Rural Development Commission. The Blacksmith's Craft: An Introduction to Smithing for Apprentices and Craftsmen

Rural Development Commission, 1997. — 116 p. — ISBN: 1869964144This book has been publisher by the Rural Development Commission, formerly the Council for Small Industries in Rural Arcas, because there appeared to be no text book on blacksmithing today which could meet the needs of craftsmen technical schools and apprentices training centers.This is one of the best basic introductory texts available. It is complete and concise. The book starts with a description of the basic tools, then goes on about how to build a forge fire and heat a piece of steel (using an English style side draft forge). The basics of of forging, welding and heat treating are covered.An assortment of common projects are used to teach the basic techniques. Step by step photos clearly illustrate each project. The focus of this book is basic village or farm living so the projects include simple items such as blacksmiths tongs, fire tools, chain, hooks and shackle.