Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing is a trade that has been around for hundreds of years. To see how blacksmithing used to be, click here to go through a virtual field trip from Heritage Hill. To learn more about how it is now, read on.
The Design Process
The design process starts when Jeff Benson meets with a client and hears their needs. Using his background knowledge of construction and art, he designs something that not only will be functional, but offer aesthetic value as well.
Step two is to take that design and sketch it out with measurements taken on site.
Jigs are often made to heat and bend the metal to the desired shape and size. When the artistic side is more important, the artisan can eye it up and mold it to the desired shape.
Heating Methods
There are two main types of heating methods used in blacksmithing: coal and gas forges. There are pros and cons of both.
Although the preferred method by many artisans, coal takes 1.5 hours to burn and you have to hand crank it, therefore you can really only do one project at a time.
Gas is cleaner and easier because you can set the heat and essentially double your production.
IMG_3910.MOVIn this video Jeff Benson of Benson Designs explains the different techniques he uses to provide different products.
Tools
Iron pliers allow the smith to handle hot metal.
Hammers usually have a flat side (face) and a shaped end (peen). Hammers are usually named by the shape of their peen end.
The anvil is a heavy block of iron or steel used to mold and pound metal during the heating and shaping process. Pounding occurs mostly on the flat top, but shaping happens on the pointy end or horn.
- Hardy Hole- Used to bend metal or pound chisels into metal down into the hole to make rounded holes.
- Pritchel Hole- Used to bend metal or pound chisels into metal down into the hole to make square holes.
Metal heating or forging techniques that Jeff Benson talked about in his video as well a few others can be found below. The tools above are used to make these happen along with skill developed over time and patience in the process. All information and pictures below came from http://www.lucianaveryblacksmith.com/smithing.htm.
Draw Out -
To make pointed to a thin tip. An anvil is usually used to make this happen.
Upset -
To make wider and more dense or stockier. Most of the time, this is accomplished by striking the object on the end.
Bend -
To move metal along a circular path.
Hot Punch -
To make a hole in metal. Usually by striking it with a chisel over one of the anvil holes.
Twist -
Clamp and turn two ends of a piece of metal in opposite directions causing a spin in the piece.
IMG_3911.MOVIMG_3911.MOVThese are some the Benson Design's projects and explanation on how they were made.