Blacksmithing: Hot Techniques & Striking Projects

by José Antonio Ares

These amazing techniques and projects offer a modern twist on a traditional art—and they’ll transform your image of the “blacksmith” forever. More and more people are discovering the creative pleasure of going into an iron studio, applying high heat to steel, and hammering or pressing the metal into interesting shapes. While often admired, the process can intimidate novices…but this beautifully photographed book will change that. It provides a superb overview of the fundamentals, including various forms of steel, equipment, and safety precautions. Learn how to create a right-angle bend; form a point, flat end, spiral, and curl; and cut metal using hand tools and a plasma torch. Then follow along, step by step, to create beginner-friendly projects, including a simple trivet, ornamental door handle, wall sconce, and even a metal railing.

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2008