A Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic & Intermediate Blacksmithing [Spiral-bound]

Randy McDaniel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0966258908 | ISBN-13: 978-0966258905 | Publication Date: 1998 | Edition: 1st

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.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

One of the most unique and truly useful books I have seen in a long time. -- Don Plummer, author/blacksmith

This is one of the finest companions to have at your side while learning forging techniques. -- Christopher T. Ray, sculptor/craftsman --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Randy McDaniel began his experience in blacksmithing with an 81-year-old blacksmith in 1972. That was the spark that ignited his passion for forging hot metal. He has taught basic and advanced workshops for more than twenty years. He was also a lecturer/demonstrator for the 1990 Artist-Blacksmith Association of North America's International Conference. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 174 pages
• Publisher: Dragonfly Enterprises; 1st edition (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966258908
• ISBN-13: 978-0966258905
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #493,262 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Blacksmithing Primer, August 14, 2001

By 

Jan Senten (The Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic & Intermediate Blacksmithing (Spiral-bound)

This book is a must have for every beginning or intermediate blacksmith. It details the process of blacksmithing from the start till the end, beginning with the building of your own forge to making tools and even some elaborate door knockers. This is all written in a very easy to understand and easy to read style. The only drawback is the way the book looks. It is bound in a rather amateuristic way for a book of this quality. That's the only reason why I didn't give it five stars. So despite that the information within this book is certainly worth it.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All the basic skills, and much more!, February 8, 2008

By 

ThorBjorn "Norseman" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing (Paperback)

For the prospective blacksmith and artisan in metal-craft, we have an invaluable learning resource in Mr. McDaniel's thorough text.

Divided into three sections, the manual begins with a description and use of all the necessary equipment you will need, such as the anvil, forges (gas or coal fired), tongs, hammers, and miscelleneous other items. There is advice in setting up the shop.

Section 2 advises you on hammering technique, metals utilized, fires, and heating of metal.

Section 3 encompasses a great bulk of information, the instructions for various projects. Here you will learn to make such practical hardware as hooks, chains, hinges & pintels, nails, and handles. There is instruction various type of welds, heat treatment, finishes, scrolling and collaring. Of great importance, is instruction in making tools: tongs, chisels, forks. Purely decorative projects are also covered, a detailed segment descibes the steps to forging ornamental heads.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great resource for the uninitiated., May 14, 2008

By 

S. Patten "Cooee Dingo" (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing (Paperback)

A great book to enable you to understand the basics of blacksmithing. It isn't just about smahing a lump of redhot iron with a hammer but also about the fundamentals of the metal and what you can achieve with a good pounding.
An excellent book.