The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith (Turtleback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: hardy bending fork, pritchel plate, scroll tongs, Chisel Work, Fun Fact (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Backyard Blacksmith takes the mystery out of blacksmithing, but not the magic...

There is an increasing interest and revival in the art of blacksmithing as a hobby and art, and both men and women are becoming at-home blacksmiths. Blacksmithing is a simple, rewarding craft anyone can enjoy in their backyard or home workshop -- even beginners can produce useful and beautiful projects on their first try.

The Backyard Blacksmith shows you how -- with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, basic tools, and techniques -- blacksmithing can be easy to learn, and a rewarding hobby. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.

• Detailed step-by-step full color exercises teach all the universal skills and techniques used to forge iron; it's like having a master blacksmith by your side
• Provides the reader with an understanding of the properties and characteristics of forging hot metal, making the craft accessible to those without previous experience
• Over 20 beautiful and function projects organized by difficulty level allow new blacksmiths to progress at their own pace and master the skills they learned in earlier chapters

About the Author

Lorelei Sims is a blacksmith and metalworking artist, and the owner of Five Points Blacksmith Shop in Charleston, Illinois. For examples of her work, see her website blacksmithchic.com

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Product Details Turtleback: 184 pages Publisher: Quarry Books (June 1, 2006) Language: English ISBN-10: 1592532519 ISBN-13: 978-1592532513 Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,466 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #30 in  Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Metal Work #38 in  Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems > Manufacturing

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More About the Author

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› Visit Amazon's Lorelei Sims Page

Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
hardy bending fork, pritchel plate, scroll tongs, slit chisel, orange color temperature, ribbon taper, quench bucket, hardy hole, hardy tools, hold down tool, floater plate, anvil face, pritchel hole, cross peen, scroll tip, monkey tool, twisting wrench, anvil surface, swage block, spring fuller, fire scale, reheat the stock, anvil tools, anvil horn, forge welding

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Chisel Work, Fun Fact

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Citations (learn more)

This book cites 2 books:

• Rhode Island (The Bilingual Library of the United States of America) (Spanish Edition) by Jennifer Way in Back Matter
• New Brunswick (Hello Canada) by Kumari Campbell in Back Matter

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Books on Related Topics (learn more)

Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight

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The Complete Modern Blacksmith by Alexander G. Weygers

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New Edge of the Anvil by Jack Andrews

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Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight Discusses: quench bucket cross peen fire scale Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction by Brian R. Price Discusses: anvil face anvil surface anvil horn The Complete Modern Blacksmith by Alexander G. Weygers Discusses: hardy hole anvil face pritchel hole New Edge of the Anvil by Jack Andrews Discusses: hardy tools pritchel hole cross peen Loading...

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	76% buy the item featured on this page: The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith 5.0 out of 5 stars (21) $16.49
	7% buy The Complete Modern Blacksmith 4.2 out of 5 stars (14) $13.57
	6% buy Backyard Blacksmith 4.5 out of 5 stars (2) $9.99
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Customer Reviews

