19 Best 「blacksmith」 Books of 2024| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for blacksmith. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. The Complete Modern Blacksmith
  2. The Backyard Blacksmith
  3. The Blacksmith's Craft: A Primer of Tools & Methods
  4. Basic Blacksmithing: An Introduction to Toolmaking With Locally Available Materials
  5. Blacksmithing: Basics for the Homestead
  6. Forged a Guide to Becoming a Blacksmith
  7. New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith
  8. Practical Blacksmithing and Metalworking
  9. The Artist Blacksmith: Design and Techniques
  10. Artist Blacksmith Sculpture: The Art of Natural Metalwork
Other 9 books
No.1
100

The Complete Modern Blacksmith

Weygers, Alexander
Ten Speed Press

Teach yourself the lost arts of blacksmithing, tool design, and tool repair. Design, forge, and fix your own tools, hardware, and household accessories with master craftsman and teacher Alexander G. Weygers. The Complete Modern Blacksmith contains clear, step-by-step instructions and hundreds of the author’s own detailed drawings, bringing scores of time-honored techniques to modern artisans – experienced craftsmen and beginners alike. This unique resource brings together three popular but long-out-of-print classics: • The Modern Blacksmith, which covers everything from developing the correct hammer and body motions for forging and creating tools such as pliers, shovels, and hinges.• The Recycling, Use, and Repair of Tools, which stresses the reuse of old materials, featuring easy-to-follow processes. • The Making of Tools, which explores how to design, sharpen, and temper whichever tool you need, using only basic shop equipment and scrap steel. A truly invaluable resource, The Complete Modern Blacksmith is an essential volume in any craftman's library.

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No.2
97

The Backyard Blacksmith

Sims, Lorelei
Crestline Books
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No.3
94

Get that metal hot and start hammering! Setting up your own forge and crafting everyday items is easier than you might think. With simple methods, easy-to-follow photographs, and insightful tips, you’ll soon be creating items of lasting beauty and durability from iron and steel.

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No.4
87

Starting with only an anvil and a few basic tools, almost all the tools needed by a blacksmith can be made from commonly found materials. With clear instructions this book gives step by step instructions on basic blacksmithing.

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No.5
86

Traditional blacksmithing returns to its roots with Blacksmithing for the Homesteader. Here author and master blacksmith Joe DeLaRonde demonstrates the basic skills and techniques needed to make the tools and accoutrements required for life on the homestead or ranch. Detailed and easy-to-understand instructions, illustrations, and photographs will help the beginning blacksmith set up the forge, get the fire hot enough for welding, and craft the tools needed for blacksmithing. Learn how to forge everything from weapons and tools-knives, axes, screwdrivers, hammers, and chains-to home-helpers like forks, coat hooks, towel bars, and candle holders, and more!

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No.6
76

Forged a Guide to Becoming a Blacksmith

Hoffman, Liam
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Blacksmithing, “The king of trades,” is arguably the most enduring craft known to man, a craft virtually synonymous with humankind’s progress since the Bronze Age. This book breaks down blacksmithing’s fascinating, if somewhat daunting, skill set into attainable fundamentals that show you how to become an accomplished smith.My goal is not to teach you how to make a hook or a knife. Rather, I focus on the core aim of becoming a successful blacksmith or weekend hobbyist. What results is a collection of paramount blacksmithing practices and lessons, distilling what I and others have learned over many years.In this book, I aim both to motivate you, and to educate you concerning the nuances of starting a shop and becoming a blacksmith (without breaking the bank). You will learn how much space is needed for a shop, and what you can expect that amount of space to do for you in terms of quantity and quality of output. You will also learn which tools are essential, and which are a luxury, as well as how much these tools cost, where to acquire them, and how long it will take to acquire them. Safety and ergonomic practices are a must in the shop, and a section in this book reflects this with appropriate “real world” safety education.But what about the most important question? How to teach yourself? Have you even thought about it? This IS the book for anyone starting blacksmithing, or even for someone already at an intermediate skill level. The book answers the most simple yet complex and thought inducing questions confronted by anyone getting started in blacksmithing.

