Book List | Rocky Mountain Smiths

From a review by Crouchet at Amazon.com: This is an excellent reference for the working blacksmith. Francis Whitaker was the grand old man of modern American blacksmithing. In this book; he has included his own formulas and techniques for the common problems involved in forging ornamental ironwork. Francis thoroughly discusses forges and forge equipment; tools for the smithy; and basic blacksmithing operations and how they are best performed. All this is filtered through his many decades of hand-on experience at the highest levels of blacksmithing. I especially enjoyed this book because Francis was an opinionated; crusty old blacksmith and his persistent; forceful personality shines through in living color!

Beginning metalworking; Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jim Fleming Publications. 1986. 153 pages

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques Contact the RMS librarian to find out what topics are covered in this set.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques Contact the RMS librarian to find out what topics are covered in this set.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques Contact the RMS librarian to find out what topics are covered in this set.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques Contact the RMS librarian to find out what topics are covered in this set.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

Entirely in German. Filled with black and white photos and drawings. It looks like some blacksmithing techniques are explained in both German text and illustrations.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing - pictorial/inspirational; Blacksmithing projects

Publisher . 204 pages

From a review at http://www.psupress.org/ Examines the work and world of rural blacksmiths: wheelwrights; lock; gun; and spoonsmiths; cutlers; farriers; white smiths and general smiths; edgetoolmakers and mechanics. It covers the two hundred year evolution of the smithies' shops and presents a portfolio of products of the general smith and the prices charged. Pennsylvania ironware is described through the materials and methods of handling; form and design elements. Biographies and work of over 40 documented Pennsylvania smiths are included as well as a list of contemporary blacksmiths in the state. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeannette Lasansky is a lecturer and a research associate at Bucknell University. She is also director of the Union County Oral Traditions Projects and recipient of ten grants for research; publication; and multimedia shows. She is a graduate of Harpur College and the University of Iowa.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Pennsylvania State Univ Pr. 1980. 84 pages

The catalogue illustrates a vast variety of ironwork; from door furniture through plant stands; weather vanes and sundials to balustrades and railings. The book will be a great source of inspiration to anyone either skilled or new to the craft of ironwork. Profusely illustrated with black and white line drawings.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher CoSIRA. 1973. 185 pages

The Blacksmith's Craft is the product of various technical officers at the Rural Development Commission and meets the need of those who require a sound knowledge of the behaviour of iron and steel. The feature of this text book is the step-by-step photographs which illustrate the text both in regard to the tools required by the smith; and the methods involved in shaping; hardening; tempering and cutting; to meet the requirements of the art. To all who shape metals; for whatever purpose; this book is recommended.

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Rural Development Commission. 1990. 104 pages

This is an Arms and Armour Handbook. Topics covered include: Materials; Process; Sources Tools for the Beginning Armourer SCA Style Sword Construction Shortsword; Greatsword; Falchion and Katana Construction Mace; Axe; Polearms and Sword Scabbards for SCA Use Barrel Helm; Spangenhelm; Neck Protection and Gauntlet Construction of 14th Century Coat of Plates for SCA Use Construction of Leg Harness Shields; Round & Heater; Glat & Curved; Wood & Metal Counstruction of a Rope-Rimmed Shield by Friederich von Grunwald Basic Arc Welding Basic Repousse' Techniques by Nahum Hersom And Much More!

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Raymonds Quiet Pr. 1987. 220 pages

Charcoal is carbon extracted from plant material; wheras coke is the carbon obtained from coal. Making coke and charcoal is much like making moonshine whiskey. Both use the process of distillation. Turning wood into charcoal is fairly easy if you have some room and the neighbors won't complain!

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Lindsay Publications. 1982.