21 Reviews 5 star:  (20) 4 star:  (1) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 5.0 out of 5 stars (21 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 27 of 28 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review of The Backyard Blacksmith, June 14, 2006 By  Ken G. Scharabok "Ken Scharabok" (Waverly, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    I have been to a blacksmithing rodeo or two and have seen most of the books intended for the beginner blacksmith. This one immediately jumps up to the top of my recommended list. Ms. Sims is an artist and blacksmith who specializes in creating hand-forged functional ironwork. Her public art commissions include the Omaha Botanical Gardens in Nebraska, Lincoln Log State Historic Site in Illinois and Fordham University in New York. In additional to teaching blacksmithing classes and workshops, she has been a featured demonstrator for blacksmithing conferences throughout North America. She is the owner/operator of the Five Points Blacksmith Shop in Charleston, IL since 1993. Folks, this is a get-your-hands dirty lady and in this book she shares her experience and expertise in the subject matter, but probably more importantly, has the ability to pass on just how it is done. The Backyard Blacksmith will show you how, with some patience and working knowledge of metals, basic tools and techniques, blacksmithing can be easy to learn and a rewarding hobby. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges and handles and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such as letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments. In all over 20 projects are organized by difficulty level allowing new, novice or hobby blacksmiths to progress at their own pace and master/reinforce the skills they learned in earlier chapters. The book is also sprinkled with safety and other tips and techniques. If you are a beginning, hobby or want-a-bee blacksmith, this book should be read cover to cover several times. Ken Scharabok, Poor Boy Blacksmith Tools 21 of 21 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars BLACKSMITHS, A MUST HAVE NEW BOOK, August 1, 2006 By  T. Stout (Indiana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    The Backyard Blacksmith by Ms. Simms is a an excellent addition to any blacksmithing library. She explains in plain english how to accomplish a task and the photography is excellent. Throughout the book are tips that even the advanced smith will benefit by reading. Safety, an all important issue these days, is well identified with good tips. As a 30 plus year veteran of blacksmithing as a hobby and leader of a large group, I highly recommend her book. Also, it is an affordable price range. Good luck and keep the fire burning. Ted Stout Forgemaster, Rocky Forge Blacksmith Guild 20 of 21 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Clear step-by-step instructions with photos, January 31, 2007 By  Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07) With use of modern equipment and traditional blacksmithing techniques you too can create works of art. Heat and hammer work together along with controlled movement to produce works of art. Lorelei Sims finds the "repetitive motions such as tapering, flattening, scrolling and texturing have actually become meditative." "My goal is to provide knowledge, insight, and inspiration to enthusiasts interested in implementing their own backyard smithy." Chapter one discusses appropriate site, setting up your workspace and safety. Ms Sims goes in great detail concerning safety. Burns, even minor should be held under cold water for several minutes but do not apply ice to the burn. You'll need a first aid kit, hose and fire extinguisher. You should never "allow others inside your work triangle. All visitors should wear safety glasses. Good lighting is must." Most of the precautions were common sense but today not everyone has common sense. Chapter two begins the discussion of equipment. The book continues with the discussion of iron, coal and tending the fire. She discusses how to use the tools. Each chapter has inserts of "Tricks of the Trade" and "safety Tips." Techniques are offered for assembling several pieces of forged iron. "This book is for the person who has always wanted to try blacksmithing, but has never had the opportunity. It is my desire to present the basic tool usage and forging techniques in the simplest manner possible. As you become more knowledgeable of the terminology, tools, and procedures, there will be more resource material for you to grow with." "The Backyard Blacksmith" by Lorelei Sims is a must for anyone interested in blacksmithing. While the information contained with in the covers is invaluable to the blacksmith, my favorite part was the photos of her creations. She offers instructions for a door pull that is beautiful, as was the candleholder. There's a doorknocker and gate pull as well as other projects. Ms Sims is a very gifted person. I highly recommend this book to those interested in blacksmithing.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best for basics I have many blacksmithing books both old and new. I purchased this book more out of curiosity than need. Read more Published 17 days ago by Leif Njordsson 5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST blacksmithing book available! This is PRECISELY the very book I have been searching for, in regard to blacksmithing! If only this book had existed 20 years ago! Read more Published 1 month ago by Thorulf 5.0 out of 5 stars Can't beat this book with a hammer This is a very good and comprehensive introduction to the craft of blacksmithing. It is written well enough that it is worth reading even if you are only interested in getting... Read more Published 9 months ago by M. Roberts 5.0 out of 5 stars The Backyard Blacksmith by Lorelei Sims This is a Great book! I got it for my 14 year old Son. I know several Blacksmiths but none live close by so I was looking for some help. Read more Published 10 months ago by William J. Crapser 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Blacksmithing This was a gift for my dad, who used to be a blacksmith, but has been out of it for many years. He read this book from cover to cover in the first day, and just raved about how... Read more Published 10 months ago by Rose-marie A. Gross 5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, Excellent book One of the best books on this subject out there! Also if you get the book from Lorelei direct she will sign it. Read more Published 10 months ago by Art 5.0 out of 5 stars Getting Started? This is a good place.... As a beginer I fould this book priceless! There was a section on basic blacksmith tools, another on some art tipe work, and a lot of have to know about the forge and fire. Read more Published 13 months ago by Gary Antley 5.0 out of 5 stars backyard blacksmith This is a great book to add to your collection. There is lots of information and pictures. I bought this book for my husband who has done a little blacksmithing and is wanting to... Read more Published 18 months ago by eagle forge 5.0 out of 5 stars The Backyard Blacksmith A good beginners book, But as a working smith I enjoyed it and found some good tricks, and ideas for my own work. Great illistrations, good projecte. Published 21 months ago by Scott Kretschmer 4.0 out of 5 stars The Backyard Blacksmith This is a good beginner to intermediate book to help someone understand and start blacksmithing. The suthor is well versed in her art and provides good pictures for students to... Read more Published 22 months ago Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Turtleback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Quarry Books (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592532519
• ISBN-13: 978-1592532513
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,466 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #30 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Metal Work
  #38 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems > Manufacturing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review of The Backyard Blacksmith, June 14, 2006