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No.7
76

The tenet of this book is provide a tool for artists/blacksmiths and metalworkers. It tells how to work metal: heating it, cutting it, upsetting it, drawing it out, twisting it, forge welding it and shaping and assembling it. It tells about metallurgy and tool making, metal finishes and corrosion, sources of information and supplies, charts and guidelines for many tasks. It explains the process of design, how to use the computer in metal design, how to set up a business and how to manage it. Providing an inspiration for all blacksmiths are portfolios of the wrought iron work of Martin Rose and Samuel Yellin, two of America's premier metalworkers of the past. To further inspire and to show the new focus of blacksmithing in the metal arts, six contemporary metalworkers show a series of demonstration pieces of their iron work. This 256 page book is bound with an improved binding system (Otabind) that allows the pages to lay flat.

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No.8
76

Practical Blacksmithing and Metalworking

Blandford, Percy
McGraw-Hill Professional Pub

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.Simple instructions and first-rate, detailed illustrations for the novice and project variations for the experienced blacksmith or metalworkerBlacksmithing and metalworking can be easier than you would imagine. This book shows you how - with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, tools, and techniques - blacksmithing can be a rewarding, inexpensive hobby. Using simple instructions and first-rate, detailed illustrations Blandford makes it easy for the novice to learn this craft, while offering project variations complex enough to challenge even the experienced blacksmith or metalworker.

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No.9
75

The Artist Blacksmith is the essential handbook for anyone interested in bringing a creative, contemporary approach to this ancient craft, and for those already hooked who want to improve and expand their skills. Topics covered include the range and use of tools and materials; fundamental blacksmithing processes; working at the anvil; drawing down, bending, upsetting, and spreading; hot cutting; punching; and finally, twisting and joining. Illustrated with over 200 diagrams and photographs, The Artist Blacksmith will provide an introduction to the beginner and valuable information for the more experienced smith looking to expand their workshop.

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No.10
73

Artist Blacksmith Sculpture: The Art of Natural Metalwork

Freedman, David
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

David Freedman has taken the art of blacksmithing in a new direction. His metal work ranges from giant insects in the woods of Scotland to seaweed inspired gates on the Cornish coast, ethereal deer in the ancient forests of England and organic seats in some of the UK's finest historic gardens. David’s unique sculptural metalwork is shown here at its best, set within the landscape that inspires its creation. David has been forging creative metal sculptures, delicate copper water features, decorative wrought ironwork gates and much more for over 20 years from his backyard workshop in the UK.Rather than a beginner's guide or a blacksmithing manual, this book is more than a catalogue of David's work, with stunning photographs, design notes and sketches as well as perspectives from blacksmiths around the world and a look into the forge, past and present, giving a unique window into the ancient yet ever evolving blacksmith's craft. This collection is also a source of inspiration for those interested in garden design and garden art as well as public sculpture. The second book in this series, Artist Blacksmith Design: The Art Behind Blacksmithing and Metalwork, looks at the unique design processes of diverse artist blacksmiths, from sketches on paper to life-sized templates. It is a rare insight into the artistry that comes before the hammer hits the iron, with many beautiful examples of original hand made metalwork.

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No.11
67

The Home Blacksmith

Ridgway, Ryan
Fox Chapel Pub Co Inc

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 isn't 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 15 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.

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No.12
64

With more than 500 illustrations, this book is perfect for craftsmen who want to set up a blacksmith shop, and for lovers of history and craft alike. This book describes and illustrates the equipment and techniques developed in more than six thousand years of working iron by hand.Indeed, this unique book covers every aspect of a fascinating and little-known art, the fundamental craft on which the civilization of the Iron Age was built.

