Every beginner blacksmith must start somewhere. Whether you’re self-taught or learning through classes in a technical school, all beginner blacksmiths start by learning the same basic techniques. You need to start with the basics to create your own pieces and build up to more advanced techniques. Here are some of the first blacksmithing techniques you need to know as a beginner to the craft.
Metal Heating
Blacksmiths start the forging process by heating their materials to the point where they become soft enough to shape and hammer with later techniques. Heating metals to this point gives them the appearance of glowing red or orange, which can indicate that they are hundreds or thousands of degrees in temperature.
Blacksmiths use several types of forges to achieve these results. Some of the most common types of forges include propane, natural gas, coal, and charcoal-powered forges. Each of these fuels leads to unique temperatures and forging results.
Hitting/Hammering
Hammers are one of the essential tools that blacksmiths need, and smiths require them for the hitting or hammering process. This technique involves striking a heated or unheated piece of metal with your hammer against the anvil.
There are almost countless forms of hammering and unique ways to strike the material. Each type of hammering technique creates a different pattern in the material, so blacksmiths must know which techniques to use and when to create their desired product. For example, some hitting patterns require hard, repetitive blows to shape the metal, while others might utilize soft taps to create a more intricate design.
Metal Hardening
Another foundational blacksmithing technique is hardening. Heating and shaping metal can cause it to weaken, which could impact the structural integrity of your finished tool or piece. Hardening is the solution to this problem, as it increases the strength of your metal material. The hardening technique involves bringing the metal to its highest temperature and then rapidly cooling it using another technique called quenching. Quenching is the process of cooling your material by submerging it in water or oil.
You’ll need to know these basic blacksmithing techniques if you plan to take up blacksmithing as a hobby or profession. Learn more about the craft by enrolling in local technical courses or finding blacksmiths and artisans in your area. There are also blacksmithing communities online where you can learn more about techniques like these.