By	Ken G. Scharabok "Ken Scharabok" (Waverly, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been to a blacksmithing rodeo or two and have seen most of the books intended for the beginner blacksmith. This one immediately jumps up to the top of my recommended list.

Ms. Sims is an artist and blacksmith who specializes in creating hand-forged functional ironwork. Her public art commissions include the Omaha Botanical Gardens in Nebraska, Lincoln Log State Historic Site in Illinois and Fordham University in New York. In additional to teaching blacksmithing classes and workshops, she has been a featured demonstrator for blacksmithing conferences throughout North America. She is the owner/operator of the Five Points Blacksmith Shop in Charleston, IL since 1993.

Folks, this is a get-your-hands dirty lady and in this book she shares her experience and expertise in the subject matter, but probably more importantly, has the ability to pass on just how it is done.

The Backyard Blacksmith will show you how, with some patience and working knowledge of metals, basic tools and techniques, blacksmithing can be easy to learn and a rewarding hobby. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges and handles and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such as letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.

In all over 20 projects are organized by difficulty level allowing new, novice or hobby blacksmiths to progress at their own pace and master/reinforce the skills they learned in earlier chapters.

The book is also sprinkled with safety and other tips and techniques.

If you are a beginning, hobby or want-a-bee blacksmith, this book should be read cover to cover several times.

Ken Scharabok, Poor Boy Blacksmith Tools

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BLACKSMITHS, A MUST HAVE NEW BOOK, August 1, 2006

By	T. Stout (Indiana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Backyard Blacksmith by Ms. Simms is a an excellent addition to any blacksmithing library. She explains in plain english how to accomplish a task and the photography is excellent. Throughout the book are tips that even the advanced smith will benefit by reading. Safety, an all important issue these days, is well identified with good tips. As a 30 plus year veteran of blacksmithing as a hobby and leader of a large group, I highly recommend her book. Also, it is an affordable price range. Good luck and keep the fire burning.
Ted Stout
Forgemaster,
Rocky Forge Blacksmith Guild

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear step-by-step instructions with photos, January 31, 2007

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

With use of modern equipment and traditional blacksmithing techniques you too can create works of art. Heat and hammer work together along with controlled movement to produce works of art. Lorelei Sims finds the "repetitive motions such as tapering, flattening, scrolling and texturing have actually become meditative." "My goal is to provide knowledge, insight, and inspiration to enthusiasts interested in implementing their own backyard smithy."

Chapter one discusses appropriate site, setting up your workspace and safety. Ms Sims goes in great detail concerning safety. Burns, even minor should be held under cold water for several minutes but do not apply ice to the burn. You'll need a first aid kit, hose and fire extinguisher. You should never "allow others inside your work triangle. All visitors should wear safety glasses. Good lighting is must." Most of the precautions were common sense but today not everyone has common sense.

Chapter two begins the discussion of equipment. The book continues with the discussion of iron, coal and tending the fire. She discusses how to use the tools. Each chapter has inserts of "Tricks of the Trade" and "safety Tips." Techniques are offered for assembling several pieces of forged iron.

"This book is for the person who has always wanted to try blacksmithing, but has never had the opportunity. It is my desire to present the basic tool usage and forging techniques in the simplest manner possible. As you become more knowledgeable of the terminology, tools, and procedures, there will be more resource material for you to grow with."

"The Backyard Blacksmith" by Lorelei Sims is a must for anyone interested in blacksmithing. While the information contained with in the covers is invaluable to the blacksmith, my favorite part was the photos of her creations. She offers instructions for a door pull that is beautiful, as was the candleholder. There's a doorknocker and gate pull as well as other projects. Ms Sims is a very gifted person. I highly recommend this book to those interested in blacksmithing.