Customer Reviews

Metalwork for Craftsmen

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If one reads the Editorial Reviews you will see what is contained in this great little book. I was going to make a full list of what is include but they have given a good but brief summary so I will just add to it slightly.
The book is divided into three main sections. The first is Tools and Metalworking Processes. This section is 52 pages long and has what I believe to be excellent drawings of the tools required and gives drawings of the processes like Hollowing, Raising, Chasing and Etching to name a few. Section 2, at 110 pages, is called Projects with Processes and here Kronquist outlines a series of items to be made giving simple yet clear explanations of the relevant steps taken. In this section he makes a 1 Quart Pitcher, a Mail Box, a Fluted 9" Bowl, a Beaker, Serving Tray and an assortment of other items. The third section is devoted to the projects. In this section he gives us a series of drawing with dimensions for small items. They are mainly composed of items of Tableware, Cigarette holders, Coasters, Tea Strainers and Jewellery Boxes to name some. He then includes a small secion of 4 pages with finishes that can be applied to the various metals used. There is a couple of finishes each for Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Pewter and Silver. The book is then completed with a Glossary.
This book is aimed, I believe, at people who are interested in crafting as a hobby or the person who is wanting to get into this as a hobby. I do not believe it was aimed at practitioners of metalwork who are already true Craftsmen so do not be confused by the title. As such I think this is an excellent book for a person starting out for it gives you some simple projects that include dimensions and if you follow the instrucions you will build up a set of skills to tackle the projects of your own imagination. There are the big brothers to this book on the market and I have reviewed some but there is nothing wrong with this book and it should certainly be considered.
I therefore recommend it to others and I'm very pleased it is in my collection of books on working metal.

It has become somewhat of a mild shock to me how many people do not understand that Dover is in the reprinting biz. This is a old school style middle/high school sheet metal or general metal text book type. It covers a basic overview of the tools and the steps to use them. Other than updating some of the tools for soldering ect. It is pretty much the same as you will get out of the latest glossy high tech photo book on the same subject. The only difference being that the projects are retro which is hot now so that style is in. The projects are the same type we had in school in the 60's and 70's Most of the hand tools, hammers, stakes and punches and pitch bowls haven't changed. I myself have and still use stakes and hammers that are seventy and eighty years old. I own it.

This is a great book for the $ if you are specifically interested in the art of metal smithing. It has many varied projects with the pattern layouts and explanations on how to make these items. I was however looking for a book more comprehensive on many other facets of metal working. This book is incorrectly titled.

Copyright 1972...should be 1772. The illustrations are Old World sketches at best. If you want a VERY brief overview of tools and processes, this book should do. Although for being a basic and introductory book, it assumes you know some terms which can be frustrating. Probably a good guide if you're taking a course and want to refer to very basic tools and processes. Presentation is definitely "old school".

If you know the basics of working with silver, it's worth the $10 to add this book to your shelf. This, like most Dover books, is a low cost idea book. It is well illustrated with sketches and chock full of project ideas. It's not a perfect book, but it's a great book to get ideas for silversmithing projects.

The format is to present a project sketch and how to make it on facing pages. The projects include pitchers, trays, and cups along with some misc projects like napkin clips. There is also an appendix full of thumbnail sketches of various other project ideas.

Found this book gathering dust on a local library shelf. There are a lot of books out there on new processes and procedures in reference to Metalworking. This is one of the older texts that is well worth reading because it revives some of the past processes that have recently been forgotten. Example, how to etch aluminum - not many new books even give aluminum any coverage. And there are projects for pewter. Remember pewter? Easy to work with and shines like chrome? No modern jewelry books even mention pewter in their index. Anyway, this book is worth at least what you pay for it.

I found this book full of helpful information, and easy to read. A must have for anyone interested in metal craft.

I returned this because I was trying to find projects to make in a metal artwork and welding class... this book had rather bland illustrations, and nothing which seemed readily reproducable in the context of the class I was taking...

Matt Lang