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 Blacksmith:
The evolution of blacksmithing around the world and the differences between the tools specific to each region
The behavior of heated metal and the science of metalworking
Setting up a shop safely and economically
The heart of your shop the anvil and forge and the other essential tools
Working with different types of steel, including how to salvage steel for different uses
Techniques from beginning to advanced
Step-by-step instructions for forty blacksmithing projects: tools and other implements as well as decorative pieces for personal use or sale
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: CompanionHouse Books (August 16, 2016)
Language: English
Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.5 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Reviews
"I bought it for my son. He is 12 and just started blacksmithing. This book had a lot of useful information about metals and techniques."
- Cindy
"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.
Update: I purchased the print version as well as the Kindle version. The print version is much nicer with better formatting and layout. The content is the same, but I liked the Kindle version so well I bought the print one as well."
- S. A.
"I am really enjoying this book. Good information from the shop setup to great instructions on all of the projects (40) of them. One to add to your Blacksmith books."
- Ronnie M.
"I bought 3 books while getting started in blacksmithing and this one was by far the most well thought out and helpful of the 3. They were all within the same price range and this has 10 times the pages. Each page is filled with knowledge and lessons. Excellent book."
- Tyler
"A very good book for the beginning Blacksmith. Beautiful color photos throughout the entire book showing step-by-step procedures. The colors of the hot steel can be seen at each stage of forging. Many projects, techniques to get a novice started. I have this book and others, My forge is almost made and I have Grandpa's 100 yr.-old anvil. All I need is to find a supplier for coal or charcoal and I'm ready to go!"
- Scrapwood...
About the Author
Ryan Ridgway: Ryan Ridgway, DVM, grew up on a family farm about an hour south of Regina, Saskatchewan, where he started blacksmithing to make repairs around the farm. During his university years in Saskatoon, he began selling his ironwork online and at local craft fairs to help pay for his degree. During this time, he also took a blacksmithing course offered by his local museum and began volunteering there, which gave him the opportunity to learn from the other blacksmiths and, in turn, teach other new smiths. After receiving his veterinary degree, he began writing blacksmithing articles and has been published in magazines such as Hobby Farms, Carving Magazine, Canadian Cowboy Country Magazine, and Rural Roots. He also writes veterinary articles for various magazines and has a pet-care column in numerous community newspapers in western Canada.
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