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No.13
63

Scroll down this page to the "EDITORIAL REVIEWS" section to see what they are saying about this book. "The Blacksmith's Project Book" presents 20 original intermediate and advanced projects for blacksmiths looking to further hone their skills and learn techniques from European master smiths. This hardcover 248 page book, with over 900 high-quality photos, clearly explains the necessary steps and techniques for completing projects which include metallic fusion, damascening, chromatic finishing techniques, foldforming, patination, sculpture forging, and other interesting topics. Antonello Rizzo's first bestselling project book, "Secrets of the Forge", contained almost 50 original projects by master smiths for beginning and intermediate level blacksmiths. This excellent new book brings the level up a notch and has the intention of also serving as creative fodder for the smiths' own project designs. Rizzo's two project books together provide blacksmiths with what are probably the most varied, the most interesting and most modern blacksmithing projects available today in a printed format. The bonus 21st chapter of this book is a fascinating essay presenting the essayist's heartfelt thoughts on the restoration of old wrought iron. You can be sure that there is plenty of material in The Blacksmith's Project Book that will be of great interest to any practicing blacksmith.

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No.14
63

Virtually every task beginning and intermediate blacksmiths must master is presented in this excellent book. Over 400 detailed drawings help increase comprehension levels. This is a reference manual that will be found lying open on the workbench more often than found on the bookshelf and is highly recommended to anyone swinging a hammer to shape hot metal. This is an excellent introduction to this glorious craft and an excellent resource for advancing your knowledge, skills, and vision for blacksmithing.

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No.15
63

These amazing techniques and projects offer a modern twist on a traditional artand 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 novicesbut 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.

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No.16
63

The Home Blacksmith

Ridgway, Ryan
Companionhouse Books

The perfect first book for beginner blacksmiths!\n\n\n40 complete projects for chisels, punches, drawer pulls, candle holders, gate latches, hoof picks, and more\n\nStep-by-step instructions and photographs help you follow along with every process\n\nOver 500 photos illustrate every tool, project, and procedure in extremely useful detail\n\nLearn the science of metalworking and understand the behavior of heated metal and how it moves\n\nSet up your shop safely and economically, learn how to salvage steel, and learn about the essential tools you'll need\n\nExplore the evolution of blacksmithing around the world and the differences between the tools specific to each region\n\nIf you are a beginner blacksmith—or an experienced smith looking for a reference or to expand your knowledge—The Home Blacksmith is the perfect place to start!\nBlacksmithing is among the hands-on trades that are enjoying a resurgence for both practical and artistic uses as people breathe new life into time-honored skills and traditional crafts. Yet there is not an abundance of readily accessible information available to help beginning blacksmiths get started and understand the craft. Author Ryan Ridgway, a blacksmith with more than fifteen years of metalworking experience, fills that void with this comprehensive volume geared toward answering the many questions that new blacksmiths often have!\nIn addition to tracing the history of the craft and how techniques evolved differently around the world, Ridgway provides a foundation in the science of metalworking, explaining the physics of moving metal, the different styles of anvils and forges, alternative fuel sources, and more. 40 practical, easy-to-follow projects are presented, accompanied by detailed step-by-step instructions and brilliant color photographs from his own blacksmithing shop, and showing any aspiring blacksmith how to make tools, such as hammers and chisels; farm and yard implements, such as gate latches and hoof picks; items for home use, including drawer pulls and candle holders; and decorative pieces for personal use or sale. After a look at blacksmithing through the ages, he explores the heart of any shop—the anvil and forge—and the other essential equipment a smith requires, as well as how to handle different types of steel, and how to salvage steel for different uses.\nThe incredible photography throughout this book takes you through every process, offering step-by-step visuals for the projects and troubleshooting advice, as well as illustrating the essential techniques—from beginner to advanced—that you need to know, and the skills you need to master. Also included is a glossary of terms used throughout the book that will help acquaint you with blacksmithing lingo.\nHere are just a few of the items you'll learn how to create inside The Home Blacksmith:\n\nNails, staples, rivets, and strap hinges\nGarden trowel (hand spade), garden hand rake, utility knife\nDinner triangle, coat hook, BBQ fork, shears\nFireplace set including a poker, shovel, broom, and an andiron\nCampfire tripod and spit set with S-hook\nLeaf-shaped incense holder\nShelf bracket with a square corner\nBathroom set including toilet paper holder and towel bar\n\nWell written by an experienced blacksmith, The Home Blacksmith thoroughly lays out the essential considerations to getting started, such as what tools you will need, how to set up your shop safely, and how to source inexpensive materials so your new craft—or trade—doesn't empty your bank account. You'll also get tips on how to sell your finished items.\nJoin the do-it-yourself revolution with the time-honored craft of blacksmithing and let The Home Blacksmith be your guide!

