Morris L Hallowell IV - Custom Architectural
Ironwork
Basic Blacksmithing Processes
There are only very few basic operations a blacksmith can perform. Virtually everything he does is an elaboration based on combinations and permutations of these basic forgings:
Draw out a taper.
Spread out a flare
Upset - Enlarge the end of a bar by
hammering directly on the end
Twist
Punch. Note the bulge at the
sides of the hole. A punched hole displaces steel, maintaining the integrity of
the material better than complete removal of material as by drilling.
Tenon.
Scroll - formed after
first drawing a taper, above.
Fishtail Scroll - formed after
first spreading the end of a bar, above.
Rivet joinery - after
punching holes in each of the two bars to be joined.
Rivet/Tenon joinery - after
forming a tenon on one component and punching a hole in the other.
Collar joinery - A band
wrapped around two or more bars to be joined.
Square Corner Right Angle. Note the greater
mass required at the corner. The bar must first be Upset (above) at the point of
the angle in order to gain the required extra material.
Furniture Door and Cabinet Hardware Other Hardware Door Knockers Fireplace Gear Candlesticks Handrails Lighting
Photos of the Studio Basic Blacksmithing Processes NRBA - Northern Rockies Blacksmith Association Home
Morris L. Hallowell IV - Architectural Ironwork
PO Box 1445, Livingston, MT 59047 Tel: 406 222-4770 Fax: 406 222-4792 Email: morris@hallowellco.com
Please see also my other site: Hallowell & Co. Fine Sporting Guns