Charcoal was the smelting fuel of the bronze ages and has been in continual use in Europe for over five thousand years. Essential to the early metalworkers; history records its manufacture and the use of its by-products but gives few details of the charcoal burners - obscure figures often working in remote forest areas. This book describes the rapid growth of the industry up to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and how the emphasis of development changed to the production and refining of charcoal's by-products - acetic acid; tar and wood spirit - for the textile industry and the rapidly growing chemical industries. The use of charcoal and its chemical products declined in the western world as methods changed; but today it is still widely used in the metal industries. The industry has entered a new cycle of growth because charcoal is the only solid; high-temperature and smokeless fuel which is made from a renewable source of raw material.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Shire. 2002. 32 pages

1942 ed. published under title: Art metalwork.

Art metal-work; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Dover Publications. 1972. 202 pages

This is one of the very few manuals written by a recognized professional smith; in this case; one with over 50 years' experience; whose work appears in hundreds of restorations throughout the country. The book has long been unavailable and a collector's item; this eagerly awaited reprint completely reproduces the original edition. Here traditional smithing techniques are presented in clear; step-by-step text and photographs; enabling the reader to produce high-quality; hand-forged small iron work. Included are detailed descriptions of work space layout; specialized tools and techniques; whitesmithing; toolmaking; and locksmithing. Mr. Streeter demonstrates not only how things are done; but how they can best be done by others. There is special emphasis on the crafting of early high-quality; handforged kitchen utensils; fireplace tools; locks; keys; and decorative ironware: hinges; hasps; latches; bolts; hooks; springs; and more. Students and professional and semi-professional smiths will find this volume of great practical value; as will collectors of early American ironwork; owners of colonial houses; historians; preservationists and restorationists in fact; anyone interested in knowing how these early products were made. 144 pages. 257 illustrations. 81/2" x 11". Soft cover.

Originally published: New York : Scribner; 1980.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Ironwork

Publisher Astragal Press. 1995. 144 pages

Here is a book full of vitality; written by a man who has been happy enough to find his vocation in a field where he has few rivals. The tone of this book from beginning to end is happy. There is the happiness of the artist and of the young man who has done a thing well; and knows that he has done it well. He can also congratulate himself in these days of mass production on having demonstrated the virtues of a small unit. He writes of the struggle to keep blacksmithing an art and not allowing it to go the way of the Industrial Revolution. It is filled with recollections of various blacksmithing jobs he did; including a section on a traditional garden gate with tenons; hinges and a latch. Photocopied reprint by Yonna Valley Forge; Bonanza; OR

Blacksmith personal story; Blacksmithing projects

Publisher University Press. 1936. 112 pages

The modern blacksmith must learn to do by himself what the old-time blacksmith and his helper did as a trade. It is this that Alexander Weygers teaches here: how to use the basic techniques and tools available and resort to whatever can be invented; improvised; and constructed to make "things" out of "nothing." The 600 illustrations represent; as nearly as possible; live demonstrations in the shop. They are intended to show how something can be done: not the only way; but on of many possible ways. Above and beyond showing how; the why is stressed as of overriding importance.

Beginning metalworking; Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques; Metal working; Tool making and equipment building

Publisher Van Nostrand Reinhold. 1974. 144 pages

Instruction manual for making animal heads out of iron. Each step illustrated with photographs. It also includes a section on how to forge the tools required to complete the projects.

Blacksmithing projects

Publisher Guild of Metalsmiths. 1991. 33 pages

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques Contact the RMS librarian to find out what topics are covered in this set.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques Contact the RMS librarian to find out what topics are covered in this set.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of the August 1996 to July 1997 issues by going to the "The Blacksmith Journal" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of the August 1997 to July 1998 issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of the September 1998 to August 1999 issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

How to Make Bits & Spurs; originally published in 1985; was written and illustrated by Bob Hall; a master bit & spur maker. This easy-to-read instruction book explains and shows tools; metal types; measurements; cuts; welds; rivets; inlays; overlays; bluing; and many other details involved in making bits & spurs. How to Make Bits & Spurs is very popular with those who enjoy the beauty and construction of California-style bits & spurs.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Pioneer Pub. Co. 1985. 97 pages

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of the August 1999 to July 2000 issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