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No.17
63

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product.This highly illustrated resource covers the characteristics, properties, specifications, heat treatment, and application of steels for engineering students, non-metallurgical engineers, and technicians. \nThere’s a saying that “steel makes the world.” From a tiny pin in a sewing kit to home appliances to cars to bridges, steel is everywhere. While there are numerous books on steel, few, if any, address the true application of steels in a practical manner. This book was written to fill that gap. \nDivided into four parts, Steel Metallurgy: Properties, Specifications, and Applications covers the basic metallurgical facts and characteristics, properties, standards, and grades of steel. Classifications of steel based on standards and structural engineering are then discussed, followed by heat treatment and welding of steels. The book then focuses on the application of steel and its reliability and failures, and shows, through numerous illustrations and case studies, how it’s processed and used for various purposes. Armed with the information in this book, metallurgical and engineering students will become truly “industry ready.” \n\nCase studies and illustrations show steel being used in practical, everyday applications, making the book user friendly yet comprehensive\nLays the ground work for steel selection, and discusses the methods of selection\nContains appendices with steel grades, compositions, and standards; physical data and conversions; temperature, hardness, and work/energy conversion tables\nIncludes a glossary of important metallurgical terms\n

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No.18
62

The blacksmith’s ABCs—learn metalworking as taught by the old masters! The forging of metal gave birth to the Iron Age, and Practical Blacksmithing is the classic primer on the craft that shaped modern civilization. Featuring more than 1,000 illustrations, this foundational text describes every aspect of working with iron and steel, and is essential for both the do-it-yourself backyard blacksmith and the professional metalworker. Originally published in four volumes in the early 20th century, this hefty, single-volume, new edition of Practical Blacksmithing is different from similar books in that it includes contributions by working tradesmen. In addition to its clear and concise instructional material, the book’s editor collected the actual words of old-time blacksmiths offering their best methods, unique how-tos, original techniques, and arcane knowledge. Industrialization and mass production may have led to the disappearance of the blacksmith from everyday life, but the art of metalwork never died. It smoldered like hot coals in a forge, and today those coals are red hot as craftsman taking up blacksmithing as a hobby or art form seek to learn the foundational aspects of the trade. Proving that what may be old can actually be new and useful, Practical Blacksmithingdescribes all the important smithing processes: welding, brazing, soldering, cutting, bending, setting, tempering, fullering and swaging, forging, and drilling. It also includes the early history of blacksmithing and describes tools used since ancient times. In addition to thousands of other useful facts, the modern blacksmith will be introduced to old tools and learn how to make them, and can even learn how to build a retro blacksmith shop with detailed do-it-yourself plans!

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No.19
62

From an exceptional collection of the finest examples of German ironwork comes this rich source of royalty-free images for artists and craftspeople. More than 270 illustrations depict a broad variety of magnificent ironworks from the city of Düsseldorf, with finely rendered examples of the craft ranging from elaborate castle gates to ornate weather vanes.Balustrades, screens, balcony railings, and other decorative ironworks abound in this handsome compilation. Derived from a rare, turn-of-the-century portfolio, these splendid designs offer uncommon glimpses of a rich array of motifs that are sure to inspire and delight designers, architecture enthusiasts, antique lovers, and devotees of vintage ironwork.

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