The Home Blacksmith: Tools, Techniques, and 40 Practical Projects for the Blacksmith Hobbyist

by Ryan Ridgway

As more and more people join the do-it-yourself revolution, they are breathing new life into many time-honored skills and crafts. Blacksmithing is among the trades that are enjoying a resurgence for both practical and artistic uses, yet there is not an abundance of readily accessible information available to beginning blacksmiths to help them get started and understand the craft. Author Ryan Ridgway, a veterinarian and blacksmith with more than fifteen years of metalworking experience, hopes to fill that void with this comprehensive volume geared toward answering the many questions that new blacksmiths often have. By explaining the physics of moving metal, the different styles of anvils and forges, and alternative fuel sources, Ridgway sets his book apart from less detailed volumes. Forty practical, easy-to-follow projects are presented, showing aspiring blacksmiths how to make tools, such as hammers and chisels; farm implements, such as gate latches and hoof picks; and items for home use, including drawer pulls and candle holders.Inside The Home evolution of blacksmithing around the world and the differences between the tools specific to each regionThe behavior of heated metal and the science of metalworkingSetting up a shop safely and economicallyThe heart of your shop-the anvil and forge-and the other essential toolsWorking with different types of steel, including how to salvage steel for different usesTechniques from beginning to advancedStep-by-step instructions for forty blacksmithing tools and other implements as well as decorative pieces for personal use or sale

Genres: Nonfiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

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.