inside The Home Blacksmith : Well written by an experienced blacksmith, The Home Blacksmith thoroughly lays out the essential considerations to getting started, such as what tools you will need, how to set up your shop safely, and how to source inexpensive materials so your new craft—or trade—doesn't empty your bank account. You'll also get tips on how to sell your finished items. Join the do-it-yourself revolution with the time-honored craft of blacksmithing and let The Home Blacksmith be your guide!

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2016

Reviews

[Liam Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful explanations and tips!!!

[Tommy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not that it’s a bad book, but it’s not quite what I was expecting either. Maybe more for a moderate level blacksmith than someone beginning or just interested in the hobby.

There are multiple concepts that are either explained poorly or it’s assumed the reader already knows what they are. It’s not for lack of attempt, the step by step pictures often do a better job than the words.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book overall.

I liked that this book told me exactly what I needed to know with no jibber jabber. 5 / 5 stars.

[Neil Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great projects and good information.

[John S. Atherton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Written and Helpful

The book is written by a knowledgeable blacksmith who provides a solid overview of the basics. The projects are useful and well documented. This is a good book for beginners to use for reference and practice.