Vol I; No. 1: Topic - Surface Textures; Motif - Bar Endings; Floral; Tooling - Tenons & Tenon Tools; Architectural Iron: Joinery; Gallery - Period Graphics Vol I; No. 2: Topic - Mechanics of Design; Motif - One Piece Rose; Tooling - Bending Tools; Architectural Iron - Cabinet & Other Small Hinges; Gallery - Hinges Vol I; No. 3: Topic - Drawing & Layout; Motif - Floral; Folded Sheet; Tooling - Layout Tools & Techniques; Architectural Iron - Rails; Gallery - Railings Vol I; No. 4: Topic - Jigs; Fixtures & Forms; Motifs - Picket Motifs; Tooling - Split Picket Jig; Architectural Iron - Rails; Gallery - Pickets & Panels

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher NorDix Press.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of the August 2000 to July 2001 issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of these issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

Vol II; No. 1: Topic - Period Vocabulary; Motif - Split Pickets; Tooling - Bar Twister; Architectural Iron: Rails; Gallery - Leaf Work Vol II; No. 2: Topic - Floral Forms & Leaf Work; Motif - Buds & Acorns; Tooling - Butchers & Schneckers; Architectural Iron - Rails #4 of 4; Gallery - Leaf Work Vol II; No. 3: Topic - Architects & Interior Designers; Motif - Stake Chased Leaf; Tooling - Ball Tools; Architectural Iron - Locks; Latches & Bolts; Gallery - Floral & Locks Vol II; No. 4: Topic - Forge and Form for Strength & Design; Motifs - Flower from 1" Square Bar; Tooling - Ball Making Tools Part 2; Architectural Iron - Locks & Latches Part 2; Gallery - Locks; Latches; Leaves and a Light Vol III; No. 1: Topic - One Process; Many Applications Part 1; Project - Leaf Door Knocker; Tooling - Historic Artist-Blacksmith Tool Styles; Architectural Iron - Locks & Latches Part 3; Gallery - Latches; Locks and & a "F" Vol III; No. 2: Topic - One Process; Many Applications Part 2; Motif - Feet; Birds to Dogs to Dragons Part 1; Tooling - Historic Artist-Blacksmith Tool Styles; Special Floral Issue - Trillium Forged; Chiseled and Chased; Gallery - Repousse' Vol III; No. 3: Topic - Mechanical Joinery; Motif - Feet; Birds to Dogs to Dragons Part 2; Tooling - Historic Artist-Blacksmith Tool Styles; Architectural Iron - Locks & Latches Part 4; Gallery - Locks Vol III; No. 4: Topic - One Process; Many Applications Part 3; Motif - Dogwood; Tooling - Historic Artist-Blacksmith Tool Styles; Architectural Iron - Locks & Latches Part 5; Gallery - European Iron

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher NorDix Press.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of these issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

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.

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Dragonfly Enterprises. 2004. 174 pages

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of these issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

Blacksmithing: Illustrated and Explained; complete with 'Process & Patterns' A quarterly publication with abundant black and white drawings and photos. Contact the RMS librarian for topics covered in this volume

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher NorDix Press. 2005.

Drawings originally published in Blacksmith's journal between 1990 and 2000.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques; Engineering graphics

Publisher Hoffmann Publications Inc. 2005. 182 pages

101 Beginner projects ranging from a coal rake; to a copper rose; to a spring fuller. Step-by-step instructions with black and white illustrations. Please contact the RMS librarian for more details on the projects in this book.

Blacksmithing projects

Publisher Poor Boy Blacksmith Tools. 2005. 128 pages

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of these issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

Blacksmithing: Illustrated and Explained; complete with 'Process & Patterns' A quarterly publication with abundant black and white drawings and photos. Contact the RMS librarian for topics covered in this volume

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher NorDix Press. 2005.

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of these issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

By Dixon There are many books covering the basic blacksmithing processes and many showing finished articles; but Francis Whitaker's "The Blacksmith Cookbook" especially details the joinery techniques that he used; demonstrated and taught. He learned these in his early training in the shops of Samuel Yellin (1923-24) and Julius Scramm (1924-25) and then added to and refined these techniques during his lifetime in the forge. He was still learning new way and adding new tricks to his repertory in his final years. His valuable little book provided blacksmiths with a singe resource for diverse information that was otherwise available only from a wide variety of sources. As wonderful as the original book was; it had several shortcomings. Some parts were presented in logical order but others were not and rough notes from conferences and workshops were also included. This resulted in much duplication with ideas in random order. There was a Table of Contents but the lack of an Index was a great inconvenience. This revision and expansion by George Dixon takes care of the inconveniences of the original text and makes learning the difficult techniques easier and finding answers much quicker. George is an excellent blacksmith; illustrator; writer and teacher and has done a fine job of presenting the material. Francis would be happy with this book. Contents: Chapter 1: The Blacksmith's Shop Chapter 2: Blacksmithing Processes Chapter 3: Making Hammers; Tongs & Tools Chapter 4: Joinery Chapter 5: Forging Blanks & Balls Chapter 6: The Twisted Bar Chapter 7: Scrolls Chapter 8: Quatrefoils Chapter 9: Animal Heads Chapter 10: Mechanics of Basic Design & Drawing Chapter 11: Surface textures; Finishes & Finishing Index 145 pages; over 750 illustrations. Hardcover.

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Blue Moon Press. 2005. 145 pages

From Artisan Ideas: "Mastering the Fundamentals of Blacksmithing' is an expanded collection of course text from the author's own blacksmith school. This book represents 120 hours of student learning in a project based home workshop environment. The author leads the student from the basic tenets of blacksmithing through to more complex projects step-by-step. An emphasis is placed on guiding the smith through making; heat treating and using his/her own tools throughout the book. Each project builds upon the last. The book starts with the laws and principles of blacksmithing and has a good section on working safely within the smithy." This is a large (8 1/2" x 11") hardcover book of 304 pages with 1200 photos! This is the first volume of 4 planned instructional text books from the author.

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Mark Aspery. 2007. 304 pages

From introduction by Jerry Henderson: Repousse' means to repeal in French; the craftsmen that did repousse' work were called embossers. There are two methods of embossing; one is cushion; the other is support. The support method is sometimes called stake repousse. The skill of the embosser is to put the hammer blows in an overlapping pattern so as to make a perfect line or pattern. This book documents Nahum Hersom's workshop and parts of his handwritten workbook. The value of this book is to give the blacksmith and other metalworkers a foundation to do detail and definition work; specifically ornamental metal. The German method of embossing is what Nahum Hersom teaches; he learned his craft from Mr. Valatine Goelz. The tools in this book are more general; the techniques are more specific. Chapter 1: Repousse' Tools; Wooden Tools; Stakes; Undertools; Support Tools. Chapter 2: Repousse' Techniques and Terms Chapter 3: Projects

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques; Repousse; chasing; chiseling metal work

Publisher Golden Pheasant Art-Metal. 2006. 62 pages

A Monthly Journal of Illustrated Techniques View contents of these issues by going to the "Online Index" link on this page.

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Jerry Hoffmann.

Both of Mark's books are designed to lead the blacksmith along a set course of technique and understanding. This second book of his is an excellent project book; full of step by step details; using both high quality photos and text. Mark starts by teaching the reader how to make the tools needed to forge many types of leaves and other organic forms. Featured tools include spring fullers; a right angle chisel; and various stakes and hammers. Some of the projects are Ginkgo leaves; Water leaves; Calla Lilies; Chili Peppers; Bamboo; Acanthus leaves; a stylized fern leaf and much more. For each project; Mark clearly defines the techniques involved; the tools and stock required; and the benchmarks for success. Mark is a very popular demonstrator and teacher because of his close attention to detail; his newest book is true to form.

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher Mark Aspery. 2009. 300 pages

Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

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Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher . 2013. Brauer, James pages

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher . 2013. Mark Aspery pages

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher . 2014. Randy McDaniel pages

Blacksmithing; Blacksmithing projects; Blacksmithing training and techniques

Publisher . 2016.